Who is the author of the novel 'Coolie'?

The correct answer is Mulk Raj Anand.

Key Points

•  Mulk Raj Anand 
  • Mulk Raj Anand (1905-2004) was a prominent Indian writer in English, known for his pioneering works that depicted the lives of the marginalized and the oppressed in Indian society.
  • He is considered one of the founding fathers of the English novel in India, along with R.K. Narayan and Raja Rao.
  • Anand's writing was deeply influenced by his exposure to poverty and social injustice, and he used his literary platform to advocate for social reform and human dignity.
  • He was also a noted art critic and scholar.
  • Anand's novel 'Coolie', published in 1936, is a powerful and poignant portrayal of the life of Munoo, a young boy who is forced to leave his village and work as a coolie (unskilled laborer) in various parts of British India.
  • The novel vividly depicts the harsh realities of poverty, exploitation, and social stratification during the colonial era.
  • Through Munoo's experiences, Anand exposes the systemic injustices faced by the working class and the vulnerable sections of society.
  • 'Coolie' is considered a significant work of social realism in Indian English literature and brought Anand international recognition.

Additional Information

• Vikram Seth
  • Vikram Seth (born in 1952) is an acclaimed Indian novelist and poet who writes in English.
  • He is known for his epic novel 'A Suitable Boy' (1993), one of the longest single-volume novels written in English, which intricately portrays the social and political landscape of post-independence India through the intertwined lives of four families.
  • Seth's other notable works include 'The Golden Gate' (1986), a novel in verse, and 'An Equal Music' (1999), a novel about musicians.
  • His writing is characterized by its lyrical prose, meticulous detail, and insightful exploration of human relationships and cultural nuances.
• R.K. Narayan
  • R.K. Narayan (1906-2001) was another towering figure in early Indian English literature.
  • He is best known for his works set in the fictional South Indian town of Malgudi, which he brought to life with warmth, humor, and keen observation of human nature.
  • His notable novels include 'Swami and Friends' (1935), 'The Guide' (1958), 'The Man-Eater of Malgudi' (1961), and 'Malgudi Days' (a collection of short stories).
  • Narayan's writing is celebrated for its simplicity, authenticity, and its ability to capture the essence of everyday Indian life.
  • He was widely read and admired for his gentle satire and his enduring characters.
• Arundhati Roy
  • Arundhati Roy (born in 1961) is an Indian author and political activist who writes in English.
  • She is best known for her debut novel 'The God of Small Things' (1997), which won the Booker Prize and garnered international acclaim for its lyrical prose, complex narrative structure, and exploration of themes such as caste, childhood, and forbidden love in the backdrop of Kerala.
  • Roy is also a vocal critic of social and political issues in India and has written several non-fiction works addressing topics such as environmentalism, globalization, and social justice.
  • Her writing is characterized by its passionate engagement with contemporary issues and its distinctive literary style.