On January 26, 2001 CE, a devastating earthquake, estimated at magnitude 7.7, struck the city of Bhuj in Gujarat, India, killing over 20,000 people and causing widespread destruction. This was one of the deadliest earthquakes in Indian history and had a profound impact on the country. The disaster led to significant improvements in India's disaster response and building codes.

The 2001 Bhuj 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.