# Anita Desai

> Indian novelist, University professor (born 1937)

**Wikidata**: [Q268495](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q268495)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anita_Desai)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/anita-desai

## Summary
Anita Desai is an Indian novelist and university professor, born in 1937. She is known for her significant contributions to Indian literature, including notable works such as *Fire on the Mountain* and *Clear Light of Day*, and has received prestigious awards like the Sahitya Akademi Award.

## Biography
- Born: June 24, 1937
- Nationality: Indian
- Education: Studied at Miranda House, University of Delhi, and the University of Leeds
- Known for: Writing novels that explore themes of colonialism, gender, and social change in India
- Employer(s): University of Delhi, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mount Holyoke College, Smith College
- Field(s): Literature, Writing, Academia

## Contributions
Anita Desai has written several influential novels, including:
- *Fire on the Mountain* (1963), which explores the impact of British colonialism on Indian society.
- *Clear Light of Day* (1980), a novel that examines the complexities of marriage and identity in post-independence India.
- *Fasting, Feasting* (1991), which delves into the cultural and social dynamics of a middle-class Indian family.
- *In Custody* (1995), a novel that addresses themes of gender and power in contemporary India.
- *The Village by the Sea* (2000), a work that reflects on the changing landscape of rural India.

She has also contributed to academic institutions, teaching literature and fostering creative writing programs at universities such as the University of Delhi, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College.

## FAQs
- **What is Anita Desai known for?** Anita Desai is known for her novels that explore themes of colonialism, gender, and social change in India, including works like *Fire on the Mountain* and *Clear Light of Day*.
- **Where has Anita Desai worked?** She has worked as a professor at the University of Delhi, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College.
- **What awards has Anita Desai received?** She has received the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize, and an honorary degree from the University of Leeds.
- **What are some of Anita Desai's notable works?** Some of her notable works include *Fire on the Mountain*, *Clear Light of Day*, *Fasting, Feasting*, *In Custody*, and *The Village by the Sea*.
- **Where was Anita Desai educated?** She studied at Miranda House, University of Delhi, and the University of Leeds.

## Why They Matter
Anita Desai's novels have significantly influenced Indian literature by providing a nuanced portrayal of colonialism, gender, and social change. Her works have been widely studied and adapted, shaping contemporary discussions on identity and power in India. As a professor, she has also contributed to academic institutions by fostering creative writing and literature programs, inspiring future generations of writers and scholars.

## Notable For
- **Author of influential novels** such as *Fire on the Mountain* and *Clear Light of Day*, which explore themes of colonialism and gender.
- **Recipient of prestigious awards**, including the Sahitya Akademi Award and the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize.
- **Honorary degree** from the University of Leeds for her contributions to literature.
- **Professor at renowned institutions**, including the University of Delhi, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College.
- **Member of literary societies**, such as the Royal Society of Literature and the American Academy of Arts and Letters.

## Body
### Early Life and Education
Anita Desai was born on June 24, 1937, in India. She completed her education at Miranda House, University of Delhi, and later pursued further studies at the University of Leeds. Her academic background laid the foundation for her career in literature and academia.

### Literary Career
Anita Desai began her literary career in 1963 with the publication of *Fire on the Mountain*, a novel that critically examined the impact of British colonialism on Indian society. This work established her as a prominent voice in Indian literature, exploring themes of colonialism, gender, and social change. Her subsequent novels, including *Clear Light of Day* (1980), *Fasting, Feasting* (1991), *In Custody* (1995), and *The Village by the Sea* (2000), further cemented her reputation as a master storyteller.

### Academic Career
In addition to her writing, Anita Desai has held teaching positions at several prestigious institutions. She served as a professor at the University of Delhi, where she contributed to the academic community. She also taught at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Mount Holyoke College, and Smith College, where she mentored students and fostered a love for literature and creative writing.

### Awards and Recognition
Anita Desai's contributions to literature have been widely recognized. She received the Sahitya Akademi Award, one of India's most prestigious literary honors, for her outstanding works. Additionally, she was honored with the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize and an honorary degree from the University of Leeds. These accolades reflect her significant impact on Indian literature and academia.

### Memberships and Affiliations
Anita Desai is a member of several literary societies, including the Royal Society of Literature and the American Academy of Arts and Letters. These affiliations highlight her esteemed position within the literary community and her influence on global literary discourse.

### Legacy
Anita Desai's novels continue to be studied and adapted, shaping contemporary discussions on identity, power, and social change in India. Her work has inspired generations of writers and scholars, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian literature. As a professor, she has also contributed to academic institutions by fostering creative writing programs and inspiring future generations of writers and scholars.

## References

1. The Feminist Companion to Literature in English
2. BnF authorities
3. The Fine Art Archive
4. [Source](https://www.webcitation.org/6U68ulwpb?url=http://mha.nic.in/sites/upload_files/mha/files/LST-PDAWD-2013.pdf)
5. [Source](https://rsliterature.org/fellows/anita-desai/)
6. [Source](http://sahitya-akademi.gov.in/awards/akademi%20samman_suchi.jsp#ENGLISH)
7. British Council
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. CiNii Research
10. Lingua Libre
11. [Source](https://norman.hrc.utexas.edu/fasearch/findingAid.cfm?eadid=00422)
12. IMDb
13. SNAC
14. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
15. FemBio database
16. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
17. Third World Women's Literatures
18. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
19. Integrated Authority File
20. Virtual International Authority File
21. [Source](https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-476-03702-2_86)
22. [Source](https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/books/fasting-feasting)
23. [Source](https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/books/clear-light-of-day)
24. [Source](https://thebookerprizes.com/the-booker-library/books/in-custody)
25. BBC Things
26. Goodreads
27. Quora
28. LIBRIS. 2018