The Indian English novel developed as a subaltern consciousness; as a reaction to break away from the colonial literature. Hence the post colonial Indian literature witnessed a revolution against the idiom which the colonial writers followed. Gradually the Indian English writers started employing the techniques of mixed language, magic realism garnished with native themes. Hence from a post colonial period Indian English literature ushered into the modern and then the post-modern era. The saga of the Indian English novel therefore stands as the tale of changing tradition, the story of a changing India.

Early years of Indian English novel
In the initial days, the stories and concepts were steeped in folklores, myths, written in umpteen languages as India is always the land of tales. However, the concept of Indian English novel or rather the concept of Indians writing in English came much later and it is with the coming of Raja Rao, R.K. Narayan, Mulk Raj Anand, the journey of Indian English Novel began. The social disparity of India which was aptly described by Mulk Raj Anand in his Coolie, the imaginary village life with its entire unedited realities in R.K. Narayan`s Malgudi Days and last but not the least the aura of Gandhism depicted by Raja Rao in his remarkable novel Kanthapura portrayed a whole new India. The need of the foreigners depicting India amidst their write ups was not needed as Indians wanted to portray India through their Indian English. That was the beginning of the voyage and with time it gained maturity.

Revival of Indian English novel
Not just the daily lives, not just the social issues, Indian English novel slowly unveiled the grotesque mythical realities of India while opening the window to a plethora of writers. Salman Rushdie fascinated the Indian intelligentsias with his remarkable understanding of Indian History, as well as unification of Indian history with language. This further paved the way to portray India with her sheer grandeur, tradition, realities, myths, heritage in the most eloquent way. Perhaps this supported Amitav Ghosh to dabble the post colonial Indian realities, while it also helped Vikram Seth to visualise a rather new India laced with an air of Victorian aristocracy.

Recent Developments in Indian English novel
The history of Indian English novel, a journey which began long back has witnessed a lot of alteration to gain today`s stylish contour. In the Past few years many prominent writers have made a mark on the Indian Diaspora. Eminent writers like Arundhati Roy, Jhumpa Lahiri, Shobha De, V.S Naipaul, Shashi Tharoor etc. have given Indian English novel a whole new level. The novels include various concepts of fact and fiction and are based on current events and recent social problems.

Women writers explore old wives` tales, condemn exploitation and try to make sense of the fast changing pace of the new world. Kamala Das explores women`s plight in India and the world and others like Shashi Deshpande paint characters who blame their own complacence for their remorseful condition. Arundhati Roy begins her story without a beginning and does not really end it while Jhumpa Lahiri`s well-crafted tales move at a perfect pace.

Amongst the new young writers, the most talented is perhaps Chetan Bhagat. With four back to back bestselling novels, like One Night @ the Call Center, Five Point Someone, 2 States and The 3 Mistakes of My Life, Chetan Bhagat has single-handedly reshaped the future of Indian English novels. The influence of Bhagat`s writing has been so impact, that even Hindi films are adapting his novels on to the big screens. Another contemporary writer who has gained immense popularity in the recent times is Amish Tripathi. With his Novel, The Immortals of Meluha, based on the origin of Lord Shiva, Amish has captured the imagination of the country. After the success of the novel, the writer has planned two successive sequels as well. The second book in the trilogy has also been released recently, titled The Secret of the Nagas. It deals with the origin of the Nagas and their encounter with Shiva. The book, although received mixed reviews, has already become a best-seller. The third book in the Shiva trilogy series, titled The Oath of the Vayuputras, by the author Amish Tripathi, is under production and eagerly awaited by the readers.

Indian English novel has gone through a lot of transformation since its inception and has attained a whole new intensity in terms of concept, marketing, presentation, business and impact on the Indian culture.