Munshi Premchand's "Virjan's Letter to Kamla"

Munshi Premchand's Amazing Story: Virjan's Letter to Kamla

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Here, we present to you another invaluable story by Munshi Premchand, titled:

* Virjan's Letter to Kamla*

Mazgaon

My Dearest,

Your love letter arrived. I held it close to my eyes, overwhelmed. Please don't write such letters! My heart aches with each word. But I must write, for my mind is in turmoil here. What tales do you hear, what do your eyes behold? Broken huts of reeds, mud walls, towering heaps of refuse outside homes, buffaloes wallowing in the mire, gaunt cows – these sights make me long to depart. Observe the people – their plight is truly distressing. Their bodies, skeletal, are embodiments of hardship and stark poverty. Some have barely a scrap of cloth to cover their bodies, and how unfortunate are those who toil day and night yet never have enough to eat. Behind our house is a pit. Madhavi was playing there. Her foot slipped, and she fell into the water. Folk say a witch frequents this pit to bathe, and she is known to harass passersby. Similarly, a banyan tree stands at the gate, believed to be a haven for spirits. Fear of the pit is understandable, but the banyan's presence casts a shadow of dread over the entire village, so much so that the paths are deserted after sunset. Children and women dare not venture near. Only solitary men sometimes pass, but even they seem fearful. These two places are veritable centres of malevolent spirits. There are numerous other spirits and witches inhabiting various parts of the village, and the villagers have come to understand their ways. Some spirits are said to cling to a person's head for months, while others depart after receiving offerings. The villagers discuss these matters as if they were actual events. It is even said that witches sometimes ask for food and drink. Their saris often gleam like the wings of herons, and they speak in a peculiar nasal tone. They are less prone to wearing elaborate jewelry. These spirits especially fear women who have adorned themselves in colourful garments and are alone in their sight. The scent of flowers is particularly alluring to them. It is unlikely that anyone, man or child, would sleep with flowers near them at night.

The perceived stature and importance of these spirits is remarkably well-defined. The Yogi Baba, draped in dark robes, rides a palanquin and patrols the village boundaries, guiding lost travelers. Once a year, people worship him, now considered a deity rather than a spirit. He averts any misfortune possible from entering the village. The village trembles at the mention of the Dhobi Baba, a dreaded figure. No one dares to pass the tree under which he dwells after the lamps are extinguished or else their lives are in jeopardy. Two bottles of liquor are enough to dispel him.

The priest brings cannabis and hashish to the tree on auspicious days. Even Lala Saheb has become a spirit; this distinguished gentleman, formerly a moneylender, was killed by several Assam-based pandits. His influence is so profound that it refuses to release the souls of those he targets. No patwari (revenue official) lasts more than a year here. A little way outside the village stands a tree where the Maulavi Sahib resides. He is harmless, but if offerings aren't made on Thursdays, he will torment the children.

How absurd! How misguided is this belief? These notions have become deeply ingrained in the hearts of these villagers. As soon as a child falls ill, they begin worshipping spirits. Everywhere you look in the fields and granaries, there are spirits everywhere. There are no deities or gods here; only spirits reign supreme. The Yama Raj (god of death) has not set foot here. Only spirits claim the lives of these people. How do we improve these beliefs?

Yours,

Virjan

Mazgaon

My Beloved,

I received your long-awaited letter. It is truly heartwarming. The letter speaks volumes; it's like avoiding some tedious chore. It wasn't like you to be so neglectful. Has something changed since you left? You've been gone for over two months. Many holidays have fallen during this period, but you have not returned. I urge you, please come during the Holi holidays! Otherwise, I will forever be reproachful.

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