Match the List I with List II and select the correct answer from the code given below:

List I - Novel	List II - Writer
I. The Peacock	1. Mulk Raj Anand
II. Untouchable	2. Anita Desai
III. Waiting for the Mahatma	3. R.K. Narayan

Correct option is B

Explanation:

The Peacock is written by Anita Desai, a renowned Indian novelist known for her intricate portrayal of the inner lives of her characters. The novel The Peacock is a tale of emotional conflict and human alienation, typical of Desai's works, where she explores psychological realism and the complexities of human emotions.

Untouchable is written by Mulk Raj Anand, a key figure in the Indian social realist movement. The novel is a scathing critique of the Indian caste system, specifically addressing the discrimination and suffering of the untouchables, or Dalits. Anand’s works, including Untouchable, often focus on social issues and inequality in society.

Waiting for the Mahatma is written by R.K. Narayan, one of the most celebrated Indian English writers. The novel is set in the backdrop of India's struggle for independence and focuses on Sriram, a young man who is influenced by the Gandhian philosophy. Narayan’s work often explores themes of human conflict, nationalism, and spiritual growth in a simple, accessible narrative style.
​
Information Booster:

Anita Desai and The Peacock:

• Anita Desai is one of India’s most prominent English-language authors. She is known for her deep psychological insight and for writing novels that explore alienation, identity, and personal introspection.The Peacock (1976) is one of her earlier works, depicting emotional isolation and a deep sense of personal crisis.
• The novel centers on a woman’s search for meaning in a world that often feels disconnected and overwhelming. The novel’s complex characters are struggling with their emotions, illustrating the fragility of human nature.
• Desai's works often deal with themes of loneliness, self-doubt, and the conflicts between personal desires and societal expectations.
• Desai’s writing style is lyrical and evocative, making her exploration of human emotions vivid and impactful.

Mulk Raj Anand and Untouchable:

• Mulk Raj Anand is regarded as one of the founding figures of modern Indian literature in English. His writings often address social issues and focus on the struggles of the oppressed and the marginalized sections of society.
  
• Untouchable (1935) was one of Anand’s first major works, and it remains a critical text for its portrayal of the inhumanity of the caste system. The novel tells the story of Bakha, an untouchable, who faces humiliation and exploitation at every turn. Anand's portrayal of the daily injustices faced by the untouchables was groundbreaking in bringing attention to these social issues.
  
• Anand's novels advocate for social reform and empathy toward those suffering under caste-based discrimination.
• He was one of the first writers to focus on the plight of the Dalits and other marginalized groups in India, and his works challenged traditional social norms.
  

R.K. Narayan and Waiting for the Mahatma:

• R.K. Narayan was a key figure in the development of Indian literature in English. Known for his simple, yet profound storytelling, he often used the fictional town of Malgudi as the setting for his novels, creating a distinctly Indian narrative.
  
• Waiting for the Mahatma (1955) is set in the period leading up to India’s independence and focuses on the internal conflicts of Sriram, a young man who is drawn to Mahatma Gandhi's philosophy. The novel portrays Sriram’s transformation as he navigates the demands of patriotism and spirituality in a country struggling for freedom.
  
• The novel touches upon the complexities of nationalism, identity, and the philosophical impact of Gandhi’s ideas, making it both a political and personal narrative.
• Narayan’s style is characterized by his gentle humor and his ability to capture the everyday life of his characters, making their journeys resonate deeply with readers.