Raj Kumar Mandal
Volume-XIV, Issue-III, April 2026
Volume-XIV, Issue-III, April 2026 | ||
Received: 17.04.2026 | Accepted: 27.04.2026 | |||
Published Online: 30.04.2026 | Page No: | |||
DOI: 10.64031/pratidhwanitheecho.vol.14.issue.03W. | ||||
A short Review of Premchand’s
‘Ghaswali’ and Other Stories
Raj Kumar Mandal, Independent Research Scholar, Malda, West Bengal, India | |
Feminism is a socio-political ideology that advocates
equality, freedom, and justice for all genders by challenging discriminatory
social structures. It emphasizes equal access to rights, opportunities, and
resources, thereby contributing to both individual empowerment and societal
development. As Ramanika Gupta argues, true empowerment lies in a woman’s
autonomy and her ability to make independent decisions free from male
dominance.
The roots of
feminist consciousness in Indian literature can be traced in the works of
Munshi Premchand, whose stories present a realistic portrayal of social
inequalities. This paper evaluates Premchand’s short story Ghaswali as a
powerful expression of feminist discourse, while also referring to stories like
Mandir and Sadgati, which highlight caste oppression and Dalit
marginalization.
Written in 1929,
during the period of the Civil Disobedience Movement, Ghaswali reflects
Gandhian ideals of non-violence and moral transformation. The protagonist
Mulia, a woman from a marginalized caste, resists both gender and caste-based
oppression through courage, self-respect, and rational argument. Her resistance
leads to the transformation of the oppressor, demonstrating the power of
ethical and intellectual strength over violence.
Through its
portrayal of Mulia’s character, Ghaswali emerges as a significant
feminist text that also intersects with Dalit discourse. The story remains
relevant in contemporary times, as it highlights enduring issues of gender
inequality and social injustice while promoting dignity, equality, and human values. | |
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