Premchand’s The Shroud: Poverty and Apathy in Rural India
Premchand’s *The Shroud*: Poverty and Apathy in Rural India
“The Shroud” (*Kafan*) by Premchand is a poignant and thought-provoking story that revolves around Ghisu and Madhav, a father and son who live in extreme poverty and belong to a lower caste in rural India. Their story is a grim portrayal of poverty, human apathy, and the harsh realities of life for the marginalized.
Ghisu, the father, is a lazy man who spends his days avoiding work and reminiscing about better times. Madhav, his son, is no different, having learned to follow in his father’s footsteps. The two live in a ramshackle hut, barely scraping by through occasional work, begging, and sometimes stealing. Despite their dire situation, they are unmotivated to work or improve their condition, instead relying on temporary solutions to their problems.
A Wife in Labor
At the beginning of the story, Madhav’s wife, Budhiya, is in labor. She lies in the hut, crying out in pain, but Ghisu and Madhav sit outside by a fire, roasting stolen potatoes. Instead of showing concern for Budhiya, they talk casually about their past experiences, particularly a feast they enjoyed many years ago. They justify their inaction by claiming that they have nothing to offer and that worrying about Budhiya would not change their situation.
Tragedy Strikes
As the night passes, Budhiya dies during childbirth. When Ghisu and Madhav discover her death, they show little emotion or grief. Instead, they focus on what needs to be done next, which is arranging for her burial. Being penniless, they go to the village to ask the community for help. The villagers, moved by the tragedy and pitying the father and son, collect money to cover the cost of the funeral and the purchase of a shroud (a burial cloth) for Budhiya.
A Selfish Decision
With the money in hand, Ghisu and Madhav head to the market. However, instead of buying the shroud and other funeral necessities, they decide to spend the money on food and alcohol. They rationalize their decision by arguing that a shroud would be wasted on a dead body, as it would only rot in the ground. In their minds, it is better to use the money to enjoy themselves, as they rarely have such an opportunity.
Indulgence and Forgetfulness
They proceed to a local tavern and order a feast, eating and drinking to their hearts’ content. As the night progresses and they become intoxicated, their sense of guilt and social obligation fades entirely. They laugh, talk loudly, and revel in the moment, completely detached from the somber reality of Budhiya’s death and their moral responsibility.
An Unshrouded End
The story ends with the two men drunk and carefree, having indulged themselves without any remorse. They justify their actions as a way to cope with their miserable existence, leaving Budhiya’s body unshrouded and her death an afterthought.
The Devastating Effects of Poverty
“The Shroud” is a powerful narrative that portrays the devastating effects of poverty on human behavior and relationships. Premchand presents Ghisu and Madhav’s actions in a raw and unfiltered manner, leaving readers to grapple with the complexities of their choices and the societal conditions that shaped them. Through their story, Premchand sheds light on the harsh realities faced by the downtrodden and the moral dilemmas that arise from extreme deprivation.