Raag Darbari (novel)

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Raag Darbari
Author Sri Lal Sukla
TranslatorGillian Wright
Country India
Language Hindi
PublisherPenguin Books Ltd (Translation)
Publication date
1968
Media typePrint
ISBN 81-267-0478-0 (First edition)
OCLC 28387263

Raag Darbari is a satirical Hindi novel written by Sri Lal Sukla, published in 1968. [1] [2] He was awarded the Sahitya Academy Award, the highest Indian literary award, in 1969 for this novel. [3]

Contents

The novel illustrates the failing values present in post-Independence Indian society. It exposes the helplessness of intellectuals in the face of a strong and corrupt nexus between criminals, businessmen, police and politicians. [4] [5]

The novel is narrated from the point of view of Ranganath, a research student in history, who comes to live with his uncle, Vaidyaji, in a village named Shivpalganj in Uttar Pradesh for a few months. He learns how his uncle uses all the village institutions—the village school, the village panchayat (a local elected body), the local government offices for his political purpose. The conduct of his uncle and the petty village politicians is in stark contrast to the ideals that Ranganath has learnt to aspire to during his university education. The villagers take pride in calling themselves "ganjahe", originating from "ganj" (which means "place" in Hindi) of Shivpalganj.

Backdrop

Shrilal Shukla the author distinctly portrays socio-politico-economic conditions in the village life of India by representing it coupled with satire in a style of rural fiction and remarkable reality. [6] The title Rag Darbari does not suggest one of the Ragas of Indian classical music, but a song sung by a village politician, characterized by Vaidyaji in the novel, on whose tone all other in the village dance. [1] The novel portrays gloomy depiction of social and political corruption and highly delicate dynamics of the same prevalent during postcolonial India. [6]

Plot

The village has several characters, most notable of who is Vaidyaji – the patriarch of the village. He is assisted by his sons Badri Pehelwaan (or in English, Badri the Wrestler) and Ruppan Babu. A few more notable characters are the teachers at the village school, and the principal (whose characteristic trait is to burst into Awadhi, his native tongue, whenever he is very angry or excited).

The story does not have a fixed plot – it is merely a series of anecdotes. It also does not have a hero or protagonist. Vaidyaji's nephew, named Ranganath, visits Shivpalganj after completing his M.A. in History. His health has been failing, and the doctors have advised a visit to the countryside for him to gather his strength. It is funny how Vaidyaji (which means "healer") heals the young boy's mind in more ways than one. After his masters, Ranganath, who is a big believer in high ideals and "poetic justice", comes face to face with the hypocrisy and the meanness of the village gang. The very first incident highlights his innocence and blind faith. In order to travel to his uncle's place, Ranganath boards a truck. The driver is a rash fellow, who drives carelessly without regard for the pedestrians. After witnessing him nearly run over a few cows and sleeping shepherds, the young man is finally elated when a few police officials pull the bus over. From a distance, Ranganath watches them question the driver. Although they are trying to extort money out of the driver, it appears to Ranganath that the driver is being punished for his foul deeds. There are several such incidents, one after the other, that shatter Ranganath's high ideals and faith in justice. He is a mere spectator of the system – unable to make a mark or stand up for himself.

Characters

Adaptations

Raag Darbari, an Indian television series, adapted from the novel, aired on DD National from 1986 to 1987. [7]

Based on Girish Rastogi's [8] adaptation of Raag Darbari, Bahroop Arts Group [9] staged "Ranganath Ki Waapsi", directed by Rajesh Singh (alumnus of National School of Drama) on 18 November 2009, at Alliance Française de New Delhi. [10]

In 2018, theatre director Amitesh Grover (Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puruskar Awardee) staged an original adaptation of the novel, dramatised by Sarah Mariam, at the National School of Drama, India. [11] [12]

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References

  1. 1 2 Upendra Nath Sharma (23 September 2012). "'Raag Darbari': The chronicle of power and politics retold". The New Indian Express. Archived from the original on 14 October 2012. Retrieved 14 October 2014.
  2. ↑ University of Delhi (2005). Indian Literature: An Introduction. Pearson Education India. pp. 194–. ISBN   978-81-317-0520-9.
  3. ↑ "Sahitya Akademi Awards listings". Sahitya Akademi, Official website.
  4. ↑ "Tribute: Shrilal Shukla's work shocked India, left it naked". Rediff.com. 3 November 2011. Retrieved 14 October 2014.
  5. ↑ Gillian Wright (1 November 2011). "A Wealth of Experiences" . Retrieved 14 October 2014.
  6. 1 2 Shukla, Punit. "Satire on Politics and Government in Rag Darbari" . Retrieved 17 April 2020.
  7. ↑ "'Dilli Doordarshan Ast': Recollections of a Boy From Assam". The Wire .
  8. ↑ Girish Rastogi Archived 10 June 2013 at the Wayback Machine
  9. ↑ Ranganath Ki Waapsi moves to Alliance
  10. ↑ Alliance Française de NEW DELHI
  11. ↑ "Vikas Has Missed the Bus". The Indian Express. 18 November 2018. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
  12. ↑ adminhakara (23 December 2018). "Directing Raag Darbari by Amitesh Grover". Hakara. Retrieved 22 April 2024.
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