25 Famous Premchand Stories - The Jewel Of Hindi Literature

When we talk about Hindi novels or literature, a famous name that comes to our mind is that of Munshi Premchand. Known as ‘Upanyas Samrat’(the king of novel writing), Prem Chand is one of the greatest story and novel writers of all time with a career that lasted for 35 years.

His writings provide us an idea about the social and political life of the early 20th century in India. All his stories had ordinary characters but made them extremely special with his brilliant way of story-telling.

Even after all these years, people read his short stories and novels with a lot of admiration. Premchand brought realism to Hindi Literature. He was born on 31 July 1880 and died on October 8, 1936.

You must have read a few of his short stories in your class 7th or 8th Hindi textbooks. Though it’s difficult to choose just a few, here’s a list of 25 famous Premchand stories, that are jewels for Hindi Literature and some of his greatest writings that should be missed!

1. Kafan

Without a doubt, this is one of his best short stories. The way Premchand has beautifully captured human nature and societal issues in a short story is so amazing. Through this story, he brings the reality of life in poverty and discrimination which took place in India years ago. Kafan is touching and a must-read!

2. Eidgaah

Another beautiful short story that tells the story of a 5-year-old Hamid’s sacrifices and love that’ll make you shed a tear or two. Eidgaah tells us that children are a symbol of God. It is a heart-wrenching story and will do down as one of the greatest short stories of all time written by Premchand.

3. Poos Ki Raat

Another masterpiece by Premchand! It tells the story of Halku, a farmer who was saving money to buy a blanket for winter but has to pay off all his debts with that money. Then he had to spend the winter with an old and torn blanket.

The story is so simple and touching that you’ll find yourself with the farmer and his dog.

4. Do Bailon Ki Katha

A heartwarming story of two best friends that stick together in every difficulty. Do Bailon Ki Katha by Premchand is a beautiful story of two bulls, Heera and Moti who are best friends. This is a perfect story for animal lovers with a happy ending!

5. Namak Ka Darogha

An inspirational short story about Vanshidhar, a young man raising his voice against corruption during the British era. This is one of the best short stories that you’ll ever read. This proves that Premchand is the God of contemporary Hindi literature.

6. Doodh Ki Qeemat

Another book by Premchand that highlights the issues caused by the caste system in India. Doodh Ki Qeemat outlines the discrimination caused by the caste system in society.

7. Bade Ghar Ki Beti

This short story by Premchand focuses on the joint family system and patriarchy in India. The story is about a daughter from a wealthy family who becomes the daughter-in-law of a poor family and the problems she has to face with her in-laws. A must-read!

8. Boodhi Kaaki

Boodhi Kaaki is a short story that highlights the struggle of a poor and old blind woman whose husband and sons have died. The way he narrates the story is too good that you can easily connect with the characters. This story will melt even the toughest of hearts.

9. Panch Parmeshwar

This beautiful tale of friendship tells the story of two best friends Jumman Sheikh and Algu Chaudhary. The story tells us how power comes in responsibility and how one prefers justice over personal choice. The story is a life lesson for all of us which makes it a must-read!

10. Sevasadan

This story focuses on hypocrisy. The lead character Suman chooses a profession by choice against society and the story is about how she’s treated. But Suman, being a strong woman, stands by her choices. In Sevasadan, Premchand takes you through Suman’s character in depth and is a must-read!

11. Godaan

One of Premchand’s best! Godaan is about Hori, a poor farmer, and his struggles to run his family and self-respect! The story perfectly portrays the village life during the milieu of the British Raj and also issues like how women were treated, caste discrimination, hypocrisy, and exploitation of upper castes.

Godaan is a jewel for Hindi Literature without a doubt. Give it a read!

12. Nasha

Another short story by Premchand tells the story of two friends, one the son of a poor clerk and one the son of a rich landlord. The book mainly criticized the Zamindari System that existed during pre-independent India.

