What Are the Most Popular Hindi Books to Read?

Hindi literature is opulent in varieties and nuanced in tradition. Literature places itself on the face of a linguistic journey. If you haven’t undertaken that journey yet, this is the time you should totally immerse yourself in learning Hindi through literature.

From heart-wrenching love stories to powerful social commentaries, popular Hindi books offer a rich and immersive literary experience. Read through the list of the best Hindi novels—timeless classics that define Hindi fiction and reflect the cultural heartbeat of India.

1. Gunaho Ka Devta by Dharamvir Bharati

One of the best Hindi novels, Gunaho Ka Devta is a romantic story that centres around a student, Chander, who falls in love with Sudha, the daughter of his college professor Dr. Shukla. This story highlights caste discrimination and unspoken love. The in-depth portrayal of love, anguish, and inner conflict elevates the novel to literary brilliance.

Those seeking the Gunaho Ka Devta Summary will find that the book’s emotional depth and realistic characters have made it a staple in Hindi fiction books. The television adaptation Ek Tha Chander Ek Thi Sudha brought the story to a wider audience.

2. Kitne Pakistan by Kamleshwar

A compelling read among popular Hindi books, Kitne Pakistan uses allegory to explore global and national partitions. Through a fictional court setting, historical figures such as Aurangzeb, Babur, Saddam Hussein, and Adolf Hitler discuss their perspectives on history.

As one of the prominent sahitya akademi award books, this novel received the Sahitya Akademi Award in 2003 and is often considered one of the most thought-provoking works in Hindi literature.

3. Kashi Ka Assi by Kashinath Singh

Set against the backdrop of Assi Ghat in Varanasi, Kashi Ka Assi is a collection of five stories that vividly portray the socio-political atmosphere of the 1990s. Singh’s storytelling style, filled with local dialect and satire, adds a unique flair.

This novel is a standout in Hindi fiction books and was adapted into the Bollywood film Mohalla Assi, further cementing its status among popular Hindi books.

4. Maila Aanchal by Phanishwar Nath ‘Renu’

A landmark in Hindi literature, Maila Aanchal is a quintessential Maila Aanchal novel that exemplifies Anchalik Upanyas (regional novel). It tells the story of a young doctor who chooses to work in a remote village, where he witnesses ignorance, superstitions, and outdated customs.

Its regional flavor and deep cultural insight make it one of the best Hindi novels ever written.

5. Aapka Bunti by Mannu Bhandari

Aapka Bunti is a poignant narrative about a nine-year-old boy struggling to understand and cope with his parents’ divorce. This deeply emotional tale reveals how children perceive adult problems in a fragmented world.

As one of the most touching Hindi fiction books, it brings emotional depth and psychological realism, especially relevant in today’s fast-changing society.

6. Rag Darbari by Shrilal Shukla

If you enjoy satire, Rag Darbari is one of the best Hindi novels to start with. It critiques the lawlessness and corruption of rural India, with a sharp, witty narrative centered around a village’s political and social systems.

This novel earned the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1969 and remains a pillar in the canon of Hindi literature.

7. Nirmala by Munshi Premchand

No list of popular Hindi books is complete without mentioning books by Munshi Premchand. Nirmala is the tragic story of a young girl forced into marriage with a much older man, exposing the flaws of the dowry system and gender injustice.

Among the books by Munshi Premchand in Hindi, Nirmala holds a special place, both for its feminist undertones and social critique.

8. Volga Se Ganga by Rahul Sankrityayan

Rahul Sankrityayan, often called the Father of Indian Travelogues, delivers a sweeping historical epic in Volga Se Ganga. This is a collection of 20 short stories covering 8000 years of history, from 6000 BC to 1942, showcasing migration, cultural shifts, and human resilience.

It’s a significant entry in Hindi literature, blending storytelling with historical research, and remains a must-read for lovers of Hindi fiction books.

9. Pinjar by Amrita Pritam

Pinjar tells the harrowing tale of Puro, a woman abducted during the Partition of India. When she seeks refuge with her family, they reject her, fearing social stigma. It’s a story of loss, identity, and womanhood set against one of history’s most traumatic backdrops.

This novel, which inspired a National Award-winning film, is one of the most emotionally resonant popular Hindi books, and a powerful contribution to feminist Hindi literature.

Final Thoughts

From Gunaho Ka Devta to Pinjar, these popular Hindi books are more than just stories—they are reflections of society, history, and human emotion. Whether you're exploring the works of famous Hindi authors or starting your journey with books by Munshi Premchand, the world of Hindi literature promises a rewarding experience.

Start reading these best Hindi novels today to understand the soul of India, one page at a time.