쁘렘짠드 단편소설에서의 불가촉천민(不可觸賤民)

Abstract

This paper aims to study untouchable's psychological inner world and consciousness by referring to the major short stories of Premchand. Early in his career Premchand recognised untouchability as one of the worst ills besetting Indian society. His fictional works on them are overtly no more than descriptive. The untouchables are not blamed for their dirty habits and low morality. It is the socio-economic system which is responsible for whatever degradation there may be. Afraid, like most upper caste Hindu nationalists, that the untouchables might opt out of the Hindu fold, Premchand pleads for their continuance within the Hindu society because they have the same view of life and ideals. Toward the end of 1930 appeared Sadgati, portraying most movingly the plight of Dukhi, a poor Chamar. In 1932 came Thakur ka Kuan. Jokhu is ill and thirsty. Gangi, Jokhu's wife, is desperate to get some potable water. In the dark of the night she decides to steal some water from the Thakur's well. Her fear - for the consequences of being caught would be disastrous - is sensitively captured in the story. Two years later, in Doodh ka Daam, a woman belonging to the caste of sweepers(Bhangis). Among the social problems, the problems of untouchability and the position of woman, occupied his attention most. Premchand's untouchable woman characters are invariably fearless, with a keen sense of moral values and social justice. In stories dealing with the theme of social justice, it is invariably the voice of the untouchable and woman which rises in protest against tyranny.