Premchand

Premchand (31 July 1880 – 8 October 1936) is among the most widely read authors in Hindi and Urdu even today. He wrote many novels, such as Sevasadan, Premashram, Rangbhumi, Nirmala, Gaban, Karmabhumi, Godan, etc., and over 300 short stories, including 'Kafan', 'Poos ki Raat', 'Panch Parmeshwar', 'Bade Ghar ki Beti', 'Budhi Kaki', and 'Do Bailon ki Katha'. Called the 'Upanyas Samrat' (lit. 'emperor of the novel') by Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Premchand's writings gave a new direction to Hindi literature. In addition to fiction, he was also a journalist and critic, writing for nearly all the major newspapers and journals of his time. He also edited and published the newspaper Jagaran and the journal Hans.