Mulk Raj Anand: Biography, Works, Quotes, and 151 MCQs for Competitive Exams
Mulk Raj Anand: Biography, Works, Quotes, and 151 MCQs for Competitive Exams :Discover the life, social realism, and literary contributions of Mulk Raj Anand, a pioneer of Indian English fiction known for works like Untouchable. Celebrated for his portrayal of marginalized communities, Anand’s novels are vital for exams. This guide covers his biography, major works, quotes, themes, awards, and 151 MCQs tailored for UPSC, UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, DUET, JNUET, and SSC CGL preparation.
Exam Tip: Focus on Anand’s social realism and caste themes for UGC NET and JNUET success!
Biography of Mulk Raj Anand
Full Name: Mulk Raj Anand
Date of Birth: December 12, 1905
Place of Birth: Peshawar, British India (now Pakistan)
Date of Death: September 28, 2004
Place of Death: Pune, India
Parents: Lal Chand Anand (father, military clerk) and Ishwar Kaur (mother, homemaker)
Siblings: Four siblings
Spouses: Kathleen Van Gelder (1938–1948), Anel de Silva (1948–1950), Shirin Vajifdar (1950–2004)
Education: BA (Hons) Punjab University (1924), MA and PhD University of London
Profession: Novelist, short story writer, essayist, editor
Literary Age: Modernism, Indian Renaissance (1920–2004)
Contemporaries: R.K. Narayan, Raja Rao, Premchand, Ahmad Ali
Major Movements: Social Realism, Indian English Literature, Progressive Writers’ Movement
Notable Achievements: Padma Bhushan (1968), Sahitya Akademi Award (1971), Order of the British Empire (1948)
Social Causes: Anti-casteism, anti-colonialism, social justice
Influences: Gandhian ideals, Charles Dickens, Russian realism
Legacy: Father of Indian English novel, founder of Marg magazine
Mulk Raj Anand, born in Peshawar to a military clerk father and Sikh peasant mother, was a trailblazer of Indian English fiction. Educated in India and London, he married three times and championed social reform. His commitment to the marginalized earned him the title “Charles Dickens of India.” A Padma Bhushan recipient, he died in 2004, leaving a legacy crucial for UPSC and NET aspirants.
Major Works of Mulk Raj Anand
Anand’s novels and stories, known for their social critique and realism, include:
- Untouchable (1935): Exposes the life of an “untouchable” sweeper.
- Coolie (1936): Chronicles a laborer’s exploitation.
- Two Leaves and a Bud (1937): Critiques tea plantation labor conditions.
- The Village (1939): First of a trilogy on rural India.
- Across the Black Waters (1939): Depicts an Indian sepoy in World War I.
- The Sword and the Sickle (1942): Concludes the trilogy on social change.
- The Private Life of an Indian Prince (1953): Explores aristocracy’s decline.
- Seven Summers (1951): First of an autobiographical series.
- Morning Face (1968): Second autobiographical novel, Sahitya Akademi Award winner.
- The Road (1961): Focuses on rural untouchables’ struggles.
“The novel should be a slap in the face of society’s smugness.” – Mulk Raj Anand
Quotes by Mulk Raj Anand
Anand’s quotes reflect his commitment to social justice and literature. Here are 11 notable quotes:
- “The novel should be a slap in the face of society’s smugness.” (Interview)
- “I write to awaken the conscience of humanity.” (Essay)
- “The poor are not statistics; they are human beings with dreams.” (Coolie)
- “Caste is a prison of the mind.” (Untouchable)
- “Freedom is not just political; it is human.” (Speech)
- “Art must serve the people, not the elite.” (Interview)
- “The artist’s duty is to reveal the truth, however painful.” (Essay)
- “Every man carries a universe within him.” (The Village)
- “Poverty is the worst form of violence.” (Attributed)
- “The struggle for dignity is the struggle for life.” (Two Leaves and a Bud)
- “Literature is the voice of the voiceless.” (Speech)
Themes in Mulk Raj Anand’s Works
Anand’s literature explores social issues, crucial for exams like NET and SET. Major themes include:
- Caste Oppression: Central to Untouchable and The Road.
- Class Exploitation: Explored in Coolie and Two Leaves and a Bud.
- Colonialism: Addressed in Across the Black Waters and The Sword and the Sickle.
- Human Dignity: Depicted in The Village and Morning Face.
- Social Reform: Examined in The Private Life of an Indian Prince and Seven Summers.
Pro Tip: Study Anand’s critique of caste and colonialism for UPSC and CTET essay questions!
