Reading Premchand’s Prema Over A Century Later – A Tale of Love, Fate, Defiance
Sneha Jaiswal (Twitter | Instagram)
It’s been over fifteen years since I last read a Hindi novel, so reading Premchand’s ‘Prema’ was my way of re-starting my journey into Hindi literature.
First published in 1907, perhaps Premchand’s ‘Prema’ is too simple for modern readers and yet, it’s not as hard to appreciate the plot when you think of it contextually. Set in Vanarasi (then ‘Benaras’), one of India’s holiest cities, Prema is a love story that attempts to recast ‘widow re-marriage’ in a positive light, since it was considered blasphemous by many at the time.
Premchand picked a complex, controversial issue and spun it into a relatable tale of love, affection, and rebellion. Prema is a beautiful young woman, engaged to handsome lawyer Amrit Rai. They’re both from wealthy, influential families, a match made with parental approval. However, when Amrit Rai decides to dedicate his time in doing social work, strange rumors fly in town about him converting into Christianity.
Again, as a modern reader, I found it peculiarly amusing that a young educated man’s decision to hold discussions about social reforms, build orphanages, and promote widow remarriage, was instantly interpreted as him abandoning his religion. Of course, it’s a deliberate ploy by the author to mock the religious elite.
Alarmed at the rumors regarding Amrit Rai, Prema’s influential father calls off the wedding, leaving the lovers heartbroken. But Amrit starts turning his attention towards a widow, first only out of concern, and then due to genuine affection. However, the entire town goes up in arms, ready to riot and burn homes at the mere mention of a possible ‘widow re-marriage’.
Ironically, ‘Prema’ is a side-character in this tale, despite the title leading the reader to believe she might be the titular protagonist. For almost 80% of her scenes, she is only weeping, or grieving. Amrit is the hero of this story, the handsome, dashing, idealistic lawyer, but not without his flaws.
For instance, in the climactic pages of the book, Amrit finds himself increasingly isolated in the society due to his reformative deeds and one of the things he is upset about is the fact that all his ‘servants’ stop coming to work. The upper class privilege is comical – on one hand Amrit dreams of an equal world, on the other, he thinks himself crippled because half his house staff quit. In-fact, you can’t help but wonder if his desire to marry a widow is an act of charity or love. Especially since Premchand rushes with the tale. But well, at least Amrit is not all talk and no work.
Overall, ‘Prema’ is an engaging novel, even if quite predictable. The climax is rushed, shockingly violent, and perhaps a bit convenient for the fates of the protagonists. Although some readers can seen the climactic tale as divine intervention, an ending that is innocently foreshadowed early on in the story.
I imagine this would’ve been a thrilling, tense, shocking tale of love, defiance, rebellion when it came out. Premchand’s language is simple, easy to read, and takes you back to a time when it was incredibly stifling to be a young woman. It’s a good reminder of how far we’ve come. If you, like me, are looking to explore Hindi titles as a ‘beginner’ reader in the language, Premchand is always a great place to start.
Rating: 3 on 5.
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