M. R. Anand’s “Coolie”: A Problem Novel

Coolie is the second novel by Mulk Raj Anand written in1936. Through its protagonist Munoo, a fourteen years old orphan boy, the novel depicts the exploitation of children by the elders. Although written against the background of Colonial India. The significance of the novel does not lessen even after independence. Child labour is a problem which has taken its roots in society because of the poor mentality of the wealthy class. No law or constitution could prevent this evil. Mulk Raj Anand presents Munoo as the protagonist of the novel who suffers the exploitation by his elders and employers. Like Charles Dickness, Mulk Raj Anand expects to effect social change through the realistic portrayal of the poison of child labour which makes children face pain and suffering.

Thus clearly Coolie is an anti-child labour novel which is a burning issue in India today.