Premchand (1880–1936)

I am not sure what to make of this, in part owing to the mediocre translation. Premchand is one of the most famous and accomplished short stories writers in Indian literature but I have also read his novels before and been impressed (especially with Godaan). Nirmala has the makings of a great work but it’s hard for me to sort out how much of the melodrama is attributable to the author and how much to the translator (his grandson). It strikes me as yet another exhibit in the endless series show more of people whose conversational English is fluent but fluency is merely an absolutely basic prerequisite; it is not by any means a sufficient sole qualification. If literary translation were as simple as substituting one word for another, someone could simply feed the world’s literature into Google Translate and publish the output. Nirmala is the story of a young woman wed to an older man. At about 15, she is only a few years older than her stepsons and the downturn in the family’s economic fortunes plus her husband’s inability to understand his new wife leads him to unjustly suspect his bride of a secret liaison with the eldest son. As catastrophe, misfortune, and bad luck build on each other, trust and love disappear. Premchand chronicles the calamities with a nuanced, sensitive understanding. Considering the date of its publication, 1926, the novel is remarkable for its recognition of and attention to the place of women and the evils of the dowry system. Unfortunately, the translation seems to heighten the melodrama, leaving the overall impression of an overly sensational work. (There is another older translation by David Rubin, a frequent translator of Premchand’s works into English. Based on my reading of Rubin’s work with Premchand’s short stories, that version may be far preferable to the version I read, translated by Alok Rai. Finally, there is a third translation by Surendra Singh, a translator I am not familiar with.) An important work despite its infelicities. show less

This story is not just about the past — it still exists in our society. Even today, fear of police cases, legal trouble, or social backlash sometimes prevents people from giving the dead their last dignity. That is the real tragedy.

Roothi Rani - It is a historical tale of Queen Umadevi, daughter of Rawal Lonkaran of Jaisalmer. She was married to King Maldev, ruler of Marwar. Umadevi's father wanted to kill Maldev on the day of the wedding, but his plans backfired. Umadevi was one of the most beautiful ladies whose pride ruins her marital relationship. King Maldev's intoxication and engagement with maidservant add fuel into the fire.

Umadevi was known as the displeased queen (Roothi Rani). She respects his husband but show more never lets her guard nor pride underneath. The other queens took advantage of it; create more misunderstandings between the king and Umadevi.

History has significant tales to tell, it is one of them. What I love most about this story are the details that make it enjoyable and engaging. The tale has self-esteem, power concupiscence, resentment, treachery, insulation, specifying some of the notable warriors of all time, and most importantly, a lady like Umadevi who was stubborn; and never altered her beliefs for anyone.

Prema - It is a fictional story of two lovers. Amritrai and Prema love each other and dreamed of getting married one day. Amritrai is a wealthy and famous lawyer, but he also believes in western culture; wanted changes in society. It was not acknowledged by Prema's father, and he does everything in his capability to restrain Amritrai. In societal pressure and orthodox thinking of Prema's father, they separated, and both married to a different person. Things took drastically turn when Amritrai supports widow re-marriage. It was also the turning point of the whole story that portrays the time of helplessness and injustice towards women.

Munshi Premchand's works revolve around social and political problems. He was also a social reformer, and his thinking came to words in the form of stories that connects readers and seems realistic. I read a few of his tales in school, and after all these years, when I pick this book, it gives me more clarity of that time. He didn't portray women as weak; instead, he focused on her hopes and urges. He is an acclaimed author, and his work is studied abroad, but I felt that Indian readers are not given much time to Hindi literature, which is unfortunate. So, I request you to read this book even once but do read it.

Read more here - https://www.bookscharming.com/ show less

Roothi Rani - It is a historical tale of Queen Umadevi, daughter of Rawal Lonkaran of Jaisalmer. She was married to King Maldev, ruler of Marwar. Umadevi's father wanted to kill Maldev on the day of the wedding, but his plans backfired. Umadevi was one of the most beautiful ladies whose pride ruins her marital relationship. King Maldev's intoxication and engagement with maidservant add fuel into the fire.

Umadevi was known as the displeased queen (Roothi Rani). She respects his husband but show more never lets her guard nor pride underneath. The other queens took advantage of it; create more misunderstandings between the king and Umadevi.

History has significant tales to tell, it is one of them. What I love most about this story are the details that make it enjoyable and engaging. The tale has self-esteem, power concupiscence, resentment, treachery, insulation, specifying some of the notable warriors of all time, and most importantly, a lady like Umadevi who was stubborn; and never altered her beliefs for anyone.

Prema - It is a fictional story of two lovers. Amritrai and Prema love each other and dreamed of getting married one day. Amritrai is a wealthy and famous lawyer, but he also believes in western culture; wanted changes in society. It was not acknowledged by Prema's father, and he does everything in his capability to restrain Amritrai. In societal pressure and orthodox thinking of Prema's father, they separated, and both married to a different person. Things took drastically turn when Amritrai supports widow re-marriage. It was also the turning point of the whole story that portrays the time of helplessness and injustice towards women.

Munshi Premchand's works revolve around social and political problems. He was also a social reformer, and his thinking came to words in the form of stories that connects readers and seems realistic. I read a few of his tales in school, and after all these years, when I pick this book, it gives me more clarity of that time. He didn't portray women as weak; instead, he focused on her hopes and urges. He is an acclaimed author, and his work is studied abroad, but I felt that Indian readers are not given much time to Hindi literature, which is unfortunate. So, I request you to read this book even once but do read it.

Read more here - https://www.bookscharming.com/ show less