About The Event
Set in pre Independence Banaras, the play takes place as the British Viceroy prepares to visit the city. The colonial administration works hard to present Banaras as clean, peaceful and well organized. At the same time, local citizens plan a strike to protest the Viceroy arrival.
To stop the protest, the magistrate turns to Moteram, a greedy priest known more for his love of food than his principles. Moteram announces a hunger strike (satyagraha) to pressure the public into calling off the protest. What follows is a series of humorous misunderstandings, deception, hypocrisy and political manipulation.
With sharp satire and memorable characters, the play highlights the misuse of religion, personal opportunism and the absurdities of colonial rule. It remains one of Premchand most entertaining social commentaries.
