Table of Contents
Hindi is a stunning language that’s widely loved and spoken in India. It’s a language many people start learning, making it simple for beginners but presenting challenges for experts. Hindi continually evolves, with authors contributing to its rich identity and appeal.
One remarkable figure in the world of Hindi literature is Munshi Prem Chand. He was a brilliant writer who significantly influenced the course of Hindi literature. In this article, we will delve deep into Prem Chand’s biography and explore key insights.
Prem Chand Early Life
Prem Chand was born on July 31, 1880, in Lamhi, a distant town near Banaras. He came from a simple and small family, with his grandfather Gur Sahai Rai working as a patwari and his father Ajaib Rai as a postmaster. Life presented many challenges to Prem Chand from a young age.
At just eight years old, he lost his mother to a deadly illness, which left him without the affection he needed, especially as he was still a child. His father’s government job caused them to move to Gaurakpur city, where his father remarried. However, Prem Chand never truly found a place in his stepmother’s heart.
His deep connection with Hindi literature began in his youth. He started his literary journey by writing short stories and delving into fantasy epics that fascinated him. His love for reading led him to work as a laborer at a book distributor, allowing him to spend his days immersed in books. Prem Chand was known for his straightforward, calm, and generous nature.
He avoided disputes and always extended a helping hand to those in need. His strong belief in God guided his actions. To break free from limitations, he initially worked as a lawyer for a modest monthly wage of five rupees. Over time, he mastered various subjects, eventually earning a prestigious position as a principal in a missionary school.
Prem Chand Education
Prem Chand’s educational journey began when he was seven years old at a humble madrasa in Lemhi, Banaras, the very place of his birth. At the madrasa, he acquired knowledge in Urdu, some English, and Hindi.
Although he faced financial difficulties and had to interrupt his college education, he persevered. Despite these challenges, he remained dedicated to his studies and, in 1919, earned a BA degree.
Prem Chand Marriage
Prem Chand faced a series of challenges from a young age. He got married at just fifteen due to traditional customs and family pressure, but he didn’t receive much love or affection from his family. His marriage was arranged without his consent to a girl he didn’t find attractive or organized, all because of the girl’s wealthy family.
Sadly, his father passed away shortly after the wedding, leaving Prem Chand with all the responsibilities. He had to sell his assets to support the family and became the sole provider at a very young age. There was little understanding between him and his first wife, leading to a divorce. Eventually, he made his own choice and married a divorced woman when he was around twenty-five years old.
Prem Chand Career
Premchand Ji’s journey began in his youth, and he faced various challenges along the way. Yet, he persisted until the very end, leaving behind remarkable Hindi and Urdu literature. After leaving Lamhi village, he lived in Kanpur for about three years, where he connected with a magazine publisher and wrote numerous essays and stories. During this time, he also penned poems supporting the civil rights movement.
As his stories, poetry, and essays gained appreciation, he was promoted and relocated to Gorakhpur. He continued to produce publications and remained actively involved in Mahatma Gandhi’s efforts. Some of his works were in Hindi, while others were in Urdu.
In 1921, Premchand Ji, in consultation with his wife, made the decision to leave his government job and moved to Banaras. He continued to work tirelessly, focusing on his areas of interest. He even tried his luck in the film industry in Mumbai, where he wrote scripts for a few films, although they were never completed. Faced with setbacks, he returned to Banaras.
Unfortunately, due to his failing health, he couldn’t publish his novel “Hans” and had sent it to the Indian Literary Council. In 1936, he was elected as the first President of the Progressive Writers’ Association in Lucknow. He passed away on October 8, 1936, due to illness. His final and outstanding work, “Godaan,” is considered one of the best in Hindi literature.
Premchand Ji never traveled abroad for writing or study, so he remained relatively unknown among international literary figures. In 1936, his remarkable work, “Kafan,” was released, followed by his final tale, “Cricket Match,” published posthumously in Zamana in 1937.
Prem Chand Books
Munshi Premchand’s literary legacy is truly exceptional, making it challenging to single out his finest works. He delighted readers with a rich collection of novels, plays, poetry, stories, and essays in Hindi. Some notable works include “Gaban,” “Godan,” “Kafan,” and many others.
His writing was characterized by its direct and powerful language, inspiring and motivating people not only in Hindi but also in various other languages.
- “Nirmala”: Munshi Premchand’s early novel, “Nirmala,” weaves a poignant tale of a young woman named Nirmala, forced into a marriage with a much older widower. The story carries a profound societal message that lingers in the minds of its readers.
- “Seva Sadan”: This story revolves around a discontented wife who takes a path that challenges her morality, ultimately leading her to manage an orphanage. It courageously tackles the issue of “prostitution,” which was once a taboo in Indian society.
- “Rangbhoomi”: Munshi Premchand’s “Rangbhoomi” delves into the diverse cultural customs prevalent in India. With a keen understanding of character dynamics, Premchand cements his position as a legend of Hindi literature.
- “Gaban”: Written in Hindi, “Gaban” by Munshi Premchand addresses the erosion of moral values among Indian youth during the British Raj. It sheds light on the struggles of that era.
- “Premashram”: Influenced by Mahatma Gandhi’s non-cooperation movement and his fight for social reform, Munshi Premchand authored works that delved into societal issues, including poverty and exploitation by landlords. “Premashram” explores these themes and is a must-read for those interested in social issues in Indian society.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who was Munshi Prem Chand?
Munshi Prem Chand was a renowned Indian author who made significant contributions to Hindi and Urdu literature. He was known for his compelling and socially relevant writings.
When and where was Munshi Prem Chand born?
Munshi Prem Chand was born on July 31, 1880, in Lamhi, a town near Banaras, India.
What were Munshi Prem Chand early life and family background like?
Prem Chand came from a modest family, with his grandfather working as a patwari and his father as a postmaster. He faced challenges, including the loss of his mother at a young age and difficulties with his stepmother.
How did Munshi Prem Chand start his literary journey?
Prem Chands love for literature began in his youth. He wrote short stories and engaged with fantasy epics. He worked at a book distributor to be surrounded by books, and his writing style was characterized as straightforward, calm, and generous.
What were Munshi Prem Chand educational achievements?
Despite facing financial difficulties and interruptions in his education, Prem Chand persevered and obtained a BA degree in 1919.
