Set against the backdrop of colonial India - characterized by a brutal state, opportunistic, feudal landlords and ruthless capitalists - this novel is a grim account of the blind beggar Soordas' struggle against the acquisition of his ancestral land. Weaving together themes such as industrialization[...]

This volume explores the reception of Premchand's works and his influence in the perception of India among Western cultures, especially Russian, German, French, Spanish and English. The essays in the collection also take a critical look at multiple translations of the same work (and examine how each[...]

Godan is one of Premchand most famous novels. It has become a classic of Indian literature as it portrays the life of an Indian peasant in great depth and with a lot of sensitivity. It takes us deep inside the traditions, thoughts and travails of millions of Indian peasants. This is a must-read for [...]