Salman Rushdie's 'The Satanic Verses’ Returns to India, Hype Set to Drive Skyrocketing Sales

The return of Salman Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses to Indian bookshelves has ignited a frenzy among literary enthusiasts and curious readers. After being banned for 36 years, the novel is back, and its re-release is already creating ripples in bookstores and online platforms across the country. The buzz surrounding its availability is expected to lead to an unprecedented surge in sales.

'The Satanic Verses' Returns to India After 36 Years

Initially banned in 1988 under Rajiv Gandhi’s government due to its controversial content, The Satanic Verses has remained a polarising piece of literature. However, the Delhi High Court recently overturned the ban after authorities failed to provide proper documentation to justify its prohibition. This decision has made the book legally available in India, sparking a wave of curiosity.

Select bookstores like Bahrisons Booksellers in Delhi and others in cities like Pune have stocked the novel, while e-commerce platforms such as BooksWagon.com have imported copies to meet rising demand. Shubham Jain, the founder of BooksWagon, shared that despite challenges in clearing customs for imports, the response from readers has been overwhelmingly positive.

Hype Driving Unprecedented Demand

The re-release of The Satanic Verses has ignited a mix of excitement and intrigue among various groups, including literary enthusiasts, academics, and Rushdie's loyal readers. Shubham Jain predicts the hype will lead to “skyrocketing sales” as readers rush to own a piece of literary history.

While controversy continues to shadow the book due to its sensitive themes, the Streisand effect—a phenomenon where attempts to suppress something increase its popularity—might further boost sales. According to Jain, the success of the book will also depend on media coverage and promotional efforts by booksellers and retailers.

Opposition and Enduring Legacy

Even as The Satanic Verses makes its return, Islamic clerics continue to voice their opposition, insisting that the book remains offensive to their beliefs. They argue that the government should have engaged in discussions with concerned groups before lifting the ban. However, the novel’s availability has already garnered significant attention among India’s intellectual and academic circles.

Salman Rushdie, known for his celebrated works like Midnight’s Children and Shame, has faced numerous challenges throughout his career, including an assassination attempt in 2022. Despite these adversities, Rushdie’s literary legacy endures, with The Satanic Verses once again sparking debate and drawing readers worldwide.