Science fiction in India began its journey during the colonial period, with early works written in Bengali, Tamil, and Hindi. These stories often reflected anxieties about technology, colonization, and national identity. Over time, Indian science fiction evolved, incorporating more speculative elements and blending them with indigenous philosophies and futuristic imagination. Indian sci-fi writers frequently draw from mythology, folklore, and history, creating a genre deeply rooted in local culture while engaging with universal themes.
Whether you're a lifelong sci-fi reader or just beginning your journey, here’s a curated list of the must-read Indian science fiction authors, each unique in their way yet distinctly Indian.
1. Satyajit Ray
Globally renowned as a filmmaker, Satyajit Ray was also a masterful science fiction writer, especially in Bengali literature. His iconic Professor Shonku series, beginning with The Diary of Professor Shonku in 1965, follows the adventures of an eccentric scientist and inventor whose creations often reflect Ray’s fascination with the ethical dimensions of technology and artificial intelligence. Ray’s stories, such as “Anukul,” explore futuristic scenarios where robots integrate into everyday life, raising questions about consciousness and humanity.
2. Samit Basu
Samit Basu is a pioneering figure in Indian science fiction and fantasy, celebrated for his inventive storytelling and genre-blending narratives. Basu’s works are notable for their humor, sharp social commentary, and seamless integration of Indian mythology with speculative futures. His recent novel, The City Inside, was listed among The Washington Post’s best science fiction and fantasy novels of 2022 and shortlisted for the JCB Prize, highlighting his continued relevance and innovation in the genre.
3. Indrapramit Das
Indrapramit Das is a critically acclaimed author whose work bridges science fiction, fantasy, and literary fiction. His debut novel, The Devourers, won the Lambda Award for SF/F/Horror and was shortlisted for several prestigious awards, including the Crawford Award and the Shakti Bhatt Prize. His novella The Last Dragoners of Bowbazar won the 2024 British Fantasy Award for Best Novella, and he has contributed as both an editor and critic, further shaping the landscape of Indian speculative fiction.
4. Sukanya Datta
A zoologist by training and a prolific author, Sukanya Datta merges scientific rigor with imaginative storytelling. Her stories, often infused with humor and set in diverse locales. From Mars to tribal villages, make complex scientific concepts accessible and engaging. Datta’s works have been translated into several Indian languages, broadening the reach of science fiction in India and inspiring curiosity about science among readers of all ages.
5. Rimi B. Chatterjee
Rimi B. Chatterjee is a multifaceted writer, screenwriter, translator, and comics creator, as well as a former professor of English literature. Her science fiction debut, Signal Red, was followed by works like City of Love and Black Light, and she is especially known for her near-future dystopian and climate fiction. Chatterjee’s recent stories, set in her Antisense Universe, imagine climate-positive alternate futures and tackle urgent social and environmental issues. Her accolades include the 2023 Utopia Award for best utopian novelette and recognition for her climate fiction.
6. Anil Menon
Anil Menon, a computer scientist and speculative fiction writer, is known for his thoughtful narratives blending scientific inquiry with rich storytelling. His debut YA novel, The Beast With Nine Billion Feet, set in a near-future Pune, was shortlisted for major literary prizes and explores themes of genetics, bioethics, and family. Menon’s short stories appear in international anthologies, and he has played a key role in nurturing Indian speculative fiction through workshops and editorial work. His writing stands out for its intellectual depth, emotional resonance, and engagement with both Indian and universal themes.
7. Shweta Taneja
Shweta Taneja is a versatile author whose work spans novels, short fiction, graphic novels, and comics. Her popular Anantya Tantrist series blends fantasy, horror, and science fiction, featuring a female detective who navigates supernatural mysteries in contemporary India. Taneja’s stories, such as “The Daughter That Bleeds,” have received international acclaim and awards, and her graphic novels reinterpret Hindu mythology for modern audiences. Her writing is characterized by its inventive plots, strong female protagonists, and seamless integration of Indian folklore with speculative elements, making her a standout voice in Indian genre fiction.
8. Vandana Singh
Vandana Singh, a physicist and professor, is celebrated for her poetic and philosophical science fiction. Her stories, collected in volumes like The Woman Who Thought She Was a Planet and Ambiguity Machines and Other Stories, often explore themes of mathematics, infinity, and the environment, weaving scientific concepts with deep human emotion. Singh’s work is praised for its deft use of genre tropes, sense of wonder, and focus on the interconnectedness of people and the universe. She is also an influential editor and advocate for postcolonial and feminist science fiction, contributing significantly to the global recognition of Indian speculative literature.
9. Mainak Dhar
Mainak Dhar is a bestselling author whose works bring a distinctly Indian flavor to post-apocalyptic and dystopian fiction. With more than a dozen novels, including the popular Zombiestan series, Dhar’s stories are known for their fast-paced plots, action-driven narratives, and exploration of survival in the face of technological and societal collapse. Dhar draws on real-world insights to craft compelling speculative scenarios that resonate with contemporary readers.
10. Gautam Bhatia
Gautam Bhatia is a science fiction writer and constitutional lawyer whose debut novel, The Wall, has been praised for its ambitious world-building and philosophical depth. Set in a city enclosed by an impenetrable barrier, the novel delves into themes of freedom, rebellion, and the nature of utopia and dystopia. Bhatia’s work stands out for its intricate exploration of social structures, political intrigue, and the human yearning for knowledge and change, marking him as a significant new voice in Indian science fiction.
The landscape of Indian science fiction is as diverse and dynamic as the country itself. The stories not only entertain but also provoke thought, reflecting on societal issues, scientific advancements, and the human condition. As the genre continues to evolve, these authors offer readers a variety of narratives that challenge perceptions and inspire imagination.