Munshi Premchand (born Dhanpat Rai Srivastava) was a renowned Indian writer who is considered one of the most celebrated writers in Hindi and Urdu literature. He was born on July 31, 1880, in Lamhi village, near Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh, India. Premchand wrote over 300 short stories, novels, and essays, many of which were focused on social issues such as poverty, oppression, and injustice.

Premchand's writing career started in the early 1900s, and he became widely known after the publication of his first major novel, "Godan," in 1936. He was an advocate of social reform and used his writing to shed light on the struggles of the poor and marginalized in Indian society. His other notable works include "Mansarovar," "Gaban," "Karmabhoomi," and "Nirmala."

Premchand passed away on October 8, 1936, at the age of 56, but his work continues to be celebrated and studied in India and around the world. He is regarded as a pioneer in modern Hindi and Urdu literature, and his works have been translated into many languages.