New Delhi, October 7 (Daily Kiran) : The 90th death anniversary of the renowned writer and novelist Munshi Premchand will be observed on October 8. Esteemed Bengali author Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay honored him with the title “Emperor of Novels.”
Referring to Premchand solely as a novelist or storyteller would be an understatement. He was a writer who fearlessly highlighted the harsh realities of Indian society through his works. His contributions ensure that he will always be remembered in the annals of Hindi and Urdu literature.
Born on July 31, 1880, in Lamhi village of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, Premchand was originally named Dhanpat Rai Srivastava. He initially published under the pseudonym Nawab Rai. His father, Munshi Ajayab Rai, worked in the postal service, while his mother, Anandi Devi, was a homemaker.
Unlike the childhood of an average child, Premchand faced significant hardships and financial struggles. His mother passed away when he was just seven, and he lost his father at the age of sixteen. These tragedies forced him to confront many challenges while trying to support his family and complete his education.
He began his studies in Lamhi and later attended a madrasa, where he learned Urdu and Persian. In 1898, he passed his matriculation exams and earned a Bachelor’s degree from Allahabad University in 1919. After completing his studies, he worked as a school teacher and later became a Sub-Deputy Inspector in the education department. However, in 1921, he resigned from his government job in response to Mahatma Gandhi’s call for non-cooperation. He then edited magazines like “Hans,” “Madhuri,” and “Jagran” and founded Saraswati Press.
An interesting story surrounds his name change. Initially, he wrote under the name Nawab Rai, but in 1908, when his story collection “Soz-e-Watan” was confiscated by the British government for its nationalist themes, he adopted the pen name Premchand. Over time, the title “Munshi” also became associated with his name.
From a young age, Premchand was passionate about writing. He became a literary figure who depicted the stark realities of society instead of imaginary worlds. His works vividly portray the lives of poor farmers, Dalits, women, and the societal evils of his time.
Some of his notable works include “Godaan,” “Gaban,” “Karmabhoomi,” “Rangbhoomi,” “Mangal Sutra,” “Manasarovar,” “Panch Parmeshwar,” “Eidgah,” “Poos Ki Raat,” “Thakur Ka Kuan,” “Do Bailon Ki Katha,” “Bade Ghar Ki Beti,” “Boodhi Kaki,” “Namak Ka Daroga,” “Seva Sadan,” and “Nirmala,” which continue to resonate with readers today.
In his personal life, Premchand married at the tender age of 15 under family pressure, but that marriage did not last long. He remarried in 1906 to Shivarani Devi, a widow, and they had three children together. Shivarani stood by him through life’s struggles and later authored his biography titled “Premchand Ghar Mein.”
Premchand passed away on October 8, 1936, in Varanasi.
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