For a country as diverse as India, reading stories from different languages gives us a glimpse into the heart of the nation. India has a long tradition of storytelling. In the past 150 years or so, many wonderful stories have been written in more than 20 different Indian languages. Some of these stories are so famous that even people who don’t read books know about them. They’re not just stories; they reflect our feelings and experiences. They help us appreciate our country’s history and understand what others go through. These stories bring us closer to our roots, to each other, and to the universal emotions we all share.

{We have a list of 15 Indian Short Stories originally written in English that make for amazing reads.}

We have put together a shortlist of translated short stories from Indian languages that we think you’d love.

1. Kabuliwala by Rabindra Nath Tagore

Kabuliwala by Rabindra Nath Tagore, a Nobel laureate, is one of his most beloved short stories. Originally written in Bengali and later translated into various languages it talks about the unlikely friendship and connection between people from different cultures. Rahmat, a merchant from Afghanistan, befriends Mini, a young girl in Kolkata. Despite their differences in language and background, they create a special bond. However, a misunderstanding lead to Rahmat’s imprisonment and separation from Mini. The story beautifully explores the universal emotions of love, loss, and the bonds of human connection. Kabuliwala is a timeless story that resonates with readers as it highlights human relationships, and the power of empathy and understanding.

“He wore the loose, soiled clothing of his people, with a tall turban; there was a bag on his back, and he carried boxes of grapes in his hand.”

Link to read: https://www.angelfire.com/ny4/rubel/kabuliwala.html

2. Thakur’s Well by Munshi Premchand

The Thakur’s Well is a short story written by Premchand in 1932. The story highlights the harsh reality of caste discrimination in a village where access to clean water is denied to lower-caste people. The upper-class Thakurs control the clean water supply. Jhoku falls ill and can’t drink the nearby water well, which is dirty. His wife, Gangi, risks her safety and tries to fetch water from the forbidden well. The story shows how she has to face danger to fulfill a basic human need. The story powerfully conveys the struggles, fears, and harsh realities faced by marginalized communities in the country.

‘You’ll come back with your arms and legs broken, that’s all. You’d better just sit down and keep quiet. The Brahman will give a curse, the Thakur will beat you with a stick and that money-lending shopkeeper takes five for every one he gives. Who cares what people like us go through?

Link to read: https://ghai-tc.blogspot.com/2013/02/prem-chands-story-thakur-ka-kuan-in.html

3. The Lost Child (Kurdu) by Mulk Raj Anand

“The Lost Child” by Mulk Raj Anand is a poignant story originally written in Punjabi. The story follows a young boy who gets separated from his parents at a fair. The boy experiences a roller-coaster of emotions- from excitement to fear when he realizes he is lost. As he desperately searches for them, asking strangers for help, he feels increasingly vulnerable. Through his experience, the author talks about the emotional impact of being lost and universal desire for security and belonging. The author has been widely acclaimed for his realistic portrayal of human emotions and social issues. For his literary contributions, he was awarded with Padma Bhushan in 1968 and Sahitya Akademi Award in 1971. 

A full, deep cry rose within his dry throat and with a sudden jerk of his body he ran from where he stood, crying in real fear, “Mother, Father.” Tears rolled down from his eyes, hot and fierce; his flushed face was convulsed with fear.

Link to read: https://archive.org/details/TheLostChild-English-MulkRajAnand/mode/1up

{Here is a list of 9 Best Opening Lines: How to Hook Your Audience Immediately.}

4. Lihaf (The Quilt) by Ismat Chughtai

“Lihaf” is a bold and controversial story by Ismat Chughtai, originally written in Urdu. The story talks a secret romantic relationship between Begum Jan, a rich but lonely woman, and her maid, Rabbu. The story is seen through the eyes of a young girl who notices how they spend intimate moments together. The quilt represents their hidden feelings and the rules society puts on them. Chughtai explores themes of desire, repression, and the complexity of relationships in conservative environments. Despite facing criticism for her bold writings, she received the prestigious Padma Shri Award for her contributions to literature. 

It was Rabbu who rescued her from the fall.  Soon her thin body began to fill out. Her cheeks began to glow and she blossomed in beauty.