13. Bade Bhai Sahab

Unlike Premchand’s other stories, this is different because it does not talk about the issues in society but talks about his relationship with his brother, who is five years older than him. It’s a beautiful story of how the younger brother takes responsibility for his family on his young shoulders. It’s delightful and a must-read!

14. Thakur Ka Kuan

This short story by Premchand exposes the caste-based discrimination that happened in India. Thakur Ka Kuan tells the story of Gangi, who is humiliated by the people of the upper caste because she wanted clean water for her ill husband. It’s a beautiful story that you should give a read.

15. Gaban

One of the best novels written by Munshi Premchand. The novel portrays the reality of middle-class Indian society. The lead character Raman finds himself in great trouble after he buys gold on loan to show off his wealth to his wife. Another wonderful story about society, morality, and money!

16. Shatranj Ki Baazi

This masterpiece by Premchand tells the story of two nawabs of Lucknow who forgets to protect their city because they were too busy playing chess. Shatranj Ki Baazi also talks about money laundering, prostitution, and many more. Yet another time Premchand aces in story-telling which makes it a must-read!

17. Duniya Ka Sabse Anmol Ratan

A beautiful tale of love and humanity. Duniya Ka Sabse Anmol Ratan is the story of Dilfigaar who goes on a quest to find the ‘most precious thing in the world’ to win the heart of his beloved Dilfareb. Another great short story by Premchand!

18. Nirmala

Through this story, Premchand attacks the Dowry system in India, by telling the story of a young woman who is married to someone of her father’s age. Nirmala is about misfortunes and how circumstances change people no matter if you’re good or bad. It’s a very tragic story but is indeed a gem for Hindi Literature. A must-read!

19. Karmbhumi

Set in the early 20th century, when Hindus and Muslims co-existed in Uttar Pradesh. Karmbhumi is a beautiful story with well-formed characters and simple language. A Premchand classic that’ll teach you that the real battle is always on the inside.

20. Bazaar-e-Husn

If there’s a writer who could represent contemporary or pre-independence India so brilliantly, it’s Munshi Premchand. Bazaar-e-Husn or Sevasadan talks about marriage, prostitution, and women empowerment. Also, it highlights the discrimination women had to face and how much social acceptance mattered. Savasadan is a masterpiece and a must-read!

21. Rangbhoomi

This story by Premchand, tells the story of a stubborn blind yet kind man. Rangbhoomi is a story that covers every aspect of human life and also talks about religion and family bonds. If you’ve never read a book of Premchand’s, this is the right book to start with!

22. Pratigya

This Premchand classic talks about issues in society. Pratigya is about widow marriage, a concept that was unacceptable and not so prevalent in the Indian culture. Premchand makes you fall in love with his simple yet impactful writings. For any person who admires Hindi Literature, this book is a must-read!

23. Premashram

This novel by Premchand gives us a glimpse of how villages were under the Zamindari system during British rule. The book shows the contrast between two men; one who makes money his only goal, and one who lives to does things for the benefit of humanity. It’s a great book and a must-read!

24. Manorama

This story illustrates how situations in life change a person forever. It also portrays the condition of women in pre-independent India. Manorama by Premchand has some strong characters like Rani Manorama, Chakradhar, and Shankhdhar. Another story that you should read!

25. Kshama

This classic by Munshi Premchand tells the story of a father whose son is brutally murdered. It takes us back to the time of religious conflicts. It’s a great story and will and keep you guessing whether the father should forgive the murderer or not! Another must-read.

Munshi Premchand brought realism to Hindi Literature. His stories or novels always had realistic situations which makes them unique. Instead of focusing more on the conflicts between two communities or religions, he talked about society as a whole.

Other than Hindi and Urdu, his work has been translated into many languages like Chinese, English, etc. Munshi Premchand died in the middle of writing a new novel, which remains unfished to date. He passed away on October 8, 1936.

Here’s a list of 25 Famous Premchand stories that will go down as his best works and jewels of Hindi Literature. Give them a read, whenever you have time to spare. Also if you found this article informative, make sure you share it with your friends or someone who is an admirer of Hindi Literature!

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