Which Indian author won the 2016 Scholastic Asian Book Award for the work "Codex: The Lost Treasure of the Indus"?

Introduction / Context:
This question relates to contemporary children's and young adult literature in Asia. The Scholastic Asian Book Award recognises outstanding unpublished manuscripts written by Asian writers. In 2016, the award was given for the work "Codex: The Lost Treasure of the Indus". The question asks you to recall which Indian author received this honour, which is a specific but important piece of literary general knowledge.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The award mentioned is the 2016 Scholastic Asian Book Award.
• The winning work is titled "Codex: The Lost Treasure of the Indus".
• Several Indian authors are listed as options.
• You must identify which one received the award for this book.

Concept / Approach:
The key fact is that Aditi Krishnakumar won the 2016 Scholastic Asian Book Award for her manuscript "Codex: The Lost Treasure of the Indus". Other authors listed in the options are accomplished writers in various fields, but they are not tied to this particular award and title. Recognising the link between this specific prize and this specific author is essential.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that "Codex: The Lost Treasure of the Indus" is a children's adventure story involving historical themes related to the Indus civilisation. Step 2: Remember that the Scholastic Asian Book Award in 2016 went to an Indian author, and the name associated with this title is Aditi Krishnakumar. Step 3: Look at the options and locate Aditi Krishnakumar's name. Step 4: Examine the other options. Anita Desai and Arundhati Roy are very well known literary figures but are linked to different major works and prizes, not this children's book award. Step 5: Rupa Iyer and Preethi Nair are authors of other books and genres and are not associated with this particular award. Step 6: Therefore, the correct answer is Aditi Krishnakumar.

Verification / Alternative check:
News reports and official announcements from the Scholastic Asian Book Award for 2016 clearly state that Aditi Krishnakumar won the award for "Codex: The Lost Treasure of the Indus". This information is repeated in various press releases and literary coverage of the time, providing strong confirmation of the correct author.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Anita Desai is known for novels such as "Clear Light of Day" and has been shortlisted for the Booker Prize, but she did not win this children's book award. Arundhati Roy won the Booker Prize for "The God of Small Things". Rupa Iyer and Preethi Nair have their own publications but are not recorded as recipients of the 2016 Scholastic Asian Book Award for this title. Hence, the other options do not match the specific combination of author, award and book given in the question.

Common Pitfalls:
Because Anita Desai and Arundhati Roy are widely known names, students sometimes choose them by familiarity rather than by recalling the specific award. Another pitfall is not paying attention to the year and the nature of the award, which is focused on Asian children's literature, not general adult fiction. Remember that "Codex: The Lost Treasure of the Indus" and the 2016 Scholastic Asian Book Award are specifically associated with Aditi Krishnakumar.

Final Answer:
The 2016 Scholastic Asian Book Award for "Codex: The Lost Treasure of the Indus" was won by Aditi Krishnakumar.