Reflection of Social Realities in Munshi Premchand’s Novel, Nirmala

Choudhurimayum Sofia Devi

Authors

Choudhurimayum Sofia Devi Assistant Professor, Department of English, Pravabati College, Mayang Imphal https://orcid.org/0009-0008-8823-152X

Keywords:

Societal norms, mismatched marriage, dowry, male-dominated society, poverty, remarriage

Abstract

Aims: Munshi Premchand (1880–1936) is one of the most prominent writers in modern Hindi literature. His works mainly deal with the social issues, with caste hierarchies and gender discrimination. This article deals in depth with the reflection of social realities in Munshi Premchand’s novel Nirmala.

Methodology and Approaches: The societal norms, economic conditions leading to mismatched marriages, unhealthy relationship, deterioration of a harmonious family, the status of women in a male-dominated society, dowry, the harmful effects of remarriage to an underage bride and the husband’s distrustful attitude towards his mismatched wife, the emotional conflict between a young step-mother and her step children, etc. are beautifully portrayed in the novel Nirmala.

Outcome: The novel narrates the heart-breaking journey of the protagonist, Nirmala through the dark path of life stained by dowry, mismatched marriage, suspicion, neglect, poverty, etc.

Conclusion and Suggestions: Through the character of Nirmala, Munshi Premchand vividly showcases the struggles faced by women in times when they attain the marriageable age due to the evil practice of dowry in the early part of the 1st half of 20th century Indian society and its consequences.

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Author Biography

Choudhurimayum Sofia Devi, Assistant Professor, Department of English, Pravabati College, Mayang Imphal

Choudhurimayum Sofia Devi is Assistant Professor in the Department of English at Pravabati College, Mayang Imphal, one of the well-known colleges in Manipur. She has over five years of teaching experience and has published research papers in UGC CARE-listed journals. She has also presented scholarly papers at national and international conferences and seminars, in addition to attending various academic workshops. She obtained her Master’s degree in English Literature from Manipur University and completed her M.Ed. and B.Ed. at D. M. College of Teacher Education, Imphal. She is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in English at Khongnangthaba University, Imphal. Her areas of academic interest include Indian English Literature, American Literature, and English Language Teaching. She also engages with interdisciplinary approaches to literature, cultural studies, and pedagogy.