Correct option is A
Explanation:
Waiting for the Mahatma – R.K. Narayan –
R.K. Narayan wrote Waiting for the Mahatma (1955), which blends fiction with history and is set against the backdrop of the Indian freedom movement.
It includes Mahatma Gandhi as a character and focuses on the protagonist Sriram and his love for Bharati, a disciple of Gandhi.
So Many Hungers – Bhabani Bhattacharya –
So Many Hungers! (1947) is a novel by Bhabani Bhattacharya, exploring the Bengal famine of 1943, political awakening, and the Gandhian ethos.
It is a socio-political narrative that addresses economic disparity, hunger, and exploitation.
The Sword and the Sickle – Mulk Raj Anand –
The Sword and the Sickle (1942) is part of Mulk Raj Anand’s Lal Singh Trilogy, which includes The Village and Across the Black Waters.
The novel presents leftist ideology, agrarian struggles, and revolutionary consciousness during pre-independence India.
Distant Drum – Manohar Malgonkar –
Distant Drum (1960) by Manohar Malgonkar is a military novel, capturing the life of an Indian army officer and his personal and professional conflicts.
It combines themes of military life, nationalism, and personal dilemma.
Information Booster:
R.K. Narayan: Known for his works set in the fictional town of Malgudi, he was among the first Indian novelists writing in English to gain global recognition.
Bhabani Bhattacharya: A social realist, his fiction often engages with historical events, social justice, and Gandhian values.
Mulk Raj Anand: A pioneer of Indian English fiction, known for addressing casteism, poverty, and colonial exploitation. His Lal Singh Trilogy is a significant contribution to social and political literature.
Manohar Malgonkar: A novelist and historian, known for his military and historical fiction. His narratives often combine personal drama with national history.