Exploring the Boundless Possibilities of the Mind:
The evolution of Indian sci-fi can be traced back to the early 1900s, with the works of Bengali author Jagadish Chandra Bose. His short story “Niruddesher Kahini” (The Story of the Missing One) explored the concept of time travel, a common theme in sci-fi, but with a distinctly Indian twist. Bose’s story was rooted in Hindu mythology and incorporated elements of reincarnation, a concept deeply ingrained in Indian culture.
However, it wasn’t until the 1960s and 1970s that Indian sci-fi truly began to take shape. Authors like Satyajit Ray, Manoj Das, and Mukul Sharma started to explore the genre, infusing it with their own cultural and societal influences. Ray’s “Professor Shonku” series, which featured a brilliant scientist and inventor, incorporated elements of Indian folklore and mythology into its stories. Das’ “The Crocodile’s Lady” used sci-fi to comment on social issues like gender roles and patriarchy in Indian society.
In the 1980s and 1990s, Indian sci-fi continued to evolve, with authors like Amitav Ghosh and Vandana Singh pushing the boundaries of the genre. Ghosh’s “The Calcutta Chromosome” blended science fiction with historical fiction, exploring the concept of time travel through the lens of Indian history. Singh’s “The Woman Who Thought She Was a Planet” used sci-fi to address issues of identity and belonging in a rapidly changing world.
One of the most significant contributions to Indian sci-fi came in the form of Samit Basu’s “The Simoqin Prophecies” in 2003. This epic fantasy novel, set in a world inspired by Indian mythology, broke away from traditional Western fantasy tropes and introduced readers to a diverse and richly imagined world. Basu’s work paved the way for other Indian authors to explore their own cultural and mythological influences in the sci-fi genre.