The pen is mightier than the sword when it comes to bringing revolutionary changes to society. Munshi Premchand was such an influential person who went to the roots and wrote about the issues people faced. In his satirical way, the novel by Premchand fearlessly put forward the burning issues of the 20th century ranging from independence struggles, poverty, social discrimination, gender inequality, and education issues. Even the biography of Munshi Premchand puts light on the legacy that he left for the upcoming generation. But, what was Munshi Premchand real name? From whom he was married to? Read this article to know all such details including Munshi Premchand short stories, the best books of Premchand, and the famous novel by Premchand.
Munshi Premchand real name was Dhanpat Rai Srivastav which he later changed to Premchand as his pen name. Munshi Premchand short stories were written in such a way that portrays the hidden scenarios of society. They not only focus on the problems but bring forward the raw emotions felt all the way while read by a reader. Some of Premchand best books include Godaan, Do Bailon Ki Katha, Bade Bhaisahab, and many more.
The Biography Of Munshi Premchand
Early Life Of Munshi Premchand
The writing maestro, Munshi Premchand was born on 31st July, 1880 in Varanasi, India. He was the fourth child of his parents, Ajaib Lal and Anandi Devi. Born as, Dhanpat Rai Srivastav, was Munshi Premchand real name. He started his education at the age of 7 in a local Madarsa in Varanasi, learning Urdu and Persian. He lost his mother at an early age and was raised by his grandmother. He was not so fond of her stepmother which grew his interest in reading. He was obsessed with books, so opted for a job at a book-selling shop where he got a lot of time to read. He later went to Queen’s College in Benaras. His further education couldn’t be completed due to his weak arithmetic skills. He was married at the age of 15 when he was still studying.
Career Of Munshi Premchand
On discontinuation of his studies, he got a job teaching a lawyer’s son. He got a stable job of an assistant teacher at a Government school in Bahraich. There he got time to read. Under the name “Nawab Rai”, the first novel by Premchand was Asrar-e-Ma’abid which means secrets of God’s adobe based on corrupted priests and women’s sexual exploitation.
Premchand often ignored staying at his home in his hometown due to several reasons. According to the biography of Munshi Premchand, his wife tried committing unsuccessful suicide and went to her father’s house. Premchand married a child widow laters which was a revolutionary step at that moment of time. He continued publishing articles in the local magazine, Zamana, inspired by the nationalist movement in the country.
Munshi Premchand As A Writer
The first Munshi Premchand in Urdu published was “Duniya ka Sabse Anmol Ratan” which was based on patriotism to gain independence. His Soz-e-watan, a collection of short stories was banned by the British and a raid was ordered on the publication house. This made him change his pen name from “Nawab Rai” to “Premchand” on the suggestion of the editor of the magazine Zamana.
The first Munshi Premchand short stories in Hindi published was Saut in Saraswati magazine. He published his first four novels with 100 pages each, the first one was Seva Sadan which was originally written in Urdu under the title Bazaar-e Husn by the year 1919. The biography of Munshi Premchand has a specific mention of his struggle during his illness with two children and a pregnant wife to support the non-cooperation movement he had to give up his government job. Not only his writings but his deeds overflowed with patriotism and loyalty for the nation.
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Munshi Premchand – Last Days And Death
Munshi Premchand had desires to settle down in Allahabad and was planning on publishing Hans. His continuous illness and lack of funds made him pass on his creation Hans to Indian Literary Council. Munshi Premchand was appointed as the first President of the Progressive Writers Association situated in Lucknow, India. Godaan was the last completed novel by Premchand which was one of the best books of Premchand.
Dhanpat Rai Srivastav, popularly known as Munshi Premchand took his last breath on the 8th of October, 1936, after discomforts of a long illness while working in his office. The first author to be known for his genuine and root type of writing style, he was one of his kind. He was often mentioned as Upanayas Samrat. His last published story Cricket Match was published in Zamana after his death in 1938.
10 Best Books Of Premchand
There are plenty of notable works by Munshi Premchand based on the real problems faced by the middle and lower class. His literature widely believed in spreading awareness about social as well as national issues. The ten best books of Premchand are mentioned below:
- Devasthan Rahasya
Devasthan Rahasya, originally Asrar-e-Ma’abid, was his first ever novel published by Awaz -e-Khalik in 1903 based on the corrupted priests and women’s sexual assault.
- Prema
Prema, originally Hamkhurma-o-Hamsavab, was published in Indian Press based on widow remarriage, penned under the name of Nawab Rai in the year 1907.
- Vardan
Vardan, originally Jalwa-e-Isar, published by Granth Bhandar and Dhanju in the year of 1912 based on the story of two neighbors who liked each other but ended up with different fates.
- Seva Sadan
Seva Sadan, originally Bazaar-e-husn, was published by Calcutta Pustak Agency in 1919 (Hindi edition) and 1924 (Urdu edition).
- Rangbhoomi
Rangbhoomi, originally Chaugan-e Hasti, was published by Darul Ishaat in 1924.
- Nirmala
Nirmala was published by Idaara-e-Furoogh in 1925.
- Pratigya
Pratigya, originally Bewa, was published in 1927 based on widow remarriage.
- Gaban
Gaban was published by Saraswati Press in 1931.
- Karmabhoomi
Karmabhoomi, originally Maidan-e-Amal, published by Maktaba Jamia in 1932
- Godaan
Godaan was published by Saraswati Press in 1936.
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10 Munshi Premchand Short Stories
Here is an exquisite collection of the 10 best Munshi Premchand short stories.
- Bade Bhaisahab in 1910
- Saut in 1915
- Boodhi Kaki in 1921
- Idgah in 1933
- Namak ka Daroga in 1925
- Poos ki Raat in 1930
- Kafan in 1936
- Cricket match in 1937
- Panch Parameshwar in 1916
- Duniya ka Sabse Anmol Ratan in 1907
The EndNote
Munshi Premchand was a writer who always focused on the reality of the situation instead of fictionalizing the scenario he brought forward the realism of society. He was one of the greatest admired personalities of the nation. His books and stories are his legacies which will always keep him alive in the heart of his readers.
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