Waiting for the Mahatma, a novel by Narayan published in 1958, is a highly acclaimed work that addresses contemporary issues, particularly Gandhi's campaign against British rule and its effects on the people of that era. The novel offers a profound depiction of the social upheaval sparked by Gandhi's views on caste.

Narayan's The Man-Eater of Malgudi, released in 1962, is often considered one of his best novels. It explores society's gradual transformation in the face of change. Written in a style that blends allegory with realism, the novel highlights Narayan's perspectives on culture and religion. At its core, Narayan's work is built on a mythical framework, which is powerfully conveyed in this novel.

A Passage to India, authored by E. M. Forster and published in 1924, has gained recognition as a minor classic. It remains a significant attempt by an outsider to grapple with the realities of India. This novel serves as a useful point of comparison with Narayan's works.

Salman Rushdie's Midnight's Children, published in 1981, is a modern epic about India. Its style, narrative approach, and scope are markedly different from Narayan's. Rushdie employs an experimental and discontinuous narrative mode, and his work is politically charged. He presents one vision of India, while Narayan offers another.

The Idea of India by Sunil Khilnani, published in 1997, is an excellent introduction to the sociocultural conditions and political landscape of India. The book focuses on postcolonial India over the past fifty years, providing a superb introduction to a highly complex and intricate subject.