Indian historical fantasy has always been always been a gem of a genre to indulge in, as it takes us back to the India we once knew… of ancient kingdoms and royal courts, where history, mythology, and imagination come together to create stories that feel rooted in the familiar, yet completely and wildly magical within.
So, if you’re looking for books that transport you into worlds inspired by India’s vibrant history, brew your favourite tea, pull out that ever-growing TBR, and let The Bombay Circle Press take care of the rest. Here are our handpicked recommendations for you!
Sons of Darkness by Gourav Mohanty
“On the contrary, tampering with things we don’t know is the very essence of being a human. That’s how we discovered how to make babies.”
This particular historical fantasy book carries a soul that sings true to its name. An extensive retelling of the Mahabharata, that great Hindu epic which has been fodder for authors for decades, Sons of Darkness brings together characters that parry with one another in a grotesque dance, driven by two things: revenge and ambition. For instance, the novel reimagines Krishna as a scheming senator, Satyabhama as a bloodthirsty warrior leading an army of orphaned girls called the Silver Wolves, and these are only a few of the fascinating reinventions within its pages.
If you want to have a mighty good time on an exhilarating ride through a grimdark world, Sons of Darkness is one historical fantasy you absolutely need to pick up.
The Jasmine Throne by Tasha Suri
One is a princess determined to take back her throne. The other is a priestess searching for her family. Together, they might change the fate of an empire.
If your thing is morally grey women who long to set an empire ablaze, forbidden magic, political intrigue, and sapphic yearning, then this historical fantasy needs to be on your TBR. The first book in Tasha Suri’s The Burning Kingdoms trilogy, The Jasmine Throne takes the readers into a world inspired by the history and epics of India. It follows a captive princess and a disguised maidservant who become unlikely allies as they find themselves caught in the dangerous webs of empire politics.
With lush world-building, complicated relationships, religious politics, and that waterfall scene (you’ll know when you get there), this is a story that has plenty to keep you turning the pages.
Burn the Sea by Mona Tewari
“If you wanted me to be a bauble, you never should have given me a blade.”
If you love Indian historical fantasy, fierce queens, and stories of women fighting for their homeland, Burn the Sea is one of them. Set against the backdrop of 16th-century South India, this tale reimagines the Portuguese attacks through the story of the fierce real-life queen Abbakka Chowta.
The youngest of Ullal’s two rajkumaris, Abbakka has spent years training in combat to become her sister’s blade. But when the monstrous Porcugi—giant half-men, half-snakes, return to invade her homeland, Abbakka is forced to step into a role she never expected: that of a queen!
Fierce, atmospheric, and an ode to female power, Burn the Sea is an electrifying reimagining of history where one queen must decide how much she is willing to sacrifice for freedom.
So, whether you’re looking for court intrigue, forbidden magic, or a fresh take on historical lore, these three books deserve a spot on your TBR. The Bombay Circle Press hopes you find your next favourite among them. So, which one are you picking up first?