Page 200 - DENG503_INDIAN_WRITINGS_IN_LITERATURE

Indian Writings in Literature

Notes • Godan starts with Hori procuring a cow from Bhola. Already under a debt of 200 rupees,
Hori takes a loan of 80 rupees to buy this cow. Possessing a cow is a symbol of prestige in
rural India. Additionally, it allows him to sell the milk for a few annas a day. The cow is
poisoned by Hori’s jealous brother and the cow dies. And hence dies his source of milk for
his family. Yet, Hori does not want his brother to get arrested. For this, he has to bribe the
police inspector. Hori takes a loan of 50 rupees for this.
• The narrative represents the average Indian farmer’s existence under colonial rule, with the
protagonist facing cultural and feudal exploitation. It shows how the life of these characters
takes shape.
• The act of donating a cow in charity, or Godan, is considered to be an important Hindu ritual,
as it helps in absolving one of sin, and incurring divine blessings. It is nevertheless, not
essential. The word dharma has been used 34 times in the novel in different context and by
different Characters. The word connotes as religion, moral principles and values, conscience
and duty. It means differently to each character.
23.4 Key-Words

1. Interruptions : To break the continuity or uniformity of , to hinder or stop the action or
discourse of (someone) by breaking in on.
2. Zealots : A person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious,
political, or other ideals.

23.5 Review Questions

1. Godan is a story of stark realism. Discuss.
2. What is the theme of the novel Godan?
Answers: Self-Assessment
1. (i) True (ii) False (iii) True (iv) True (v) False

23.6 Further Readings

1. Premchand Pachnavali (collected works of Premchand) Vol. 20, Delhi, Janwani
Prakashan 1996: 377–425.
2. Godan (The Gift of a Cow) (1936) English translations by Gordon c. Roadarmel
(2007, 1968, New Delhi).

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