NewGodan
A Struggle for Dignity in Rural India
by Munshi PremchandLiterary FictionSocial Realism
गोदान
Originally in Hindi1936
36 chapters669 pages12h read
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About This Book
Godan plunges readers into the heart of colonial-era India, where Hori, a humble peasant, dreams of owning a cow—a symbol of hope, livelihood, and respect. Through Hori’s daily battles against crushing poverty, caste barriers, and the relentless demands of landlords, Premchand paints a hauntingly real portrait of rural life and its quiet heroism. Interwoven with parallel stories of educated townsfolk, the novel exposes the deep social divides and moral dilemmas of the time. Both searing critique and deeply human saga, Godan is an unforgettable journey into the soul of a nation on the brink of change.
Characters
View all 95 charactersAbout the Author
Munshi Premchand
1880–1936
Munshi Premchand (1880–1936), born Dhanpat Rai Srivastava in Lamhi, near Varanasi in British India, is regarded as one of the most celebrated writers in modern Hindi and Urdu literature. Raised in a modest family, Premchand overcame early hardships, including the loss of his parents, to pursue his education and a career as a schoolteacher and later as a school inspector. He began his literary journey writing in Urdu under the pen name 'Nawab Rai' before switching predominantly to Hindi. Throughout his life, Premchand was deeply influenced by the socio-political changes of colonial India, and he was an active participant in the Indian independence movement, which often found reflection in his works.
Places and Terms in this Book
Brahmin— The highest caste in the Hindu varna system, traditionally priests and scholars, responsible for religious rituals and maintaining social order.
Sah— A respectful term for a wealthy or important man, often used for moneylenders, merchants, or landlords; also used as a term of respect or address for men of authority.
dharma— A key concept in Indian philosophy and religion, meaning duty, righteousness, or moral order.
zamindar— A feudal landlord who owns agricultural land and collects rent from tenant farmers.
Pandit— A learned Brahmin, often serving as a priest or scholar in the village, responsible for religious ceremonies and rituals.
Patwari— A village-level government official responsible for land records and revenue collection.
Vocabulary
mahajan— A moneylender or financier in rural India.
maund— A traditional South Asian unit of weight, roughly equivalent to 37 kilograms.
paisa— A small unit of Indian currency, one hundredth of a rupee.
roti— A round, unleavened flatbread, a staple food in India.
Amma— A respectful term for mother.
sari— A traditional garment worn by women in India, consisting of a long piece of cloth draped around the body.