5 Short Stories by Premchand That Will Take You Back in Pre-Independence Era

Premchand, the pen name adopted by the Hindi novelist, Dhanpat Rai Srivastav, has written nearly 300 short stories and novels. Some of his best known novels are: Sevasadan, Rangmanch, Gaban, Nirmala and Godan. Much of Premchand’s best work is collected in Hindi under the title ‘Mansarovar’. In his early short stories he depicted the patriotic upsurge that was sweeping Hindustan. His collection of patriotic stories, Soz-e-Watan, was published in 1907 and attracted the attention of British government. In 1914, Premchand switched over to Hindi, by then he was an established Urdu writer. Short stories or afsanas were started by Premchand. His afsanas mirrored the society that he lived in and presented the harsh realities of life. His writing was simple but his work depicted excellent use of satire and humor.

Some of Premchand’s greatest short stories are listed below:

#5 Panch Parmeshwar

This story has a bearing on the impartiality of anyone in the judicial position. Panch Parmeshwar is story of two childhood friends Jumman Sheikh and Algu Chaudhary. An ideal sarpanch is always objective and unbiased is what the story argues about. The message elicited at the end of the story is much greater and revolves around the values of honesty, justice, integrity and fair play.

 

#4 Eidgah

A story imbued with kindness and love, is a classic piece of literature which has captivated several hearts since ages. A story about Hamid and her old grandmother begins on the morning of Eid, the festival of Muslims. The story makes one realize that one need not be rich to show acts of kindness.

 

#3 Budhi Kaki

A story aptly describing the plight of old people and the inhumane treatment suffered by them at the hands of their own kith and kin, will make every reader teary at the end with a spectacular ending of hope, repentance and love. A must read for all!

#2 Kafan

The story highlights the exploitation of the weaker sections of the society at the hands of the privileged and also how towards the end poverty deprives a dead woman of even basic cremation ceremonies. It’s truly heart-wrenching, bringing to the focus the deplorable condition of farmers in India.

#1 Poos ki Raat

Having a knack for writing about social issues, Premchand once again captures the societal injustices and the pangs of poverty in this story revolving around a “Poos ki Raat”. Bearing the teeth-shattering coldness of winter, the protagonist struggles to stay alive in the unbearable cold.