Modern Indian literature reflects the struggle for independence, social reform, and the complexities of post-colonial life. It spans English and vernacular languages.

Key Figures

• Rabindranath Tagore (Bengali): First Asian Nobel Laureate (1913); wrote Gitanjali.
• Munshi Premchand (Hindi/Urdu): The "Emperor of Novels"; wrote Godan.
• Subramania Bharati (Tamil): Poet of independence.
• R.K. Narayan (English): Creator of Malgudi Days.

Timeline

• 1913: Tagore wins Nobel Prize.
• 1936: Publication of Godan.
• 1981: Salman Rushdie wins Booker Prize for Midnight's Children.