Kindness in the Novel of Anand’s Coolie: A Study

Abstract

Mulk Raj Anand’s Coolie is a powerful social novel that exposes the harsh realities of poverty, exploitation, and class inequality in colonial India through the tragic life of Munoo, an orphaned boy. The study explores how moments of kindness—though rare—shine amid the cruelty and oppression surrounding Munoo’s existence. Characters like Chhota Babu, Prabha Dayal, and Dauda embody the moral and emotional compassion that Anand presents as humanity’s last refuge against dehumanization. The paper highlights Anand’s deep humanism and his call for empathy as a form of social reform.