Kanthapura

Regarded as the first major Indian novel in English, Kanthapura is the story of how Gandhi's struggle for independence came to a casteist south Indian village. Young Moorthy, back from the city, brimming with new ideas, seeks to cut across ancient barriers and unite the villagers in non-violent action. The story emerges through the eyes of a delightful old woman who comments on the villagers' actions with sharp-eyed wisdom, evoking the spirit of traditional folk epics. With an introduction by R. Parthasarathy 'The finest novel to come out of India in recent years.' E. M. Forster 'The first literary manifesto to point to an Indian way of appropriating the English language.' Guardian