Mansarovar – 5

Munshi Premchand was the pen name of Hindi and Urdu writer Dhanpat Rai Shrivastava (1880-1936), born to Ajaiblal and Anandi Devi in Lamhi, in Uttar Pradesh. His skill earned him the title of ‘Upanyas Samrat’ (King of Novels) by Hindi literature enthusiasts. His work includes 14 novels, 250 to 300 short stories, several translations of English classics, and innumerable essays and editorial pieces. He also published and edited two literary journals: Hans (The Swan) and Jagran (Awakening).

Many of Premchand’s short stories were collected posthumously in an eight-volume series titled Mansarovar. Compact in form and style, they draw, as do his novels, on a wide range of Indian life during the British rule for their subject matter. Through simple yet rich narratives of ordinary life, he addresses topics such as caste, class, poverty, loyalty, courage, love, sin, patriotism and women's role in a patriarchal culture.

This fifth volume constitutes 22 stories. Volume 5 of Mansarovar delves into the lives of characters introduced in earlier volumes, portraying their struggles, aspirations, and relationships. The novel deepens its exploration of themes such as social reform, political awakening, and the clash between tradition and modernity, introducing new stories alongside the continuation of existing ones. The story 'Sati' is about Chintadevi, a warrior who was raised on the battlefield by her father. After her father is killed in battle, she carries on his fight against oppressors. She becomes a legendary warrior, respected by her soldiers. One of her soldiers, Ratansingh, falls in love with her and she reciprocates. But just after they are married, Ratansingh leaves to battle an advancing enemy army. Chintadevi anxiously awaits his return, but instead a soldier comes back to report that Ratansingh disappeared and the entire company of soldiers was defeated. Heartbroken, Chintadevi decides to commit sati by self-immolation on a funeral pyre. As the fire is lit, Ratansingh returns - he had fled the battlefield rather than die in a hopeless fight. Chintadevi, however, refuses to even look at him, saying he is not her Ratnamas - her husband was a brave warrior who would not abandon his duty. As the fire engulfs her, Ratansingh pleads with her but she remains steadfast. Finally, after she perishes, the distraught Ratansingh joins her on the funeral pyre.

The story 'Ishvar Nyay' centres around a trusted accountant (munshi) named Satyanarayan who works for a wealthy landlord named Pandit Bhagrudutt. When Pandit suddenly dies, Satyanarayan continues managing his estate on behalf of Pandit's widow, Bhanu Kunwari, and two young sons. Over the years, Satyanarayan takes more control and even secretly puts a valuable village that he purchases in his own name, rather than the family's. Eventually Bhanu Kunwari finds out and confronts him. Furious at his deception, she fires him and initiates a legal case to reclaim the village as rightfully hers. In desperation to gain back power and control the documents that would lose him the case, Satyanarayan breaks into the office at night and steals all the papers. But despite getting the papers, his deception is exposed during the trial and he finds himself publicly shamed and condemned. Agonised with guilt, Satyanarayan reflects on his greed and dishonesty which led him down an increasingly deceitful path. In the end, the goddess of shame and divine justice catches up to him, as his prior virtuous reputation becomes meaningless in light of his betrayal of trust. 

Premchand's tales resonate with timeless wisdom, urging us towards integrity, compassion, and justice.

Focus by Anjali Pant.