Page 194 - DENG503_INDIAN_WRITINGS_IN_LITERATURE

Indian Writings in Literature

Notes feelings. This is not acceptable to Dhania, Hori’s wife. It is unbelievabe that being Jhunia’s father,
instead of being contended that Hori and his wife have accepted this girl who became pregnant
without her marriage being sanctified, he would like to see her sent away with her infant. He
heartlessly takes away Hori’s oxen and renders him totally helpless.
The urban society is represented by Malati devi (Doctor), Mr. Mehta( Lecturer and philosopher),
Mr. Khanna (Banker), Rai Sahib (Zamindar), Mr Tankha (Broker) and Mr. Mirza (social worker).
Rai Sahib

Rai sahib has won the local elections twice. He wanted to marry his daughter off to a rich zamindar
to again win in the election and claim the property of his in-laws. Thus, he married his daughter
off to another rich, widow and rake zamindar. He claimed and won the zamindari of his in-laws.
He won the election and became the municipal minister. But when he planned to get his son
married to the daughter of Raja Suryankant for his family’s prestige, his son refused that. He is in
love with Saroj, the younger sister of Malati devi. They both married and went away to London.
His son claimed and won the entire property Rai sahib won from in-laws leaving Rai sahib in
huge debt. His daughter got divorced. This eventually left Rai sahib too dissatisfied despite all his
efforts.
Miss Malati
Miss Malati is a beautiful lady intelligent doctor who is educated in Europe. She is one of the three
daughters of
Mr. Kaul. She is the centre of attraction in the parties and is flirtatious. Mr. Khanna flirts with her
and she is envied and disliked by Govindi. Malati in turn falls in love with Mr. Mehta because of
his ideology, his simplicity and intelligence. On a trip to the village of Hori, she explores herself.
She starts serving the poor and gets involved in many social activities. After seeing the change in
Malati, Mr. Mehta falls in love with Malati. But though Malati loves Mr. Mehta, she refuses his
marriage proposal. She now wants to serve the poor and does not want to marry. Mr. Mehta and
Malati keep serving the poor and needy people together. Malati devi is the only character shown
as conteded at the end of the novel because of her commitment to charitable deeds.
Mr. Mehta
Mr Mehta is a scholar and lectures philosopy in a college. He is also authoring a book on Philosophy
which he dedicates to Malati. Malati and Govindi are two characters who are influenced by him.
Govindi finds solace talking to him as he appreciates her concept of womanhood. Malati loses her
ego and understands the true meaning of life through him. She learns to serve the poor. He needs
the guidance of Malati as he has mismanaged his funds and income in overgenerously serving the
poor. Though he is interested in marrying Malati, the two mutually agree to remain as friends
under the same roof.
Mr. Khanna
Mr. Khanna is an industrialist and owns a sugar factory. Though married and father of three
children, he disrespects his wife Govindi for her traditional values. He flirts with Malati. He is
unable to recognize the virtues in his wife. Govindi is fed up of his behaviour and this goads her
to leave home. He exploits the labour class. It is only when his sugar factory is destroyed in a fire
accident and Govindi stands by him encouraging him to set it up once again, he realise his
mistake. Mr. Khanna eventually starts loving his wife.
Govindi
Govindi is Mr. Khanna’s wife, the rich industrialist, and is epitomized as an ideal Hindu wife. She
is virtuous and very tolerant with her husband and children. Unfortunately, Mr. Khanna is

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