1990, ARAMGANJ – A NOVEL

1990, ARAMGANJ – A NOVEL

1990, Aramganj is a powerful and unsettling novel that captures the political and social upheaval triggered by L.K. Advani’s Ram Rath Yatra in small-town India. Through the lives of ordinary people, Rakesh Kayasth explores how communal tensions, caste pride and political mobilisation transformed the social fabric of the Indian heartland.

📖 About the Book

The small town of Aramganj is buzzing with rumours and excitement as the Ram Rath is expected to arrive. People who showed little interest in earlier political movements suddenly find themselves drawn into a growing wave of religious fervour. Conversations change, friendships become strained and new divisions begin to emerge.

At the centre of the story is Ashiq Miyan, the charismatic owner of the Two-in-One Tailoring shop, known as a proud Rambhakt despite his Muslim identity. As the town becomes increasingly polarised, his life and relationships are tested in unexpected ways.

Using a chorus of voices—fears, arguments, rumours and judgements—Kayasth creates a vivid portrait of a society in transition. The novel reveals how caste, religion, superstition and patriarchy intersect to shape the choices of individuals and the destiny of the community, building toward a shocking and tragic climax.

✨ Key Highlights

• A gripping political novel set during a watershed moment in Indian history.
• Explores the rise of militant Hindu nationalism and communal polarisation.
• Features a rich ensemble of memorable small-town characters.
• Examines the intersections of caste, religion, superstition and patriarchy.
• Uses multiple voices to create a vivid and immersive social landscape.
• A thought-provoking and emotionally intense work of contemporary Indian fiction.

✍️ About the Author

Rakesh Kayasth has worked in senior roles across print journalism and television news, including with channels such as Aaj Tak, Zee News, Tez and News 24. For the past sixteen years, he has been active as a screenwriter, showrunner and producer, and currently heads the non-live programming team at Star Sports.

He is the author of the bestselling Hindi novel Rambhakt Rangbaz, which was featured on the Hindustan Times list of Best Indian Books across languages in 2022, as well as the acclaimed political satires Kos-kos Shabdkosh and Prajatantra ke Pakaude. He has also created popular audiobooks including Dil Local and Tuktuk ki Kahaniyan.

🌐 About the Translator

Varsha Tiwary translates between Hindi and English. 1990, Aramganj is her first full-length work of translation.

📚 Why Read This Book?

1990, Aramganj is an incisive and timely novel that sheds light on the roots of contemporary communal and political divisions in India. Combining sharp social observation with compelling storytelling, it is essential reading for anyone interested in Indian politics, society and literary fiction that confronts difficult historical truths.