Gaban, one of the most celebrated 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 fulfill his beautiful wife, Jalpa's excessive craving for jewellery involves himself in complex economic and personal relationships, which eventually lead 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.
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