About
Anita Desai is a highly acclaimed Indian novelist and an emerita professor of humanities at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Her profound and evocative writing has earned her significant recognition, including three Booker Prize nominations. Desai's literary contributions were acknowledged with the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1978 for her novel *Fire on the Mountain*. Her other notable works include *Cry, the Peacock*, *Voices in the City*, and an anthology of short stories, *Games at Twilight*.
Career Timeline
Publishes Cry, the Peacock
Publishes her novel Cry, the Peacock, gaining initial recognition.
Sahitya Akademi Award
Receives the Sahitya Akademi Award for her novel Fire on the Mountain.
Booker Prize Nomination
Receives her first Booker Prize nomination, increasing her international profile.
Continued Literary Success
Continues to write and publish critically acclaimed novels and short stories.
Emerita Professor at MIT
Becomes an emerita professor of humanities at MIT.
Influence on Literature
Remains a respected and influential figure in Indian literature, inspiring future generations of writers.
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Last updated: February 25, 2026