From Peshawar’s Streets to a Literary Legacy
Mulk Raj Anand (real name: Mulk Raj Anand) was born on 12 December 1905 in Peshawar, British India (now Pakistan). He became one of India’s first major English-language novelists, known for his empathetic portrayal of the impoverished and underprivileged.
2. Roots & Early Hardships
Family & Childhood
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Father: Lal Chand, a military clerk
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Mother: Ishwar Kaur, from a religious Sikh background
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Born into a Khatri (Kshatriya) family with five siblings
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Witnessed familial tragedy when his aunt was excommunicated over caste and religion, prompting her suicide—an event that sparked his early writing
Education & Formative Influences
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Studied at Khalsa College, Amritsar, earning honours in 1924
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Traveled to England, worked in restaurants, and pursued higher education: University College London and a PhD in philosophy from Cambridge (1929), focusing on Bertrand Russell and empiricism
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Immersed in the Bloomsbury Group and lecturing at the League of Nations, shaping his world view
3. Career Launch & Literary Breakthrough
Early Publishing
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Began contributing to T. S. Eliot’s magazine, Criterion, while in England
Milestone Works
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Untouchable (1935): First novel. Inspired by his aunt and Gandhi’s advice, it focused on a Dalit cleaner, Bakha, and hit international acclaim despite 19 rejections—a preface by E. M. Forster helped its launch
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Coolie (1936): Followed with Munoo’s struggle, tackling poverty and exploitation
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Two Leaves and a Bud (1937): Bold critique of colonial injustice; briefly banned
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Trilogy: The Village, Across the Black Waters (WWI soldier’s plight), and The Sword and the Sickle
4. Mid-Life Achievements & Social Impact
Political Engagement
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Co-founded the Progressive Writers’ Association (1935) in London
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Broadcasted for BBC Eastern Service during WWII; befriended George Orwell
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Volunteered for the Spanish Civil War—not as a soldier but a committed sympathizer
Post-Independence Contributions
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Returned to India (1946), settled in Bombay
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Founded Marg magazine – a hub for arts and cultural discourse (1946). Chaired Lalit Kala Akademi; launched India’s first international art triennale (1968)
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Received accolades: Padma Bhushan (1967), Sahitya Akademi Award (1971 for Morning Face), International Peace Prize (1952)
5. Legacy, Later Years & Death
Personal Life
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Married English actress Kathleen van Gelder (1938), with whom he had a daughter, Susheela; divorced in 1948
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Later married dancer Shirin Vajifdar (1950)
Final Years
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Continued writing, political activism, and arts patronage; resided in Pune and Khandala with community service initiatives.
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Died of pneumonia on 28 September 2004 in Pune, aged 98
6. Modern Recognition & Influence
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Regarded as a pioneer of Indo-Anglian fiction, alongside R. K. Narayan, Raja Rao, and Ahmed Ali
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His style—blending Punjabi and Hindustani idioms—redefined Indian-English prose
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Major works remain academic staples: Untouchable, Coolie, Across the Black Waters.
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His arts initiatives (Marg, triennale) continue shaping India’s cultural narrative.
📊 Personal Profile (The “Keyword” Round-Up)
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Real Name | Mulk Raj Anand |
| Date of Birth | 12 December 1905 |
| Birth Place | Peshawar, British India |
| Residence | Lived in England (1920s–’46); later in Bombay, Pune, and Khandala |
| Profession | Novelist, essayist, critic, and arts patron |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Religion | Hindu (Khatri background) |
| Partner | Kathleen van Gelder (1938–48); Shirin Vajifdar (from 1950) |
| Father | Lal Chand |
| Mother | Ishwar Kaur |
| Horoscope | Sagittarius |
| Age | 98 (d. 28 Sept 2004) |
| Body Measurements, Bra/Hip size, Weight, Height, Body Type, Eye Color, Hair Color | Not publicly available; physical descriptors not documented |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What inspired Untouchable?
A: A personal family tragedy—his aunt’s ostracism and suicide—inspired him to tackle caste discrimination
Q: Why is Coolie important?
A: It furthered his social critique, highlighting economic oppression through Munoo’s life
Q: What was his role in Indian arts?
A: Founder-editor of Marg (1946), championed tribute to Indian modern arts, chaired Lalit Kala Akademi, curated 1968 art triennale
Q: What recognitions did he receive?
A: Padma Bhushan (1967), Sahitya Akademi Award (1971), International Peace Prize (1952)
Q: Is Marg still published?
A: Yes, Marg remains a prominent quarterly journal on Indian arts and culture.
Q: Did he have children?
A: Yes, a daughter, Susheela, with Kathleen van Gelder
Q: Can I read his works today?
A: Absolutely. Most major works are in print or e‑books, and many are academic staples.