Who is the author associated with the controversial book titled "Forbidden Verses"?

Introduction / Context:
"Forbidden Verses" is a controversial work associated with classical Arabic poetry and erotic themes. Many general knowledge exams include this question under books and authors because it tests awareness of world literature beyond English and Indian works. The book is frequently cited as a collection of erotic poetry written by a classical Arab poet, and exam takers are expected to recognise the author's name.

Given Data / Assumptions:
• The title of the work is given as "Forbidden Verses". • Four well known literary names are listed as options, including modern and classical writers. • You need to identify which author is commonly associated with this controversial book. • Basic awareness of famous Arabic poets and modern writers is assumed.

Concept / Approach:
Many standard general knowledge references attribute "Forbidden Verses" to the classical Arab poet Abu Nuwas, known for his bold and erotic poetry. The main approach is to recall that Abu Nuwas is often linked with sensual and wine themed verses and that exam question banks repeatedly match his name with "Forbidden Verses". Although authors like Salman Rushdie and Taslima Nasreen are also associated with controversy, they are not credited with this particular title in typical GK sources.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Note that the phrase "Forbidden Verses" suggests poetry or verses that were considered controversial or erotic. Step 2: Recall that Abu Nuwas was a classical Arab poet famous for erotic and wine related poetry. Step 3: Connect exam memory that many questions pair Abu Nuwas with "Forbidden Verses". Step 4: Compare options and observe that Salman Rushdie and Taslima Nasreen are modern prose writers associated with different controversial works. Step 5: Recognise that D. H. Lawrence was an English novelist linked to other titles like "Lady Chatterley's Lover", not this one. Step 6: Select Abu Nuwas as the correct answer.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by recalling explanations provided in many competitive exam guides and online question banks that explicitly state: the author of the book "Forbidden Verses" is Abu Nuwas. They often add that he was one of the best known classical Arab poets of the eighth century. Other sources may describe the collection as containing erotic poetry that has been banned or criticised in various times. These repeated associations confirm that for exam purposes, Abu Nuwas is the correct author to choose.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Salman Rushdie is known for novels such as "Midnight's Children" and "The Satanic Verses", not "Forbidden Verses". D. H. Lawrence wrote English novels like "Sons and Lovers" and "Lady Chatterley's Lover", not this collection. Ms. Taslima Nasreen is known for controversial works like "Lajja", not for the title "Forbidden Verses".

Common Pitfalls:
A frequent confusion arises because students associate controversy with writers like Salman Rushdie or Taslima Nasreen. Seeing their names, they may hastily select one of them without carefully matching the exact book title. Another pitfall is not being familiar with classical Arabic literature and therefore ignoring Abu Nuwas as an option. To avoid these mistakes, it helps to memorise a small list of non English authors and their single most asked titles, such as Abu Nuwas with "Forbidden Verses".

Final Answer:
The controversial book titled "Forbidden Verses" is commonly associated with the classical Arab poet Abu Nuwas, so Abu Nuwas is the correct option.