Dolapalki: A Garhwali Story about Struggle of Shilpkar /Scheduled caste in Garhwal for their Rights

(Review on ‘Joni par Chhapu Kilai’ (1967) a Garhwali Story Collection by Mohan Lal Negi)

                                Review by:  Bhishma Kukreti

   As per the caste discrimination custom, Shilpkars /scheduled caste community was not allowed to have Janeu and they were not supposed to take Var or Byoli  (Groom-Bride ) on Dola-Palki (closed Litter -Palanquin) in the village area and near temple. While upper caste community had full right.  Ary samaj movement and Freedom movement brought awareness among Shilpkars or scheduled cast community for their equal rights or human rights a putting Janeu or taking groom-bride on palanquin freely. Kalu a Shilpkar initiated Dola-palki and there was tension between Shilpkar and upper caste community.  Hosuyaru Negi an upper caste thinker made understand the upper caste people and threatened for calling police force.

  The story is about awareness purpose and there are speeches which makes the story flow slow. The speech is also agent of dullness in the story.

  The story is based on true incidents took place all over Garhwal.  The story is called realistic story 9even speeches tally with speeches of many Ary Samaji social workers). The story is capable in showing the social development phase and tension among two communities.

 Copyright @ Bhishma Kukreti 6/6/2012