Hermeneutics of Societal Fabrication in Munshi Premchand’s Short Stories: A Critical Evaluation of Rich Daughter-in-Law and The Thakur’s Well

Abstract

 In this research paper, we discuss social awareness and reformist spirit of Munshi Premchand in his short stories. The short stories are Rich Daughter-in-Law and The Thakur’s Well. The study examines, via a close textual analysis, the manner in which Premchand uses the ordinariness of rural life as a canvas to depict the entrenched realities of caste, class and gender oppression in early twentieth century India. These two narratives are interrogated in the paper to reveal the complex nature of marginalized identities, resistance and the transformative potential of empathy and agency. The analysis is located within the wider literature on his contribution to Hindi-Urdu literature and suggests the continuing relevance of his critique of social hierarchies. In contrast, this paper contends that his short fiction is ultimately a testimony of the struggles of his time, and is still a source of inspiration for discussions on social justice, individual dignity and reform in our society today. He is regarded as the father of the modern Hindi-Urdu short story and one of the most influential voices in Indian literature. Premchand’s output of more than three hundred short stories was prolific and not only pioneered a new realism in Indian prose fiction but also established the short story as a potent vehicle for social critique and human empathy. His works continue to resonate, offering timeless insights into the struggles, hopes, and resilience of ordinary people.