Indian Writers Amitav Ghosh and Aravind Adiga shortlisted for Man Booker Prize

Two Indian writers Amitav Ghosh and Aravind Adiga have been shortlisted for the Man Booker Prize 2008. In a surprising decision, the judges left out Salman Rushdie from the list. Salman Rushdie's "Enchantress of Florence" was considered as a strong contender to win the £50,000 Man Booker Prize.

Amitav Ghosh's novel "Sea of Poppies" and Aravind Adiga's debut novel "The White Tiger" have been shortlisted for the coveted award. While the 'Sea of Poppies" is based on opium trade in the subcontinent, "The White Tiger" takes a look at India's economic boom. Other shortlisted novels are Linda Grant’s "The Clothes on their Backs", Sebastian Berry’s "The Secret Scripture", Steve Toltz’s "A Fraction of the Whole", and Philip Hensher’s "The Northern Clemency". The winner's name would be announced in London on October 14.