"Kafan" by Munshi Premchand

Munshi Premchand is renowned for his perceptive and provocative tales that illustrate societal issues and human realities. Premchand's moving short story "Kafan" explores the harsh truths of exploitation, poverty, and the human condition. The short stories and his works have the depth that is capable of touching the reader's soul. 

The main characters of "Kafan" are Gheesu and Jhootha, a poor couple who strive to make ends meet. Despite their struggles, Gheesu and Jhootha frequently turn to drink for comfort, ignoring their obligations to their families. When Gheesu's wife died of childbirth they turn to the villagers for help but even after getting help they preferred to have a good meal after a long time.

The short story deals with poverty and how it affects the life and death of an individual. Gheesu and Madhav's extreme poverty and helplessness are depicted in the story quite effectively. Their incapacity to purchase even a shroud for Gheesu's wife is indicative of the widespread poverty in the community. We find a glaring inequality between the rich and the poor.

Premchand skillfully exposes the moral decay and hypocrisy of the characters. Despite their dire circumstances, Gheesu and Madhav prioritize alcohol over their responsibilities, showcasing the erosion of values in the face of adversity. They knew how they were overspending money instead of getting a shroud for the dead wife but their ignorance and the belief that people would help let them ignore the goodwill from people.

"Kafan" remains relevant even in contemporary times due to its depiction of societal inequities and human frailties. The story serves as a stark reminder of the enduring issues of poverty, exploitation, and moral degradation that continue to plague society.