Raja Rao es reconocido como un importante novelista cuya obra profundiza en las complejidades de la identidad y la espiritualidad india. Su escritura combina magistralmente las técnicas narrativas tradicionales indias con estilos literarios modernos, creando una voz única y cautivadora. Las profundas exploraciones de Rao sobre los encuentros culturales y la búsqueda de sentido resuenan profundamente en los lectores. Sus novelas son celebradas por su belleza poética y profundidad intelectual, solidificando su importancia en la literatura contemporánea.
Raja Rao's collection of non-fiction reflects on the profound essence of India, emphasizing it as a metaphysical concept rather than merely a geographical or civilizational entity. Through a blend of fables, journeys, discussions, and meditations, the work explores the deeper significance of Indian identity and existence, offering readers a contemplative view on how India shapes one's perception of self and the world.
Regarded as the first major Indian novel in English, Kanthapura is the story of how Gandhi's struggle for Independence came to a casteist south Indian village. Young Moorthy, back from the city, brimming with new ideas, seeks to cut across ancient barriers and unite the villagers in non-violent action. The story emerges through the eyes of a delightful old woman, who comments on the villagers' actions with sharp-eyed wisdom, evoking the spirit of India's traditional folk epics.
The Sacred Wordsmith compiles the best of Raja Rao's writings, including his autobiographical Prefaces and Introductions. The volume puts together several of his noted acceptance speeches, including those for the Sahitya Akademi Award and Neustadt International Prize, and other famous pieces, such as 'The World is Sound', 'The Word', 'Why Do You Write?', 'The West Discovers Sanskrit', 'The English Language and Us', and 'The Story Round, Around Kanthapura', a fascinating, unpublished account of the makings of his famous first novel.