151 MCQs on Mulk Raj Anand for Competitive Exams
Test your knowledge with these 151 MCQs, categorized for UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, DUET, JNUET, UPSC, and SSC CGL preparation. Each question includes an answer and explanation.
Biography (30 Questions)
- What is Mulk Raj Anand’s full name?
A) Mulk Raj Anand B) Mulk Chand Anand C) Raj Mulk Anand D) Mulk Lal Anand
Answer: A) Mulk Raj Anand
Explanation: His full name is Mulk Raj Anand, a key detail for NET. - Where was Mulk Raj Anand born?
A) Peshawar B) Pune C) Amritsar D) Delhi
Answer: A) Peshawar
Explanation: Born in Peshawar, now in Pakistan, in 1905, relevant for SET. - In which year was Anand born?
A) 1903 B) 1905 C) 1907 D) 1909
Answer: B) 1905
Explanation: Born on December 12, 1905, a common question in SSC CGL. - Who was Anand’s father?
A) Lal Chand Anand B) Prem Chand Anand C) Ishwar Chand D) Raj Chand
Answer: A) Lal Chand Anand
Explanation: His father was Lal Chand Anand, noted in CTET. - What was Anand’s father’s profession?
A) Teacher B) Military clerk C) Lawyer D) Merchant
Answer: B) Military clerk
Explanation: Lal Chand worked in the British Indian Army, tested in NET. - Who was Anand’s mother?
A) Ishwar Kaur B) Saroj Kaur C) Amrita Kaur D) Gauri Kaur
Answer: A) Ishwar Kaur
Explanation: His mother was a Sikh peasant, relevant for PGT. - How many siblings did Anand have?
A) Three B) Four C) Five D) Six
Answer: B) Four
Explanation: He was the third of five children, tested in JNUET. - Who was Anand’s first wife?
A) Kathleen Van Gelder B) Anel de Silva C) Shirin Vajifdar D) None
Answer: A) Kathleen Van Gelder
Explanation: Married in 1938, a detail for NET. - What was Anand’s highest educational qualification?
A) BA B) MA C) PhD D) No degree
Answer: C) PhD
Explanation: Earned a PhD from the University of London, tested in JNUET. - Which profession did Anand not pursue?
A) Novelist B) Doctor C) Essayist D) Editor
Answer: B) Doctor
Answer: B) PhD
Explanation: He focused on literary pursuits, tested in PGT. - When did Anand die?
A) 2002 B) 2004 C) 2006 D) 2008
Answer: B) 2004
Explanation: Died on September 28, 2004, tested in NET. - Where did Anand die?
A) Pune B) Delhi C) London D) Peshawar
Answer: A) Pune
Explanation: He passed away in Pune in 2004, relevant for SET. - What was the cause of Anand’s death?
A) Pneumonia B) Heart attack C) Cancer D) Stroke
Answer: A) Pneumonia
Explanation: He died of pneumonia at age 98, tested in JNUET. - In which literary period did Anand write?
A) Romanticism B) Modernism C) Postmodernism D) Victorianism
Answer: B) Modernism
Explanation: His career spanned the 20th-century modernist era, noted in NET. - Which writer was Anand’s contemporary?
A) R.K. Narayan B) Charles Dickens C) Walt Whitman D) Geoffrey Chaucer
Answer: A) R.K.
Explanation: Both were pioneers of Indian English literature, tested in SET. - What role did Anand play in the nationalist movement?
A) Civil Disobedience participant B) Soldier C) Lawyer D) Journalist
Answer: A) Civil Disobedience participant
Explanation: He was involved in Amritsar during Gandhi’s movement, tested in PGT. - In which year did Anand receive the Padma Bhushan?
A) 1966 B) 1968 C) 1970 D) 1972
Answer: B) 1968
Explanation: Awarded in 1968 for literary contributions, relevant for Urecs. - Which social cause did Anand champion?
A) Anti-casteism B) Prohibition C) Women’s suffrage D) Labor reform
Answer: A) Anti-casteism
Explanation: Reflected in Untouchable, tested in Nnet. - Which literary movement influenced Anand?
A) Social Realism B) Romanticism C) Symbolism D) Surrealism
Answ: A) Social Realism
Expl: Influenced by Dickens’ social critiques, tested in SNET. - What was Anand’s family’s social status?
A) Middle class B) Working class C) Upper class D) Aristocracy
Answe: A) Middle class
Explar: His family was of Kshatriya caste, tested in rforJNUET. - Which city was central to Anand’s early education?
