Inquilab : A novel – Khwaja Ahmad Abbas

A lost classic of modern Indian literature, reissued after almost half a century

Written in the 1940s, Inquilab is a powerful coming-of-age novel set against the turbulent backdrop of India’s struggle for independence. Through the eyes of young Anwar, a curious and sensitive boy growing up in Delhi, the novel captures the awakening of a nation—and of a mind—grappling with the realities of colonial rule, social divisions and the need for revolutionary change.

From the quiet, tradition-bound world of his childhood, Anwar’s journey takes him to the heart of history—witnessing the horrors of Jallianwala Bagh, the rise of Mahatma Gandhi’s non-violent resistance and the growing wave of militant revolution sweeping across the country. Along the way, he forges friendships, confronts injustice and, as he struggles with the contradictions of a rapidly changing world, also encounters a diverse range of freedom fighters—from M.A. Ansari, the Ali Brothers and Gandhiji to Nehru, Bose and C. Rajagopalachariar and even Bhagat Singh, Batukeshwar Dutt and the Communists standing trial in the Meerut Conspiracy Case. As India marches towards freedom, Anwar too must find his place within this storm, recognizing that revolution is not just about political struggle but also about personal transformation.

Inquilab is more than a story of the freedom struggle. Rich in historical detail and emotional depth, it is a story of youth and hope. A gripping and immersive read, it brings to life the passion, sacrifices and dreams of those who dared to imagine a free India.