Mulk Raj Anand

 

Born: December 12, 1905,

Birthplace:  Peshawar, India. (Which is now Pakistan)

Death Date: September 28, 2004

 

 

Mulk Raj Anand is selected for our top ten for multiple reasons. Which includes being the first Indian Writer in the English language; to make an international scenario, and also for his portrayal of the poor Mr.Anand depicted. His writings are touching and indeed shows an inside look in India.

 

Early Life:

 

 Mulk Raj Anand was born to a coppersmith and soldier. From a young age, he witnessed problems of the Indian society that derived fro things such as religion. He was a passionate reader and always seem to be curious about politics. Later in life he went to the University of Punjab from where he graduated in 1924. At college, Mr.Anand became associated with the NonCo-operation Movement and was imprisoned for a short period. The jail experience had a profound impact on him, and he saw how India's empire and freedom were two complete opposites. He wanted to expose India's evil practices through his writing.

 

Career:

 

 Mulk Raj Anand commenced into the literary career by a family tragedy, in which his aunt committed suicide.  He then became a writer in the English language since English publishers were more open to his theme that he wrote on. His first novel, "Untouchable", which was a reflection of the daily life of a member of India's untouchable caste. The book became widely known, and he was compared to being the Charles Dickens of his country. His most famous works include; The Private Life of an Indian Prince, The Village, Across the Black Waters, and Coolie. He is acknowledged with the Padma Bhasma, which is India's third highest civilian award in 1967.