Saturday, March 16, 2019
Biography of Mulk Raj Anand:
Mulk Raj Anand (12 December 1905 – 28 September 2004) was an Indian writer, novelist, and social activist, widely regarded as one of the pioneers of Indian English literature. He was known for his commitment to social realism and his exploration of the lives of the oppressed and downtrodden in Indian society.
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Here is a brief biography of Mulk Raj Anand:
Early Life of Mulk Raj Anand:
Mulk Raj Anand was born in Peshawar, British India (now in Pakistan), to a Punjabi family. His father, Lal Chand, was a coppersmith. Anand's early life was marked by personal tragedy; his mother died when he was very young, and his family faced financial difficulties.
Education:
Anand studied at Khalsa College in Amritsar and later moved to England for higher education. He attended the University of London, where he studied philosophy and literature. During his time in London, he also became associated with influential literary and political circles.
Mulk Raj Anand's Literary Career:
Mulk Raj Anand started his literary career as a writer and art critic in London during the 1920s. He was associated with the Bloomsbury Group, which included prominent literary figures like Virginia Woolf and E. M. Forster.
Anand's literary output began with poetry and essays, but he gained widespread recognition with his first novel, "Untouchable," published in 1935. The novel, written in a realistic and socially conscious style, focused on the life of an untouchable (lower caste) in India.
He continued to explore social issues and the impact of caste, poverty, and British colonialism in his subsequent novels, including "Coolie" (1936) and "Two Leaves and a Bud" (1937).
Social Activism:
Mulk Raj Anand was not only a prolific writer but also an active social reformer. He was deeply committed to social justice and worked tirelessly to address issues of caste discrimination and inequality. He associated himself with the Indian Progressive Writers' Association, a group of writers advocating for social and political change.
Later Years of Mulk Raj Anand:
After India gained independence in 1947, Mulk Raj Anand continued to write and contribute to the literary and social discourse. He served as a cultural ambassador for India, representing the country at various international forums.
Some of his other notable works include "The Village" (1939), "Across the Black Waters" (1940), and the trilogy "The Private Life of an Indian Prince" (1953), "The Bubble" (1968), and "Confessions of a Lover" (1976).
Mulk Raj Anand's contributions to literature and social activism were widely acknowledged. He received numerous awards, including the Padma Bhushan, one of India's highest civilian honors, in 1988.
Mulk Raj Anand passed away on September 28, 2004, leaving behind a rich legacy of literature that continues to be studied and appreciated for its social insights and artistic merit.