Which Indian English author was given the ‘Jnanpith Award 2018’?
Amitav Ghosh
Jnanpith Award 2018 Winner: Indian English Author
The Jnanpith Award is one of the highest literary honours in India. It is presented annually by the Bharatiya Jnanpith to an author for their outstanding contribution to literature.
Identifying the 2018 Jnanpith Awardee
The question asks which Indian English author was awarded the Jnanpith Award in 2018. Let's consider the options provided:
- Amitav Ghosh
- Arundhati Roy
- Nirad Choudhury
- Jhumpa Lahiri
In 2018, the prestigious Jnanpith Award was conferred upon a renowned Indian English writer, Amitav Ghosh. This was a significant event as he was the first writer in English to receive this award, which is usually given for works in Indian languages listed in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.
About Amitav Ghosh
Amitav Ghosh is a celebrated author known for his works written in English. His novels often explore complex themes like history, identity, migration, environmentalism, and the impact of colonialism, frequently set in various parts of the world including India, Southeast Asia, and Egypt.
Notable Works by Amitav Ghosh
Some of his acclaimed books include:
- The Shadow Lines
- The Glass Palace
- The Hungry Tide
- The Ibis Trilogy (comprising Sea of Poppies, River of Smoke, and Flood of Fire)
- The Great Derangement: Climate Change and the Unthinkable
Why Amitav Ghosh for Jnanpith 2018?
The Bharatiya Jnanpith committee recognised Amitav Ghosh's significant and outstanding contribution to literature through his extensive body of work. His narratives are known for their depth, research, and ability to connect historical events with contemporary issues, making him a deserving recipient of the 2018 Jnanpith Award.
Examining Other Options
Let's briefly look at the other authors listed:
- Arundhati Roy: A well-known Indian author writing in English, she won the Booker Prize for 'The God of Small Things' (1997). She has not received the Jnanpith Award.
- Nirad C. Chaudhuri: A distinguished Indian writer who wrote in English. He received the Sahitya Akademi Award (1975) and the Padma Bhushan (1990), but not the Jnanpith Award in 2018 (he passed away in 1999).
- Jhumpa Lahiri: An Indian-American author. She won the Pulitzer Prize for 'Interpreter of Maladies' (2000). While her work is highly regarded, she was not the recipient of the Jnanpith Award in 2018.
Based on the facts, Amitav Ghosh was indeed the Indian English author who received the Jnanpith Award in 2018.
Revision Table: Key Indian Literary Awards
| Award Name | Established Year | Awarded For | Recipient (Example Year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jnanpith Award | 1961 | Outstanding contribution to Indian literature (any Indian language + English since 2018) | Amitav Ghosh (2018), Pratibha Ray (2011) |
| Sahitya Akademi Award | 1954 | Outstanding books of literary merit published in any of the 24 major Indian languages (including English) | Varied recipients each year for different languages |
| Booker Prize (formerly Man Booker Prize) | 1969 | Best original novel written in the English language and published in the UK/Ireland (expanded eligibility over time) | Arundhati Roy (1997), Salman Rushdie (1981) |
Additional Information on Indian English Literature and Awards
The inclusion of English in the Jnanpith Award criteria for the first time in 2018 with Amitav Ghosh's win was a significant moment for Indian English literature. It acknowledged the growing body of high-quality literary work being produced by Indian authors writing in English and its impact both within India and globally.
Indian English literature is a vital part of the broader Indian literary landscape, reflecting diverse experiences, histories, and perspectives from across the country. Authors writing in English have gained international recognition, contributing significantly to world literature.
Understanding the major literary awards in India like the Jnanpith and Sahitya Akademi Award helps in appreciating the recognition given to authors and their contributions to the literary heritage of the nation.
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