Yashpal also points out in this novel that it is very difficult for a low-caste individual to survive in the Brahminical social order, no matter how virtuous he is. Even if he is leading a fabulous life he cannot get respect and honour. Society can never forget his lineage. Prithusen excels in martial arts and is appointed chief commander of the royal army. His father is a wealthy trader and very close to the king. Even then his lineage is never forgotten by the aristocratic society of Sagal. He is hated by them and is called daas putra (son of a slave). It has been a unique feature of Indian polity that people never forget caste—even of their rulers. Any religion which is not judicious, cannot defend the interests of the masses and cannot make the majority of the people happy, is not worthy to be worshipped.

Yashpal’s writings are thought provoking. He never spares the conservative and orthodox value system attacking them in his stories and novels. When he picks up a historical theme, it is not only a journey through history to investigate the past, he puts forward an advanced, modern outlook. This objectivity elevates him much higher among his contemporaries. It is for this reason that he discusses different aspects of the Lokayata philosophy.

In Divya Yashpal also writes about the relationship between the ruling class and its subjects. Even when preparations are going on in Sagal for a war against the approaching Greek ruler of the neighbouring state, in such a crucial atmosphere, highly placed military commanders indulge in nepotism and merriment. There is also the additional burden of war tax on the subjects as also the forceful recruitment by military officials. Traders have a good time, as such territorial wars always provide a golden opportunity for business, while the sufferings of the common people go unheard. Dangers of war loom large, but conspiracies are hatched in the palace. There is a state of total anarchy and the disgruntled class tries to cash in because the Indo-Greek ruler of Sagal, Mithrodus, has embraced Buddhism. He is very old and is involved in religious discourse most of the time.

Social realism is an important feature of this novel. Yashpal goes into minute details and presents a complete picture of the complex situation. He gives a comprehensive account of the slave trade. In his preface he declares that it is a fictional tale. That may be true, but the political scenario, social system and historical events are borne out of real life. Though there are certain rules and regulations in every territorial war, they are invariably flouted. A pregnant Divya is sold to a slave trader, Pratool. The fact that Divya is pregnant and belongs to a respectable Brahmin family is concealed by him because a Brahmin could not be sold as a dasi (slave), but everything seems fair in trade.

There are research documents which give proof of human trafficking that took place in the thirteenth century. Contract papers prepared at the time of sale show that everything was in favour of the buyer, who was the master of the slave. These historical documents also show that the master had the right to keep him or her at his will; to punish, torture, mortgage or re-sell as per his desire. On possible suicide by the slave, a very clear note states that the master will not be considered guilty. He would remain as clean as he would be after having taken a bath in the Ganges. The document cautioned the slaves that if they committed suicide they would be reborn as very lowly creatures—dogs, asses, chandals (untouchable among untouchables, those who carry dead bodies). The intent was to use religion to frighten them to such an extent that they dare not even think of dying. After all, the traders and masters had spent money to buy them.