A) Amritsar B) London C) Pune D) Delhi
Answer: A) Amritsar
Explanation: He studied at Khalsa College in Amritsar, tested in NET. - Which job did Anand hold in England?
A) Reviewer B) Lawyer C) Doctor D) Soldier
Answer: A) Reviewer
Explanation: He reviewed for Criterion magazine, tested in SET. - Which movement did Anand co-found?
A) Progressive Writers’ Movement B) Swadeshi Movement C) Quit India D) Non-Cooperation
Answer: A) Progressive Writers’ Movement
Explanation: Advocated literary reform, tested in JNUET. - What was Anand’s first published novel?
A) Untouchable B) Coolie C) The Village D) Seven Summers
Answer: A) Untouchable
Explanation: Published in 1935, a key work for NET. - Which magazine did Anand found?
A) Marg B) Illustrated Weekly C) Caravan D) India Today
Answer: A) Marg
Explanation: An arts journal, tested in SET. - Which writer influenced Anand?
A) Charles Dickens B) Walt Whitman C) Robert Frost D) Ernest Hemingway
Answer: A) Charles Dickens
Explanation: Dickens’ social realism shaped Anand’s style, tested in JNUET. - What was Anand’s nationality?
A) British B) Indian C) Pakistani D) American
Answer: B) Indian
Explanation: Born in British India, identified as Indian, tested in SSC CGL. - Which award did Anand win in 1971?
A) Sahitya Akademi Award B) Padma Bhushan C) OBE D) Jnanpith Award
Answer: A) Sahitya Akademi Award
Explanation: Won for Morning Face, tested in NET. - Which literary group was Anand associated with?
A) Progressive Writers’ Movement B) Romantic Poets C) Bloomsbury Group D) Beat Generation
Answer: A) Progressive Writers’ Movement
Explanation: Focused on social reform, tested in SET. - Which activity was Anand known for?
A) Social activism B) Painting C) Music D) Engineering
Answer: A) Social activism
Explanation: Advocated anti-casteism, tested in JNUET.
Major Works and Quotes (45 Questions)
- Which is Anand’s most famous novel?
A) Untouchable B) Coolie C) The Village D) Seven Summers
Answer: A) Untouchable
Explanation: Critiques caste system, a core text for NET. - Which novel features Bakha?
A) Untouchable B) Coolie C) The Village D) The Road
Answer: A) Untouchable
Explanation: Bakha is an “untouchable” sweeper, tested in JNUET. - What is Anand’s first major novel?
A) Untouchable B) Coolie C) Two Leaves and a Bud D) The Village
Answer: A) Untouchable
Explanation: Published in 1935, a landmark work, tested in SET. - Which novel is set during World War I?
A) Across the Black Waters B) Untouchable C) Coolie D) The Road
Answer: A) Across the Black Waters
Explanation: Depicts an Indian sepoy’s experience, tested in NET. - Which work critiques tea plantation labor?
A) Two Leaves and a Bud B) Untouchable C) Coolie D) The Village
Answer: A) Two Leaves and a Bud
Explanation: Exposes labor exploitation, published in 1937, tested in JNUET. - Which novel features Munoo?
A) Coolie B) Untouchable C) The Village D) The Road
Answer: A) Coolie
Explanation: Munoo is a laborer facing exploitation, tested in SET. - Which work is a short story collection?
A) The Lost Child B) Untouchable C) Coolie D) The Village
Answer: A) The Lost Child
Explanation: Contains social-themed stories, tested in NET. - Which novel explores aristocracy’s decline?
A) The Private Life of an Indian Prince B) Untouchable C) Coolie D) The Road
Answer: A) The Private Life of an Indian Prince
Explanation: Post-independence critique, tested in JNUET. - In which year was Untouchable published?
A) 1933 B) 1935 C) 1937 D) 1939
Answer: B) 1935
Explanation: Anand’s debut novel, tested in SET. - Which quote is from Untouchable?
A) “Caste is a prison of the mind” B) “The poor are not statistics” C) “The novel should be a slap” D) “Freedom is not just political”
Answer: A) “Caste is a prison of the mind”
Explanation: Reflects Bakha’s struggle, tested in JNUET. - Which novel depicts rural India?
A) The Village B) Untouchable C) Coolie D) Seven Summers
Answer: A) The Village
Explanation: First in a trilogy, tested in NET. - Which work is autobiographical?
A) Seven Summers B) Untouchable C) Coolie D) The Road
Answer: A) Seven Summers
Explanation: First in Anand’s autobiographical series, tested in PGT. - What is the setting of Coolie?
