On September 30, 1993 CE, a devastating earthquake, estimated at magnitude 6.3, struck the town of Killari in Maharashtra, India, killing over 9,000 people. This was one of the deadliest earthquakes in India's history and was a major shock to the country. The event highlighted the seismic risk in regions previously considered safe.

The 1993 Killari earthquake inspired a significant body of Indian literature that explored the tragedy and the resilience of the survivors. The event is a key theme in contemporary Indian literature, where it is used to examine issues of social inequality, government response, and the strength of community. The earthquake is a notable example in the history of Indian literature, often used as a symbol of suffering and the struggle for recovery.