Who is the author of the widely acclaimed Indian novel "A Suitable Boy"?

Introduction / Context:
This final question in the set refers to one of the most famous Indian English novels, "A Suitable Boy". Known for its length and detailed portrayal of post independence India, it is an important work in modern literature. Identifying Vikram Seth as its author is standard general knowledge for students preparing for competitive exams involving books and authors.

Given Data / Assumptions:

- The title given is "A Suitable Boy".

- Four options include authors from different Indian literary traditions.

- Only one author is actually responsible for this novel.

- No additional data beyond the title is needed to answer correctly.

Concept / Approach:
The conceptual approach is simply to recall that Vikram Seth wrote "A Suitable Boy", a novel that follows several families and explores politics, love, and social changes. The other options are respected writers but belong to different genres and languages. Arun Shourie is mainly a journalist and political writer, while Amrita Pritam and Mahasweta Devi are iconic authors in Punjabi and Bengali literature respectively, not the authors of this English novel.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "A Suitable Boy" is known for being one of the longest single volume novels in English and is set in post partition India. Step 2: Remember that Vikram Seth is the Indian English author who wrote this work. Step 3: Examine the options and see that Arun Shourie has written political non fiction, not this family saga. Step 4: Recognise that Amrita Pritam and Mahasweta Devi are associated with other landmark works in Punjabi and Bengali respectively, leaving Vikram Seth as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
Verification is easy if one remembers that whenever "A Suitable Boy" is discussed, Vikram Seth's name appears prominently and that a television adaptation also credits him as the original author. None of the other options are ever cited as having written this particular novel. Knowing this link removes any serious possibility of confusion.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Arun Shourie is known for sharp political commentary but is not a novelist of this kind.
Amrita Pritam wrote celebrated poetry and prose in Punjabi, including "Pinjar", not "A Suitable Boy".
Mahasweta Devi wrote powerful stories about marginalised communities, but this specific novel does not belong to her bibliography.

Common Pitfalls:
The main pitfall is simple forgetfulness of the author's name when the novel's title is very familiar. Some candidates may also confuse Vikram Seth with other Indian English authors. To avoid this, it is helpful to create flashcards pairing major titles and authors, such as "A Suitable Boy" with Vikram Seth, for quick revision before exams.

Final Answer:
The acclaimed novel "A Suitable Boy" is written by Vikram Seth.