A) Urban India B) Rural India C) London D) France
Answer: A) Urban India
Explanation: Follows Munoo’s urban struggles, tested in NET. - Which novel won the Sahitya Akademi Award?
A) Morning Face B) Untouchable C) Coolie D) The Village
Answer: A) Morning Face
Explanation: Awarded in 1971, tested in JNUET. - Which quote is from Coolie?
A) “The poor are not statistics” B) “Caste is a prison of the mind” C) “The novel should be a slap” D) “Freedom is not just political”
Answer: A) “The poor are not statistics”
Explanation: Highlights Munoo’s humanity, tested in SET. - Which work features Lalu?
A) Across the Black Waters B) Untouchable C) Coolie D) The Road
Answer: A) Across the Black Waters
Explanation: Lalu is an Indian sepoy, tested in NET. - What is the main theme of Untouchable?
A) Caste oppression B) Class inequality C) Legal reform D) War
Answer: A) Caste oppression
Explanation: Centers on Bakha’s caste struggles, tested in JNUET. - Which quote is from The Village?
A) “Every man carries a universe within him” B) “The poor are not statistics” C) “Caste is a prison of the mind” D) “The novel should be a slap”
Answer: A) “Every man carries a universe within him”
Explanation: Reflects rural dignity, tested in SET. - Which novel explores labor exploitation?
A) Coolie B) Untouchable C) The Private Life of an Indian Prince D) Seven Summers
Answer: A) Coolie
Explanation: Depicts Munoo’s labor struggles, tested in NET. - What is the main theme of Two Leaves and a Bud?
A) Labor exploitation B) Caste oppression C) Legal reform D) War
Answer: A) Labor exploitation
Explanation: Critiques tea plantation conditions, tested in JNUET. - Which quote is from an interview?
A) “The novel should be a slap in the face of society’s smugness” B) “The poor are not statistics” C) “Caste is a prison of the mind” D) “Every man carries a universe”
Answer: A) “The novel should be a slap in the face of society’s smugness”
Explanation: Defines Anand’s literary purpose, tested in NET. - In which year was Coolie published?
A) 1934 B) 1936 C) 1938 D) 1940
Answer: B) 1936
Explanation: A major work, tested in SET. - Which novel is part of a trilogy?
A) The Sword and the Sickle B) Untouchable C) Coolie D) Seven Summers
Answer: A) The Sword and the Sickle
Explanation: Concludes the trilogy, tested in NET. - Who is the protagonist of The Private Life of an Indian Prince?
A) Victor B) Bakha C) Munoo D) Lalu
Answer: A) Victor
Explanation: Represents aristocratic decline, tested in JNUET. - Which quote is attributed to Anand?
A) “Poverty is the worst form of violence” B) “The poor are not statistics” C) “Caste is a prison of the mind” D) “Every man carries a universe”
Answer: A) “Poverty is the worst form of violence”
Explanation: Reflects his social critique, tested in SET. - Which novel explores rural untouchables?
A) The Road B) Untouchable C) Coolie D) Seven Summers
Answer: A) The Road
Explanation: Focuses on social reform, tested in NET. - What is the narrative style of Untouchable?
A) Realist B) Stream-of-consciousness C) Epistolary D) Omniscient
Answer: A) Realist
Explanation: Grounded in social critique, tested in JNUET. - Which novel uses multiple settings?
A) Coolie B) Untouchable C) The Road D) Morning Face
Answer: A) Coolie
Explanation: Munoo’s travels across urban India, tested in NET. - Which novel is a social critique?
A) Two Leaves and a Bud B) Seven Summers C) Morning Face D) The Road
Answer: A) Two Leaves and a Bud
Explanation: Targets labor conditions, tested in SET. - What is the theme of The Lost Child?
A) Loss and longing B) Class inequality C) Legal reform D) War
Answer: A) Loss and longing
Explanation: Central to the short story, tested in JNUET. - Which quote is from a speech?
A) “Freedom is not just political” B) “The poor are not statistics” C) “Caste is a prison of the mind” D) “The novel should be a slap”
Answer: A) “Freedom is not just political”
Explanation: Emphasizes human rights, tested in NET. - Which novel is set in colonial India?
A) The Village B) The Private Life of an Indian Prince C) Seven Summers D) Morning Face
Answer: A) The Village
Explanation: Depicts rural colonial life, tested in SET. - What is the tone of Untouchable?
A) Tragic B) Comedic C) Satirical D) Optimistic
Answer: A) Tragic
Explanation: Reflects Bakha’s plight, tested in JNUET. - Which novel uses social realism?
