Munshi Premchand - The Father of Hindi Literature
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Introduction: Munshi Premchand was a great novelist, storyteller and essayist of Hindi literature. He is considered the father of realistic writing in Hindi and Urdu literature. Through his works, he exposed the evils of society, such as poverty, exploitation, and injustice. His stories and novels still inspire people and present a true mirror of society.
Birth and early life: Munshi Premchand was born on 31 July 1880 in Lamahi village in the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh. His real name was Dhanpat Rai Srivastava. His father Ajayabrai was a postman and his mother Anandi Devi was a housewife. Premchand's childhood was spent in financial difficulties. When he was only eight years old, his mother died and his father also passed away in his adolescence. Due to this his life was full of struggle.
Education
Premchand's early education took place in the village itself. Later he came to Varanasi, where he continued his studies. He started teaching after passing the matriculation examination and did further studies independently. He acquired a good knowledge of English, Urdu and Persian languages and later obtained a B.A. degree.
Beginning of literary life
Premchand started his literary life in Urdu language. Initially, he used to write under the name "Nawab Rai". His first major work was Asrar-e-Maabid (1910), in which he depicted the truths of the society. Later the British government confiscated this book. After this, he started writing in Hindi and changed his name to 'Munshi Premchand'.
Major works
Munshi Premchand wrote many novels, stories, and essays that would give a new direction to society. His major works are as follows—
Novels
Gaban - This novel depicts greed and social degradation.
Godaan - This is Premchand's most famous novel, in which the pain and suffering of the farmers have been deeply depicted.
Nirmala – It highlights the dowry system and the status of women in society.
Premashram – It highlights the exploitation of the landlord system.
Rangbhoomi – It is a story of social injustice and struggle.
Kahaniyan
Kafan – A heart-touching story depicting the helplessness of poor labourers.
Idgah – The story of a child Hamid, in which sacrifice and love have been wonderfully depicted.
Panch Parmeshwar – It depicts the importance of truth and honesty.
Thakur Ka Kuan – It highlights the problem of untouchability in society.
Bade Ghar Ki Beti – It tells the importance of family and respect.
Social and political ideology
Munshi Premchand's literature was full of social reform ideas. Through his writings, he strongly attacked problems like poverty, casteism, exploitation, injustice and the dowry system. He was influenced by the ideas of Mahatma Gandhi and was also active in the freedom struggle. He opposed the policies of the British government and left the government job.
Personal life
Munshi Premchand got married at a very young age, but his first wife did not survive for long. After this, he married Shivrani Devi in 1906, who was also a writer herself. Shivrani Devi also wrote a book named Premchand Ghar Mein based on his life.
Death
Munshi Premchand's health started deteriorating in the last years of his life. He was also struggling with financial difficulties. Ultimately, he departed from this world on 8 October 1936.
Conclusion
Munshi Premchand took Hindi and Urdu literature to new heights with his literary contribution. He highlighted the burning problems of society and did important work towards social reform through his writings. Even today his works are relevant and inspire readers. He was truly a great writer of Indian literature.
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