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Gunda
A story by the late Jaishankar Prasad translated from the original in Hindi by Mayank Mohan Pande. Based on historical facts ''Gunda" is a tale of the anarchic years of the late eighteenth century at Benaras when the East India Company with the help of a Muslim priest, was making its inroads into the holy city ruled by a Hindu King. A story of unprecedented valour and one of the greatest love stories of all time, that can be read in 30 minutes.
36 pages, Paperback
Published November 6, 2019
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
July 17, 2025
Read a story in Hindi after a long time. A famous personality had recommended this and some other Hindi stories on a podcast. Though it was written a long time back when India was actually British India and the mindset of people was very different from that of today’s Indians including myself, I still liked it. The story was simple but the language was somewhat difficult. Many a words were new to me and I had to guess the meaning of those in the given context.
If you don’t have any interest in Hindi literature, you will not like it. If you want to start reading Hindi literature, this book is not the place. Same goes for stories of Premchand. They are not for the beginners. The Hindi in these books is very different from colloquial Hindi which is actually a mixture of Hindi, English and Urdu.
If you don’t have any interest in Hindi literature, you will not like it. If you want to start reading Hindi literature, this book is not the place. Same goes for stories of Premchand. They are not for the beginners. The Hindi in these books is very different from colloquial Hindi which is actually a mixture of Hindi, English and Urdu.
January 6, 2026
Gunda (गुंडा) by Jaishankar Prasad
A profound and historically rich short story that explores honor, defiance, and the complex character of a "Gunda" (hooligan) in 18th-century Varanasi against the backdrop of British colonial expansion.
Overview:
Gunda is a celebrated short story by Jaishankar Prasad, a titan of Hindi literature and a pillar of the Chhayavad (Neo-romanticism) movement. Set in the 18th century, the narrative focuses on a protagonist who embodies the title—a "Gunda" (often translated as hooligan, thug, or rogue)—living in the ancient city of Kashi (Varanasi). While the title suggests a criminal element, Prasad’s portrayal is layered, presenting a character of immense strength, personal code, and tragic nobility rather than a simple villain.
Themes and Setting:
The story serves as a historical window into a Varanasi grappling with the shifting tides of power as the British East India Company tightens its grip on India.
The Noble Rogue: The central character defies the modern, negative connotation of a criminal. Instead, he represents a dying breed of honor-bound individuals who operate outside the law but adhere to strict personal ethics.
Historical Context: The narrative is deeply rooted in the political turmoil of the 18th century. It captures the resistance against foreign rule and the cultural ethos of the time. Readers familiar with Indian history will appreciate the specific contextual details of the period.
Tragedy and Valor: Typical of Prasad’s style, the story blends emotional depth with action, culminating in situations where the protagonist remains right in his intent even if the circumstances (time and fate) are against him.
Analysis:
Jaishankar Prasad is known for his Sanskriticized Hindi (Tatsam-rich language), which lends the story a classical and dignified weight but can be challenging for beginners or those used to colloquial Hindi (Hinglish/Urdu-mixed). Readers praise the story for its potent characterization; despite being a short story (often found in collections of many stories), the protagonist feels complete and powerful. The narrative packs a significant emotional punch within a few pages, a testament to Prasad’s mastery of the short story format. However, the linguistic complexity ("klisht" language) is noted as a potential barrier, making this a read better suited for those with a strong grasp of formal Hindi literature.
Verdict:
Gunda is a classic of Hindi fiction that demands to be read for its literary merit and historical insight. It is not light reading; it is a serious exploration of character and duty. It is highly recommended for readers interested in Hindi literature's golden era and stories that challenge the binary definitions of hero and villain.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐✩✩ (3/5) — A linguistically challenging but historically and emotionally rewarding classic that redefines the concept of the outlaw.
February 1, 2026
Book Review: Gunda by Jaishankar Prasad
Gunda by Gunda marks my first encounter with the writing of Jaishankar Prasad, and it leaves a deep, lasting impression. Though the story itself is brief, its emotional and literary weight is immense—proof that length has little to do with impact when words are chosen with mastery.