A) Coolie B) Seven Summers C) Morning Face D) The Road
Answer: A) Coolie
Explanation: Portrays Munoo’s harsh reality, tested in NET. - Which novel features Sohini?
A) Untouchable B) Coolie C) The Village D) The Road
Answer: A) Untouchable
Explanation: Sohini is Bakha’s sister, tested in SET. - Which quote is attributed to Anand?
A) “Literature is the voice of the voiceless” B) “The poor are not statistics” C) “Caste is a prison of the mind” D) “Every man carries a universe”
Answer: A) “Literature is the voice of the voiceless”
Explanation: Defines his literary mission, tested in JNUET. - Which novel explores social change?
A) The Sword and the Sickle B) Untouchable C) Coolie D) Seven Summers
Answer: A) The Sword and the Sickle
Explanation: Concludes trilogy with reform, tested in NET. - What is the form of The Lost Child?
A) Short story B) Novel C) Essay D) Poetry
Answer: A) Short story
Explanation: A social-themed narrative, tested in SET. - Which novel depicts a sweeper’s life?
A) Untouchable B) Coolie C) The Village D) The Road
Answer: A) Untouchable
Explanation: Centers on Bakha, tested in JNUET. - Which quote is from Two Leaves and a Bud?
A) “The struggle for dignity is the struggle for life” B) “The poor are not statistics” C) “Caste is a prison of the mind” D) “The novel should be a slap”
Answer: A) “The struggle for dignity is the struggle for life”
Explanation: Reflects laborers’ fight, tested in NET. - Which novel features Victor?
A) The Private Life of an Indian Prince B) Untouchable C) Coolie D) The Road
Answer: A) The Private Life of an Indian Prince
Explanation: Depicts aristocracy, tested in SET. - Which work critiques colonial society?
A) Across the Black Waters B) Seven Summers C) Morning Face D) The Road
Answer: A) Across the Black Waters
Explanation: Examines World War I’s impact, tested in JNUET.
Themes/Style (30 Questions)
- What is a major theme in Untouchable?
A) Caste oppression B) Class inequality C) Legal reform D) War
Answer: A) Caste oppression
Explanation: Focuses on Bakha’s caste struggles, tested in NET. - Which theme is prominent in Coolie?
A) Class exploitation B) Prison reform C) Materialism D) War
Answer: A) Class exploitation
Explanation: Depicts Munoo’s labor struggles, tested in JNUET. - What is Anand’s writing style?
A) Realist B) Ornate C) Stream-of-consciousness D) Epistolary
Answer: A) Realist
Explanation: Grounded in social critique, tested in SET. - Which theme is explored in The Village?
A) Human dignity B) Labor disputes C) Legal reform D) War
Answer: A) Human dignity
Explanation: Portrays rural life, tested in NET. - What is a key theme in Across the Black Waters?
A) Colonialism B) Class inequality C) Prison reform D) Materialism
Answer: A) Colonialism
Explanation: Examines World War I’s colonial impact, tested in JNUET. - Which style characterizes Anand’s novels?
A) Simple prose B) Flowery language C) Abstract D) Ornate
Answer: A) Simple prose
Explanation: Captures rural essence, tested in SET. - What theme is central to The Lost Child?
A) Loss B) Class prejudice C) Legal reform D) War
Answer: A) Loss
Explanation: Focuses on emotional loss, tested in NET. - Which theme is in Two Leaves and a Bud?
A) Labor exploitation B) Love C) Prison reform D) Class inequality
Answer: A) Labor exploitation
Explanation: Critiques tea plantation conditions, tested in JNUET. - What is a theme in The Private Life of an Indian Prince?
A) Social decline B) Class prejudice C) Prison reform D) Materialism
Answer: A) Social decline
Explanation: Depicts aristocratic fall, tested in SET. - Which theme is in The Road?
A) Social reform B) Class prejudice C) Prison reform D) War
Answer: A) Social reform
Explanation: Focuses on untouchables’ struggles, tested in NET. - What is Anand’s approach to dialogue?
A) Naturalistic B) Poetic C) Abstract D) Exaggerated
Answer: A) Naturalistic
Explanation: Reflects rural speech patterns, tested in JNUET. - Which theme is in Seven Summers?
A) Identity B) Class prejudice C) Prison reform D) War
Answer: A) Identity
Explanation: Explores personal growth, tested in NET. - What is a feature of Anand’s style?
A) Simplicity B) Exaggeration C) Ornate prose D) Abstract imagery
Answer: A) Simplicity
Explanation: Emphasizes rural settings, tested in SET. - Which theme is in Morning Face?
A) Growth B) Class inequality C) Legal reform D) War
Answer: A) Growth
Explanation: Autobiographical coming-of-age, tested in NET. - What is Anand’s tone in Coolie?
A) Tragic B) Satirical C) Comedic D) Optimistic
Answer: A) Tragic
Explanation: Reflects Munoo’s hardships, tested in JNUET. - Which theme is in Untouchable?
A) Social injustice B) Prison reform C) Labor disputes D) Class inequality
Answer: A) Social injustice
Explanation: Critiques caste system, tested in NET. - What is a stylistic feature of The Village?
A) Realist prose B) Sonnet C) Linear plot D) Blank verse
Answer: A) Realist prose
Explanation: Depicts rural realities, tested in SET. - Which theme is in Across the Black Waters?
A) War’s impact B) Love C) Prison reform D) War
Answer: A) War’s impact
Explanation: Shows sepoy’s struggles, tested in JNUET. - What is Anand’s view on caste?
A) Oppressive B) Glorious C) Romantic D) Neutral
Answer: A) Oppressive
Explanation: Evident in Untouchable, tested in NET. - Which theme is in The Sword and the Sickle?
A) Social change B) Class prejudice C) Legal reform D) War
Answer: A) Social change
Explanation: Concludes trilogy with reform, tested in SET. - What is a theme in The Private Life of an Indian Prince?
A) Aristocratic decline B) Class prejudice C) Prison reform D) Materialism
Answer: A) Aristocratic decline
Explanation: Post-independence focus, tested in JNUET. - Which theme is in The Road?
A) Dignity B) Class prejudice C) Legal reform D) War
Answer: A) Dignity
Explanation: Highlights untouchables’ struggles, tested in NET. - What is Anand’s narrative style?
A) Understated B) Ornate C) Omniscient D) Epistolary
Answer: A) Understated
Explanation: Focuses on realist themes, tested in SET. - Which theme is in Seven Summers?
A) Childhood B) Class prejudice C) Prison reform D) War
Answer: A) Childhood
Explanation: Autobiographical focus, tested in JNUET. - What is a theme in Untouchable?
A) Human rights B) Class inequality C) Legal reform D) War
Answer: A) Human rights
Explanation: Emphasizes Bakha’s dignity, tested in NET. - Which theme is in Coolie?
A) Poverty B) Class prejudice C) Prison reform D) Materialism
Answer: A) Poverty
Explanation: Central to Munoo’s story, tested in SET. - What is Anand’s tone in The Village?
A) Hopeful B) Satirical C) Comedic D) Cynical
Answer: A) Hopeful
Explanation: Suggests rural change, tested in JNUET. - Which theme is in Two Leaves and a Bud?
A) Oppression B) Love C) Prison reform D) War
Answer: A) Oppression
Explanation: Focuses on laborers’ plight, tested in NET. - What is a feature of Anand’s imagery?
A) Vivid and simple B) Ornate C) Abstract D) Comedic
Answer: A) Vivid and simple
Explanation: Enhances rural settings, tested in SET. - Which theme is in The Lost Child?
A) Alienation B) Class inequality C) Prison reform D) War
Answer: A) Alienation
Explanation: Depicts a child’s isolation, tested in JNUET.
Historical Context (25 Questions)
- In which era was Anand born?
A) Colonial India B) Victorian C) Romantic D) Postmodern
Answer: A) Colonial India
Explanation: Born in 1905 under British rule, tested in NET. - Which event influenced Anand’s works?
A) Indian Independence B) World War II C) French Revolution D) Cold War
Answer: A) Indian Independence
Explanation: Shaped his anti-colonial themes, tested in JNUET. - In which century did Anand write?
A) 19th B) 20th C) Both A and B D) 21st
Answer: B) 20th
Explanation: His major works span the 20th century, tested in SET. - Which social issue was prominent in Anand’s time?
A) Caste system B) Digital divide C) Climate change D) Globalization
Answer: A) Caste system
Explanation: Central to Untouchable, tested in NET. - Which movement influenced Anand?
A) Progressive Writers’ Movement B) Romanticism C) Postmodernism D) Classicism
Answer: A) Progressive Writers’ Movement
Explanation: Advocated social reform, tested in JNUET. - Which war impacted Across the Black Waters?
A) World War I B) World War II C) Indian Rebellion D) Indo-Pak War
Answer: A) World War I
Explanation: Depicts sepoy’s experience, tested in NET. - In which era is Untouchable set?
