Mulk Raj Anand: Life and Works

Mulk Raj Anand

Mulk Raj Anand is amongst the pioneer Indo-English novelists, alongwith R.K. Narayan and Raja Rao. He is known for his commitment for meportraying the struggles and injustices faced by the marginalized in Indian society, a service for which he has been hailed as the Charles Dickens of India. He is considered the founding father of Indian English Novel. Born on December 12, 1905, in Peshawar, he belonged to a Hindu family of Kshatriyas. His father, Lal Chand, initially a silversmith turned sepoy, later became a head clerk in the Thirty-eighth Dogra Regiment. Mulk Raj Anand inherited from his father both a professional artisan’s industry and a revolutionary temperament, seamlessly blending minute attention to detail with a commitment to social change. From his mother, who hailed from a devout Sikh peasant family, Anand acquired a strong foundation in religious beliefs and a rich knowledge of folklore. His mother’s gift for storytelling left a lasting impact, captivating Anand with an intense sense of wonder. The combination of his father’s practical skills and revolutionary spirit, along with his mother’s religious depth and storytelling prowess, contributed to the multifaceted qualities that shaped Anand’s literary perspective.

Anand’s father, an Arya Samaji, instilled in him a strong educational ambition. After matriculating in 1920, Anand joined Khalsa College, Amritsar, actively participating in non-violent struggles against British rule, which led to his arrest. In 1924, he graduated from Punjab University with Honours in English. Subsequently, he pursued higher education at Cambridge University, achieving a Doctorate in Philosophy in 1929. Throughout this period, he established connections and friendships with individuals associated with the Bloomsbury Group. This marked the beginning of his literary journey, as he associated with T.S. Eliot‘s literary periodical, “The Criterion”.

Literary Contributions:

Mulk Raj Anand is renowned for his prolific and impactful contributions to literature. His early novels, including “Untouchable” (1935), “Coolie” (1936), and “Two Leaves and a Bud” (1937), marked a departure from traditional Indian literary themes. Anand’s work introduced a new trend of realism and social protest in Indian English fiction. His protagonists, often drawn from the downtrodden, depicted the harsh realities of exploitation, class-hatred, and inhuman cruelty. His trilogy, consisting of “The Village,” “Across the Black Waters,” and “The Sword and the Sickle,” narrates the transformation of India. It evolves from an existence marked by oppression and stagnation to a realm where individuals can dare to envision dreams. He also planned to write seven-volume autobiographical novel called “Seven Ages of Man.” In this endeavour, he completed four volumes: “Seven Summers” (1951), “Morning Face” (1968), “Confession of a Lover” (1976), and “The Bubble” (1984). He won the Sahitya Academy Award for ‘Morning Face’ in 1971. In addition to novels, he wrote several short stories and explored various themes, including art, paintings, and literature.

Impact of Anand’s Experiences on His Works:

Mulk Raj Anand’s literary career was shaped by several significant influences:

Early Life Experiences: Mulk Raj Anand’s literary journey was profoundly influenced by personal experiences, particularly a family tragedy rooted in the inflexibility of India’s caste system. His literary career took flight in response to a poignant incident: the suicide of an aunt who had been excommunicated by her family for the perceived transgression of sharing a meal with a Muslim woman. This tragedy served as a catalyst, prompting Anand to channel his emotions and reflections into his first prose essay. This early encounter with the harsh consequences of caste rigidity deeply shaped Anand’s commitment to shedding light on social injustices through his writing.

Social Realism and Progressivism: Anand was deeply influenced by the social realism movement, particularly the works of Western writers like Charles Dickens. He believed in “Art for Life’s Sake”. He says categorically;

I would no longer live by the dead ideas Of traditional philosophies, the ritual of the old religions or by the tame words of the classics.

The progressive ideals of addressing societal issues and advocating for social change played a crucial role in shaping his narrative approach.

Association with the Bloomsbury Group: Anand’s friendships with members of the Bloomsbury Group, a prominent intellectual collective, provided him with exposure to diverse perspectives and literary discussions. This association enriched his understanding of artistic and social movements.

Progressive Writers’ Movement: The Progressive Writers’ Association was established in London in 1935 by Indian writers and intellectuals, with the encouragement and support of some British literary figures. Anand actively participated in this Movement along with Sajjad Zaheer and Jyotirmaya Ghosh. The movement sought to address social issues through literature and raised its voice in support of the common people who were oppressed by colonialism, feudalism, and imperialism. The members of this Association refused to remain neutral in the face of exploitation in colonial India. This involvement deepened Anand’s commitment to using literature as a tool for social change and reform.

European Political and Social Climate: Anand’s stay in Europe during the tumultuous period between the two World Wars exposed him to the political and social upheavals of the time. The impact of events like the General Strike of 1926 and the rise of fascism influenced his views on social justice and equality.

These influences collectively moulded Mulk Raj Anand into a writer with a distinctive voice, dedicated to portraying the struggles and aspirations of the common people in a rapidly changing social landscape.