Gaban
Gaban,
one of the most celebrate d novels of Munshi Premchand, was first published in
1931. It tells the story of Ramanath, a charming but morally weak young man,
who in order to fulfil his beautiful wife's – Jalpa – excessive craving for
jewellery involves himself in complex economic and personal relationships,
which eventually leads to his apparent ignominy and his escape from home. He
doesn't even bother to realise that by doing so he brings disgrace to his
family honour and leaves his dear wife alone. However, Jalpa's brave attitude
brings a sense of redemption in Ramanath and they unite again. One of the
classics of Indian literature, Gaban gives an engrossing picture of Indian
society. It also captures the social and economic conditions and conflicts of a
North Indian society in pre-independence India. It is a must read for readers
interested in regional Indian literature.