Nirmala

Description

Premchand's novel Nirmala, first published in 1928, is one of the most poignant novels in Hindi on the theme of the young adolescent yoked to an elderly husband. Nirmala's tragedy is a social one, dictated by the ills of the dowry system. Clearly reformist in its agenda, the novel succeeds in exploring sensitive and even dangerous terrain.

Alok Rai's translation, complete with notes, makes this text available to readers not conversant in Hindi. The volume also includes an Afterword which takes note of the special context of the novel, placing melodrama in perspective and analysing its powerful working, as well as making possible a contemporary reading of the work.

About the Authors

Munshi Premchand (1880-1936) was pioneering figure in modern Hindi literature. He was one of the initiators of realism in Indian fiction and introduced the genre of the short story in Hindi. With social themes and character studies, he set the standard for writers who followed.

Alok Rai is Premchand's grandson and also Professor of English at the Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi. He has edited Dickens' Great Expectations (OUP College and University Level Text).