The 5 books that were banned in India
Literature is the reflection of our society and society is
not always sweet and simple. Thus, books creating controversies is not uncommon;
here we are going to present five books which were banned in India. However
these are now available at almost all the online bookstores where you can buy
books online.
The book as the name suggests claims to portray the second
perspective of Hindu religion is written by Wendy Doniger. The opponents and religious leaders in India opposed the book
saying that it hurts the sentiments of the Hindus. Subsequently this book was
banned in February 2014. Doniger is
expert of Indian issues in USA. However, now this book is available in India
and anyone can buy book online from the various online bookstores.
2. The Satanic Verses
This book by noted writer Salman Rushdie is one of the most
controversial books of this century. The book led to a global controversy.
Iranian religious leader Ayatullah Khomeni issued a fatwa against this book
after it was published in year 1988. However, India was one of the first
countries to ban this book, even before Khomeni issued fatwa. Following the
controversy, Rushdie had to spent nearly a decade in oblivion due to security
reasons. But he continued to protest the bans and fatwa as an attack on freedom
of speech and creativity. 
An Area of Darkness is written by Nobel laureate and English
writer of Indian origin V S Naipaul. Naipaul raised questions on the social and
economic developments of India. The book was based on his tours to various parts
of the country. Various groups alleged that Naipaul has targeted Indian Culture
and civilization. He called India as, “An Area Of Darkness’. Following protests
and objections raised by various groups, the government of India banned this
book in year 1964.
4. Nine hours to Rama
US author Stanley Wolpert penned this book, Nine Hours to
Rama which was banned by government of India in year 1962. Stanley tried to depict
the nine hours between the murder of Mahatma Gandhi by Nathuram Godse in this
book. This book created a lot of controversy. Stanley raised questions on
security arrangements provided to Gandhi and controversy related to it. Later a
film was also made on the book but both the book and film was banned in India. Notably, Stanley also wrote a book on Jinnah which was later banned in Pakistan.
5. The Face of Mother India
The book written by US historian Catherine Mayo in year 1927
created a lot of political controversy in India. She said in the book that India
is not eligible for independence. The book was so much in dispute that father
of nation Mahatma Gandhi termed the book as ‘Report of Drain Inspector’. It was
alleged that Catherine has attacked Indian society, religion and culture. This
book was written against the demands of independence by Indian people. A big
portion of the book was related to the marriage of Indian girls.
(Now most of these books are available in the market and any
one can easily find and buy books online)
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