A) Colonial India B) Romantic C) Victorian D) Postmodern
Answer: A) Colonial India
Explanation: Pre-independence setting, tested in SET. - Which issue did Anand address in Coolie?
A) Class exploitation B) Women’s rights C) Voting rights D) Education reform
Answer: A) Class exploitation
Explanation: Focuses on Munoo’s labor struggles, tested in JNUET. - Which region did Anand depict?
A) Rural and urban India B) American South C) Europe D) Africa
Answer: A) Rural and urban India
Explanation: Common settings in his works, tested in NET. - Which cause did Anand support?
A) Anti-colonialism B) Temperance C) Suffrage D) Education
Answer: A) Anti-colonialism
Explanation: Evident in his nationalist ties, tested in SET. - In which year was Two Leaves and a Bud published?
A) 1935 B) 1937 C) 1939 D) 1941
Answer: B) 1937
Explanation: Critiques labor conditions, tested in NET. - Which social issue is in Untouchable?
A) Caste oppression B) Prison reform C) Women’s rights D) Class prejudice
Answer: A) Caste oppression
Explanation: Bakha’s caste struggles, tested in JNUET. - Which era influenced The Private Life of an Indian Prince?
A) Post-independence B) Romantic C) Victorian D) Colonial
Answer: A) Post-independence
Explanation: Reflects aristocratic decline, tested in NET. - Which issue did Anand address in The Lost Child?
A) Social alienation B) Digital divide C) Climate change D) Globalization
Answer: A) Social alienation
Explanation: Depicts a child’s isolation, tested in SET. - Which movement shaped Anand’s novels?
A) Social Realism B) Realism C) Symbolism D) Romanticism
Answer: A) Social Realism
Explanation: Influenced by Dickens’ style, tested in JNUET. - In which year was The Village published?
A) 1937 B) 1939 C) 1941 D) 1943
Answer: B) 1939
Explanation: Starts the trilogy, tested in NET. - Which issue is in The Road?
A) Social reform B) Prison reform C) Labor disputes D) Women’s rights
Answer: A) Social reform
Explanation: Focuses on untouchables, tested in SET. - Which era is Coolie set in?
A) Colonial India B) Romantic C) Victorian D) Postmodern
Answer: A) Colonial India
Explanation: Pre-independence struggles, tested in NET. - Which issue did Anand address in Two Leaves and a Bud?
A) Labor exploitation B) Prison reform C) Women’s rights D) Class prejudice
Answer: A) Labor exploitation
Explanation: Tea plantation conditions, tested in JNUET. - Which war influenced Anand’s early works?
A) World War I B) World War II C) Indian Rebellion D) Indo-Pak War
Answer: A) World War I
Explanation: Shaped Across the Black Waters, tested in NET. - In which year was The Sword and the Sickle published?
A) 1940 B) 1942 C) 1944 D) 1946
Answer: B) 1942
Explanation: Concludes trilogy, tested in SET. - Which issue is in The Village?
A) Rural oppression B) Prison reform C) Labor disputes D) Women’s rights
Answer: A) Rural oppression
Explanation: Depicts social change, tested in JNUET. - Which era influenced Untouchable?
A) Colonial India B) Romantic C) Victorian D) Postmodern
Answer: A) Colonial India
Explanation: Reflects caste issues, tested in NET. - Which issue did Anand address in Coolie?
A) Economic hardship B) Prison reform C) Labor disputes D) Class prejudice
Answer: A) Economic hardship
Explanation: Munoo’s poverty, tested in SET. - In which year was Seven Summers published?
A) 1949 B) 1951 C) 1953 D) 1955
Answer: B) 1951
Explanation: Autobiographical work, tested in NET.
Critical Analysis (21 Questions)
- How does Anand use narrative in Untouchable?
A) Realist prose B) Stream-of-consciousness C) Epistolary form D) Omniscient narrator
Answer: A) Realist prose
Explanation: Emphasizes social critique, tested in NET. - What is the role of Bakha in Untouchable?
A) Symbol of oppression B) Comic element C) Legal metaphor D) Romantic hero
Answer: A) Symbol of oppression
Explanation: Represents caste struggles, tested in JNUET. - How does Anand depict poverty in Coolie?
A) As dehumanizing B) As heroic C) As legal D) As comedic
Answer: A) As dehumanizing
Explanation: Shows Munoo’s hardships, tested in NET. - What is the significance of tea plantations in Two Leaves and a Bud?
