Books and Authors

Akbarnama was commissioned by the Mughal Emperor Akbar and written by his court historian Abul Fazl (also spelled Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubarak). This comprehensive historical chronicle documents Akbar's reign and administration in three volumes, making it one of the most important historical documents of the Mughal era. Abul Fazl wrote it over several years, completing it around 1598.

'The Bubble' is a novel written by Mulk Raj Anand (also spelled Mulkraj Anand), one of India's most celebrated English-language authors. Anand was known for his realistic portrayal of Indian society and his social commentary on issues like caste discrimination and the plight of the marginalized. The Bubble is one of his lesser-known works but is distinctly attributed to him among the given options.

'A Suitable Boy' is a bestselling novel written by Vikram Seth and published in 1993. It is notable for being one of the longest novels in English (at over 1,300 pages) and for its expansive narrative that follows four families through post-independence India. The book won the Commonwealth Writers' Prize and established Vikram Seth as a major international literary figure.

'Beginning of the Beginning' is a book written by Rajneesh (also known as Osho), the spiritual teacher and philosopher. This work, like many of Rajneesh's books, is a compilation of his discourses and lectures on spiritual topics, meditation, and human consciousness. Rajneesh wrote extensively on spiritual matters during his lifetime, and this book is one of his earlier works from the 1970s period.

'Broken Wing' is a collection of poetry written by Sarojini Naidu, who was known as the 'Nightingale of India' for her poetic works. Published in 1917, this collection contains some of her most famous lyrical poems that combine Indian themes with English romantic poetry traditions. Sarojini Naidu was not only a celebrated poet but also a prominent freedom fighter and the first woman Governor of an Indian state (Uttar Pradesh).

'Anand Math' (also written as 'Anandamath') is a famous Bengali novel written by Bankim Chandra Chatterjee in 1882. This novel is historically significant as it contains the song 'Vande Mataram,' which later became India's national song and inspired the freedom movement. Set against the backdrop of the Sannyasi Rebellion in the late 18th century, it's considered a classic of Bengali literature and Indian nationalist writing.

'A Strange and Sublime Address' is a novel written by Amit Chaudhuri (spelled as 'Amith Choudhury' in the options, representing an alternate transliteration). Published in 1991, this was Chaudhuri's debut novel and won the Commonwealth Writers' Prize for Best First Book. The book is known for its subtle, nuanced portrayal of middle-class life in Bombay and is considered a significant work in contemporary Indian English literature.

A Midsummer Night's Dream is a famous comedy play written by William Shakespeare around 1595-96. It is one of his most performed works. Mark Twain and John Keats are from different literary periods (19th century), while George Bernard Shaw wrote in the 20th century.

Bread, Beauty and Revolution is a collection of essays by K. A. Abbas, an Indian film director, writer, and journalist. The work reflects his progressive and humanitarian views on society, art, and politics.

Conquest of Self (Self-Conquest) is a key work of Mahatma Gandhi, elaborating his philosophy of self-control and spiritual discipline. It is typically found in anthologies of his writings. Tagore, M. T. Vasudevan Nair, and Pillai are celebrated Indian writers but not associated with this specific work on self-conquest.

Androcles and the Lion is a 1912 play by George Bernard Shaw, retelling the classical fable. Shaw uses the story to explore themes of Christianity, persecution, and moral courage. Shakespeare wrote much earlier (16th-17th century), while Twain and Keats are not playwrights.

Chandalika is a dance drama by Rabindranath Tagore, based on a Buddhist legend about an outcast woman. It explores themes of human dignity, love, and social prejudice. Tagore wrote numerous dance dramas and plays for his experimental theater at Santiniketan.

Isabella, or The Pot of Basil is a narrative poem by John Keats, published in 1820. It retells an Italian tale from Boccaccio's Decameron about a tragic love story. Keats is a major Romantic poet known for his sensuous imagery and themes of love and death.

An Idealist View of Life is a philosophical work by Dr. S. Radhakrishnan, originally his Upton Lectures at Manchester College. It presents a comprehensive philosophical system integrating Eastern and Western thought, emphasizing spiritual idealism over materialism.

Chemmeen is a celebrated Malayalam novel by Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai, depicting a tragic love story set among the fishing community of Kerala. It explores themes of passion, social norms, and conflict with nature. The novel was adapted into a landmark film.

The Circle of Reason is the debut novel of Amitav Ghosh, published in 1986. It follows the adventures of a young boy from Bengal to the Middle East and North Africa. Ghosh is a major contemporary Indian English writer known for works like The Shadow Lines and The Ibis Trilogy.

Randamoozham (The Second Turn) is a modern Malayalam classic by M. T. Vasudevan Nair, retelling the Mahabharata from Bhima's perspective. It won multiple awards and is considered a masterpiece of Indian literature, giving voice to the Pandava who is often sidelined in traditional tellings.

Crisis into Chaos is a political work by E. M. S. Namboodiripad, the first Chief Minister of Kerala and a prominent Communist leader. The book analyzes political and economic crises, arguing how they can degenerate into chaos without proper leadership and ideological clarity. Note: Title likely appears in a political collection.

Divine Life (or The Divine Life) is a work by Swami Sivananda, the founder of the Divine Life Society. It expounds his teachings on yoga, spirituality, and the pursuit of divine life through selfless service, meditation, and spiritual practice. The book serves as a practical guide to spiritual living.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a classic novel written by Mark Twain (Samuel Clemens). It was published in 1876 and is considered one of the greatest American novels. The other authors listed wrote different types of works - Shaw was a playwright, Shakespeare a dramatist, Keats a poet, and Lamb an essayist.

Great Tragedy is a book written by Z.A. Bhutto (Zulfikar Ali Bhutto), the former Prime Minister of Pakistan. It was written during his imprisonment period in 1979. The other options are all renowned Indian writers - Mulkraj Anand, Amitav Ghosh, and Swami Sivananda - who wrote different types of works.

Confession of a Lover is a novel written by Mulkraj Anand, a prominent Indian English writer. Anand is known for his realistic depiction of Indian society and his works often deal with themes of social justice. The other options include Pakistani and Indian writers who authored different types of books.

An Autobiography is the well-known autobiography of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of independent India. It was written during his imprisonment in 1934-1935 and covers his life and thoughts. The other authors wrote different types of works - Abul Fazal was a Mughal court historian, Rajneesh a spiritual teacher, Mulkraj Anand a novelist, and K.A. Abbas a filmmaker and writer.

Essays of Elia is a collection of essays written by Charles Lamb (1775-1834), an English essayist and poet. The work was published under the pen name Elia. Lamb is renowned for his conversational style and gentle wit in these personal essays.

Kayar (Coir) is a Malayalam novel written by Takazhi Sivasankara Pillai (Thakazhi Sivasankara Pillai), one of the most celebrated Malayalam writers. This epic novel depicts the transformation of Kerala society through the lives of successive generations. The other options include Tagore (Bengali), M.T. Vasudevan Nair (Malayalam but different author), Gandhi (political leader), and E.M.S. Namboodiripad (political leader).