Eminent Bengali author and activist Mahasweta Devi has passed away at a Kolkata hospital following prolonged illness.

"She passed away at 3.16 p.m. following a cardiac arrest and multi-organ failure," the doctor said.

The 90-year-old Jnanpith and Magsaysay awardee was undergoing treatment at south Kolkata’s Belle Vue Clinic. An eight-member team of doctors was treating the author.

She was suffering from various ailments and was put on non-invasive ventilation on Thursday after her condition worsened. She was honored with the Jnanpith Award in 1996.

The Padma Vibhushan winner is survived by her daughter-in-law and grandchild. Mahasweta Devi's son pre-deceased her two years ago.

The renowned writer was born in Dhaka in 1926. She did her graduation and MA from Calcutta University.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid respect to the legendary writer and tweeted, “Mahashweta Devi wonderfully illustrated the might of the pen. A voice of compassion,equality& justice, she leaves us deeply saddened. RIP.”

“India has lost a great writer. Bengal has lost a glorious mother. I have lost a personal guide. Mahasheta Di rest in peace,” tweeted West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee.

Nandini