Crossword Book Awards 2026 Unveils Shortlists for Top Literary Honors

The anticipation is building for the 2026 Crossword Book Awards, as the shortlist of nominees across five prestigious categories has been officially revealed. This year’s event is set to take place in Mumbai in December, celebrating excellence in literary achievements in Fiction, Nonfiction, Translation, Children’s literature, and Business and Management.

Each category will be evaluated by a specialized jury comprised of notable figures in the literary community. The Fiction category jury boasts the talents of acclaimed authors Anuja Chauhan, Manju Kapur, and Samit Basu, whose collective expertise promises a discerning selection process. Meanwhile, the Nonfiction category will be judged by Anirudh Kanisetti, Jyoti Malhotra, and Naresh Fernandes, who are set to explore the depth and impact of contemporary narratives.

Translations, an essential category that bridges linguistic and cultural divides, will be evaluated by the insightful Meena Kandasamy, Ranjit Hoskote, and Srinath Perur. The Children’s books jury, which plays a vital role in promoting young readers’ literature, features Fiona Fernandez, Payal Kapadia, and Ranjit Lal, all of whom are passionate advocates for the genre. Finally, the Business and Management category will see Monika Halan, Rama Bijapurkar, and Shrayana Bhattacharya lending their expertise to recognize influential works in this domain.

The shortlisted titles showcase an impressive diversity of themes and narratives. In the Nonfiction category, standout contenders include Believer’s Dilemma: Vajpayee and the Hindu Right’s Path to Power, 1977-2018 by Abhishek Choudhary and Dapaan: Tales from Kashmir’s Conflict by Ipsita Chakravarty, both of which delve into significant socio-political issues. Other noteworthy mentions are Scamlands: Inside the Ancient Empire of Fraud That Preys on the World by Snigdha Poonam and Wild Capital: Discovering Nature in Delhi by Neha Sinha, highlighting contemporary challenges and environmental concerns.

On the fiction front, readers can look forward to exploring titles such as Absolute Jafar by Sarnath Banerjee and The Menon Investigation by Saharu Nusaiba Kannanari, each promising to engage audiences with compelling storytelling. The list also includes Water Days by Sundar Sarukkai, a title that is expected to resonate deeply with literary enthusiasts.

The Translation category features several noteworthy works, such as On the Banks of the Pampa by Volga, translated from Telugu by Purnima Tammireddy, and Sita’s Veil by Anamika, translated from Hindi by Nishtha Gautam. These selections underscore the rich tapestry of India’s linguistic heritage and the importance of bringing regional narratives to a broader audience.

As the awards ceremony approaches, the excitement surrounding these literary works continues to grow. Each winning author will receive a cash prize of INR 50,000, highlighting the Crossword Book Awards’ commitment to recognizing and rewarding literary talent in the country. The event promises not only to honor outstanding literature but also to foster a vibrant literary culture in India.

Source: scroll.in