In the story ‘The Holy Panchayat’
Prem Chand has given some hints about the gradual break-down of Indian
traditional values taking place in our society. From the contents of the story,
we can surmise that he was fully aware of social issues that were inviting
attention of the contemporary social
reforms. Take the example of the clash of interest between Jumman and Algu
which hints at the friction present between various social classes. Don’t we
see that avarice and greed makes a man resort to dishonest means ? was not
Jumman doing injustice to his old and helpless aunt.? Has man’s love for money and
property diminished ? jumman may have other qualities of head and heart, but in
money matter he was not going to compromise. The cunningness and deceit of the
village merchant and Algu’s hopeless efforts to get his dues from Sahu are
clear indications of the cracks and fissures which had started appearing in the
so called idealized village community. In fact, when Prem Chand brings in an
element of a fable at this point and when the second Panchayat is to be held
Best Regards
K.K Singh
Helpful!
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