Link to read:  https://www.thebeacon.in/2021/03/20/lihaaf-the-quilt-short-fiction-by-ismat-chugtai/

5. A Doll for the Child Prostitute by Kamala Das

“A Doll for the Child Prostitute” is a poignant tale about a young girl living in red-light district. Originally written in Malayalam, it follows her struggles and challenges in a difficult environment where she is forced to grow quickly. Despite the hardships she faces, the story highlights her inner strength and determination to survive. The story is deeply moving and leaves a lasting impact. It sends chills down your spine It’s a strong reminder of why we need to support and protect these vulnerable children. 

6. Toba Tek Singh by Saadat Hasan Manto

Toba Tek Singh is a short story by Saadat Hasan Manto, based on the partition of India. Originally written in Urdu and published in 1955, it talks about how the division of India into India and Pakistan affected people emotionally and mentally. The story revolves around a man named Bishan Singh who hails from the town of Toba Tek Singh. Manto’s story highlights the grief, hardships, and displacement experienced by families due to the partition of the nation. 

India was one side behind a barbed wire fence. Pakistan was another side behind another barbed fence. Taba Tek Singh lay in the Middle, on a piece of land that had no name.

Link to read: http://www.sacw.net/partition/tobateksingh.html

{Here’s a list of the most Controversial Books In India.}

7. Draupadi by Mahasweta Devi

It is a compelling short story that reimagines the character Draupadi from the Mahabharata as a brave tribal woman fighting against unfair treatment. It is inspired by real events where tribal communities faced oppression and violence. The main character, Dopdi Mejhen, represents the struggles faced by these communities during the Naxalbari uprising. Draupadi is a significant work that blends mythology with contemporary issues, making it a thought-provoking read that continues to resonate with readers.

“Life is not mathematics and the human being is not made for the sake of politics. I want a change in the present social system and do not believe in mere party politics.”

8. City Without Mirrors by Jayant Kaikini

“City Without Mirrors” is a short story originally written in Kannada by renowned Kannada writer Jayant Kaikani about life in Mumbai city. It tells the story of Satyajit, a man in his forties who has never been in a relationship but feels connected to the people he encounters in the city. He feels he doesn’t need a romantic relationship because he loves the city like a partner. But, when he is offered a marriage proposal with Shalini, a woman he hasn’t met, things change. The story shows the lives of unmarried individuals finding solace in the city’s bustle. Despite their solitude, they feel a sense of belonging with strangers. 

9. A Kitchen in the Corner of the House by Ambai

The story revolves around the experiences of Minakshi, a daughter-in-law in the family, and her desire to bring about changes and improvements in the household. The story begins with Meenakshi suggesting ideas to improve the kitchen area. The suggestion is met with surprise and silence from the rest of the family members, who are amazed by her boldness. Throughout the story, her actions challenge traditional gender roles and expectations. The story celebrates Meenakshi’s strength, courage, and willingness to voice her opinions. 

Papaji, why don’t you extend the verandah outside the kitchen? If you widen it, we could have some chairs out there. If you then build a wash place to the left, you could have a really wide basin for cleaning the vessels. And then beyond that, you could put up some aluminium wire for drying the clothes.

{Here’s a guide to how to ace your Writing Projects.}

10. The Actor by Mannu Bhandari

The story talks about a girl named Ranjana who falls in love with a famous actor Dilip after seeing him for the first time. They start a relationship, but when Dilip goes away for work and doesn’t keep in touch, Ranjana gets worried. When she visits his home, she finds love letters from another woman names Rekha. To make matters worse, she discovers a letter from Dilip’s father mentioning his wife and child, which devastates Ranjana. The story highlights the themes of love, trust, betrayal, and pain that can arise when there are secrets involved. 

I am only an actress on the screen, but you have been acting your whole life. You are a seasoned and talented actor, my friend.

Link to read: https://books.google.co.in/books?id=YTcyEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT54&source=gbs_toc_r&cad=2#v=onepage&q&f=false

Can you think of any must read short stories in Indian regional languages whose translations are available? Tell us about them in the comments section.

Happy Reading!