Explain briefly the history of Hindi …

Srinivas Das’s novel, published in 1882, was titled Pariksha-Guru (The Master Examiner).

• The main theme of the novel was that it showcased the pros and cons of colonial modernity
• It was expected for the society to take caution against the dangerous influences of bad company and consequent loose morals. Pariksha-Guru reflects the inner and outer world of the newly emerging middle classes. The characters in the novel are caught in the difficulty of adapting to colonised society and at the same time preserving their own cultural identity. The novel tries to teach the reader the ‘right way’ to live and expects all ‘sensible men’ to be worldly-wise and practical, to remain rooted in the values of their own tradition and culture, and to live with dignity and honour.

It is observed that Premchand’s novels are filled with all kinds of powerful characters drawn from all levels of society. In his novels the characters are drawn from daily life experiences. One might notice characters like aristocrats and landlords, middle level peasants and landless labourers, middle-class professionals and people from the margins of society. The women characters are strong individuals, especially those who come from the lower classes and are not modernised.The central character of his novel Rangbhoomi (The Arena), Surdas, is a visually impaired beggar from a so-called 'untouchable' caste. One can see Surdas struggling to get back the land that had forcibly taken away from him.