Divya insists on her economic independence, even if it is as a prostitute. There is an interesting instance in the novel when Divya, in the guise of Anshumala, returns to Sagal, her birthplace. Devi Mallika invites her and offers her the honour of being the state courtesan. Just as she is about to be crowned, her identity is revealed by a group of people. Amidst the chaos, a verdict is issued that a Brahmin cannot become a state courtesan. Through this Yashpal exposes the double standards of caste-ridden Hindu society. Nobles of Sagal, whom she entertained in the guise of Anshumala, now oppose her being crowned as the state courtesan. She may be honoured as the Kulmata, the female head of the family, but the status of an independent woman, who has the right to take her own decision, is not possible in the varnashram social order.

Divya may be a tale of ancient Indian society but the gender issues it raises are still relevant today. Empowerment of women is possible only when there is social development. The feminist movement in the West has had an impact here as well. Capitalism in its initial stages had a liberal outlook on social issues. This was why the British government enforced laws to ban customs like sati and child marriage. Today with the emergence of educated middle class women, gender issues are occupying centre stage. By the end of the twentieth century, the ideals of an egalitarian socialistic society had been overpowered by a new political and social order. A ‘slave’ woman, once confined within four walls, stepped out to breathe fresh air, but her path deviated, and she transformed herself into a commodity. Divya is an answer to some pertinent questions that are extremely relevant even today.

Yashpal reflects his own ideology in Marish. The author did not support the Buddhist philosophy of renunciation because he believed it led to a passive, non-productive lifestyle. He was for a relationship between man and woman, where no one is a master or a subject. He was a follower of the Lokayata philosophy which opposes division in society along any lines whatsoever. Believing in the equality of people ought to be the religion of the masses. Yashpal wants to establish that only this kind of religion based on materialistic philosophy can assure equality and honour to women.

The essence of Yashpal’s stories and novels makes him a writer of great stature. His personal life too had its vicissitudes; he observed life closely and critically analysed its pros and cons: whether of the revolutionary movement, Gandhism, the politics of the Congress and other political parties; the communist movement and the emergence of communal forces and their politics of hate and subversion. He vehemently opposed all anti-human action and philosophy with conviction and courage and attacked those tenets of Indian culture that were responsible for the plight of women and untouchables. Yashpal stood by what he believed and he expressed himself sincerely and passionately. That is why his novels and stories are universal and why they endure.