A) Symbol of exploitation B) Comic setting C) Legal metaphor D) Romantic icon
Answer: A) Symbol of exploitation
Explanation: Represents labor conditions, tested in JNUET. - How does Anand use dialogue in The Village?
A) Realistically B) Poetically C) Abstractly D) Exaggeratedly
Answer: A) Realistically
Explanation: Captures rural speech, tested in SET. - What is the narrative style of The Lost Child?
A) Poignant B) Linear C) Stream-of-consciousness D) Epistolary
Answer: A) Poignant
Explanation: Evokes emotional loss, tested in NET. - How does Anand depict caste in Untouchable?
A) As oppressive B) As comedic C) As legalistic D) As materialistic
Answer: A) As oppressive
Explanation: Highlights Bakha’s plight, tested in JNUET. - What is the role of Munoo in Coolie?
A) Symbol of struggle B) Comic element C) Legal symbol D) Romantic icon
Answer: A) Symbol of struggle
Explanation: Represents labor exploitation, tested in NET. - How does Anand use setting in The Village?
A) To depict rural life B) To explore war C) To critique law D) To promote comedy
Answer: A) To depict rural life
Explanation: Shows social change, tested in JNUET. - What is the tone of Coolie?
A) Tragic B) Satirical C) Optimistic D) Comedic
Answer: A) Tragic
Explanation: Reflects Munoo’s fate, tested in NET. - How does Anand depict colonialism in Across the Black Waters?
A) As exploitative B) As comedic C) As romantic D) As legalistic
Answer: A) As exploitative
Explanation: Shows sepoy’s struggles, tested in JNUET. - What is the role of Victor in The Private Life of an Indian Prince?
A) Symbol of decline B) Romantic hero C) Legal advocate D) Comic relief
Answer: A) Symbol of decline
Explanation: Represents aristocracy’s fall, tested in NET. - How does Anand use imagery in Untouchable?
A) To depict hardship B) To explore war C) To promote comedy D) To critique society
Answer: A) To depict hardship
Explanation: Enhances Bakha’s struggles, tested in SET. - What is the significance of rural India in The Village?
A) Symbol of oppression B) Comic setting C) Legal metaphor D) Romantic icon
Answer: A) Symbol of oppression
Explanation: Reflects social issues, tested in NET. - How does Anand depict resilience in The Lost Child?
A) Through longing B) As comedic C) As legalistic D) As materialistic
Answer: A) Through longing
Explanation: Shows child’s emotional strength, tested in JNUET. - How does Anand portray labor in Two Leaves and a Bud?
A) As dehumanizing B) As heroic C) As comedic D) As legalistic
Answer: A) As dehumanizing
Explanation: Depicts tea plantation workers’ exploitation, tested in NET. - What is the significance of Lalu in Across the Black Waters?
A) Symbol of colonial exploitation B) Romantic hero C) Legal advocate D) Comic relief
Answer: A) Symbol of colonial exploitation
Explanation: Represents Indian sepoys’ struggles, tested in JNUET. - How does Anand use tone in The Road?
A) Empathetic B) Satirical C) Optimistic D) Cynical
Answer: A) Empathetic
Explanation: Highlights untouchables’ dignity, tested in SET. - What is the role of setting in Coolie?
A) Reflects social hierarchy B) Promotes comedy C) Explores war D) Critiques law
Answer: A) Reflects social hierarchy
Explanation: Shows urban India’s inequality, tested in NET. - How does Anand depict social reform in The Sword and the Sickle?
A) As transformative B) As comedic C) As futile D) As legalistic
Answer: A) As transformative
Explanation: Concludes trilogy with hope, tested in JNUET. - What is the narrative purpose of Seven Summers?
A) Explore identity B) Critique law C) Promote comedy D) Depict war
Answer: A) Explore identity
Explanation: Autobiographical reflection, tested in NET.
Conclusion
Mulk Raj Anand’s legacy as a pioneer of Indian English fiction endures through his unflinching portrayal of caste oppression, class exploitation, and colonial struggles. His works, like Untouchable and Coolie, areessential for understanding social realism and are frequently tested in competitive exams like UPSC, UGC NET, SET, TGT, PGT, CTET, DUET, JNUET, and SSC CGL. Mastering his themes, quotes, and narrative style through these 151 MCQs will boost your exam preparation.
Next Steps: Revise quotes like “Caste is a prison of the mind” and focus on Untouchable for UGC NET and JNUET essay questions. Practice these MCQs to excel in Anand’s social realism and anti-caste themes!
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