1. The Mahabharata

The Mahabharata is one of the oldest and longest epic poems in the world. It is an ancient Hindu text that consists of a narrative of the Kurukshetra War and the fates of the Kaurava and the Pandava princes. The epic is attributed to the sage Vyasa and contains philosophical and moral teachings. It is a vast work of 100,000 verses and covers a wide range of topics including warfare, politics, ethics, and spirituality.

2. Ramayana

The Ramayana is another ancient Hindu epic poem, attributed to the sage Valmiki. It tells the story of the prince Rama who embarks on a journey to rescue his wife Sita from the demon king Ravana. The Ramayana is revered for its depiction of relationships, virtues, and the triumph of good over evil. It has had a profound influence on Indian literature, culture, and religious practices.

3. Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore was a renowned poet, philosopher, and polymath of India. He is the first non-European to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. Tagore's works encompass various genres including poetry, novels, plays, essays, and songs (he composed the Indian national anthem). His notable works include "Gitanjali" (Song Offerings), "Kabuliwala," and "The Home and the World." Tagore's writings often reflect his deep spiritual and philosophical insights.

4. R.K. Narayan

Rasipuram Krishnaswami Narayan, commonly known as R.K. Narayan, was an acclaimed Indian writer known for his fictional works set in the fictional town of Malgudi. His simple storytelling style and portrayal of ordinary Indian life garnered him worldwide recognition. Some of his famous works include "Swami and Friends," "Malgudi Days," and "The Guide." Narayan's writings capture the essence of Indian middle-class life with humor and subtle social commentary.

5. Arundhati Roy

Arundhati Roy is a prominent Indian author and activist. Her debut novel, "The God of Small Things," won the Booker Prize for Fiction in 1997. Roy's writing explores themes such as social inequality, caste system, and gender issues in contemporary India. Apart from her fiction, she has also written several politically charged non-fiction works, including "The Algebra of Infinite Justice" and "Walking with the Comrades."

6. Salman Rushdie

Salman Rushdie is a British-Indian author known for his novel "Midnight's Children," which won the Booker Prize in 1981 and was awarded the Booker of Bookers in 1993. Rushdie's writing often encompasses magical realism, historical fiction, and postcolonialism. He explores themes of identity, politics, and religious fundamentalism in his works. Some of his other notable novels are "The Satanic Verses" and "Shame."

7. Amitav Ghosh

Amitav Ghosh is an Indian writer known for his historical fiction novels that explore themes of colonization, migration, and globalization. His notable works include "The Shadow Lines," "The Glass Palace," and "Sea of Poppies." Ghosh's writing style blends rich detail with extensive historical research, offering a nuanced perspective on Indian and global history.