Set around 1881, during colonial India, Gunda by Jaishankar Prasad unfolds in a rigid social order shaped by British rule, feudal power, caste hierarchy, and deep economic inequality. The story centres on a man branded a gunda—a feared outlaw living on the margins of society. In this period, villages were governed not just by law, but by landlords, moneylenders, and colonial authority. Anyone who resisted exploitation or refused submission was quickly labelled dangerous. The protagonist is one such man. Once ordinary and sensitive, repeated injustice, humiliation, and denial of dignity slowly push him outside the boundaries of “respectable” society. Despite his reputation, the gunda retains a moral core. He helps the weak, shows loyalty, and carries an unspoken grief for the life he might have lived. His silence speaks louder than his actions. In the background of colonial oppression, Prasad subtly contrasts British “law and order” with the lived injustice of the native population.
What truly elevates Gunda is Prasad’s language. His sentences flow with a rare lyrical power—each word placed with intention, each image carrying emotional force. The writing feels almost magical, where language itself becomes more powerful than the plot. There is beauty even in brutality, sensitivity even in silence. His command over words transforms a simple narrative into a profound literary experience.
Reading Gunda also serves as a reminder of how, in our fascination with English literature, we often overlook the richness of regional and Indian-language writing. Hindi literature, as Prasad demonstrates, possesses immense depth, soul, and philosophical strength—capable of touching emotions that transcend time and language.
Recommendation:
Gunda is highly recommended for readers who appreciate powerful prose, psychological depth, and socially conscious storytelling. If you are new to Jaishankar Prasad, this short work is an excellent starting point—and a gentle invitation to rediscover the timeless beauty of Indian regional literature.
Gunda by Gunda marks my first encounter with the writing of Jaishankar Prasad, and it leaves a deep, lasting impression. Though the story itself is brief, its emotional and literary weight is immense—proof that length has little to do with impact when words are chosen with mastery.
Set around 1881, during colonial India, Gunda by Jaishankar Prasad unfolds in a rigid social order shaped by British rule, feudal power, caste hierarchy, and deep economic inequality. The story centres on a man branded a gunda—a feared outlaw living on the margins of society. In this period, villages were governed not just by law, but by landlords, moneylenders, and colonial authority. Anyone who resisted exploitation or refused submission was quickly labelled dangerous. The protagonist is one such man. Once ordinary and sensitive, repeated injustice, humiliation, and denial of dignity slowly push him outside the boundaries of “respectable” society. Despite his reputation, the gunda retains a moral core. He helps the weak, shows loyalty, and carries an unspoken grief for the life he might have lived. His silence speaks louder than his actions. In the background of colonial oppression, Prasad subtly contrasts British “law and order” with the lived injustice of the native population.
What truly elevates Gunda is Prasad’s language. His sentences flow with a rare lyrical power—each word placed with intention, each image carrying emotional force. The writing feels almost magical, where language itself becomes more powerful than the plot. There is beauty even in brutality, sensitivity even in silence. His command over words transforms a simple narrative into a profound literary experience.
Reading Gunda also serves as a reminder of how, in our fascination with English literature, we often overlook the richness of regional and Indian-language writing. Hindi literature, as Prasad demonstrates, possesses immense depth, soul, and philosophical strength—capable of touching emotions that transcend time and language.
Recommendation:
Gunda is highly recommended for readers who appreciate powerful prose, psychological depth, and socially conscious storytelling. If you are new to Jaishankar Prasad, this short work is an excellent starting point—and a gentle invitation to rediscover the timeless beauty of Indian regional literature.
July 16, 2025
जयशंकर प्रसाद छायावाद के नायक की रचना गुन्डा जो एक 25 कहानियों का संकलन है, इस पुस्तक की हर रचना एक परिस्थिति ले के चलती है जिसमें नायक तो सही रहता है किन्तु समय अनुकूल नहीं रहता है। इस किताब की सबसे अच्छी बात ये है कि हर कहानी का हर किरदार खुद में अत्यंत सशक्त है और प्रत्येक कहानी चाहे 2 पन्ने की हो या 20 खुद मे सम्पूर्ण है और मार्मिकता से परिपूर्ण है। इस पुस्तक से जो मुझे एक दिक्कत रही वो उसकी भाषाई रूप से क्लिष्ट रहना रहा। यद्यपि ये पुस्तक एक बार कम से कम पढ़ी जानी चाहिए।
February 4, 2026
short story.. brilliantly written, great characterization.. shows you how a man when he chooses can turn his own life upside down and yet make the call it would have made all for love
May 2, 2025
Set in 18th century when britishers had taken a hold of India, this short story follows a Gunda of Varanasi city. Gunda doesn't have any direct translation in English but google says Thug, hooligan, hudlum. As we read the story, we get to know the character and actions of this person in more detail. The story will relate to Indians more as they have more historical context.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews