‘सेवासदन’ (Sevasadan) is a timeless Hindi classic by Munshi Premchand, considered his first realist novel. Originally written in Urdu as ‘Bazaar-e-Husn’ in 1916 and published in Hindi in 1918, this novel catapulted Premchand to fame. ‘Sevasadan’ powerfully depicts the tragic lives and struggles of women, exposing societal hypocrisy and injustice. It raises critical questions about women’s rights, religious exploitation, land ownership, and various social issues. Through the life of Suman, the novel offers a poignant and vivid portrayal of the prevailing social evils and the dilemmas of women in that era, including issues like dependency, the lives of courtesans, dowry, and middle-class economic struggles, while also suggesting potential solutions. This enduring masterpiece continues to resonate with readers today, just as it did a century ago, making it a must-read for understanding social realities and human emotions. Find this impactful Hindi novel at The Bookish Owl.