3 Review(s)

Set in post-independence India, this novel is a brutally honest account of the societal conditions in a rural place in India, complete with the picture of the multiple levels of corruption and the might of political power. Summary Of The Book An iconic novel, Raag Darbari is a beautiful depiction of the plain life in a small village in North India. The novel is a satire on the grave social and political conditions in a rural area in India, exemplified wonderfully through the author’s sharp insights and observations of the almost irreversibly corrupt society. The novel is set in post-independence India and the protagonist is a young boy named Rangnath, a character most of the readers can easily identify with-a city educated boy who goes to a village called Shivpal Ganj and is taken aback by the manner in which people and situations operate there. The story spans six months and the commentary is based largely on Rangnath’s critical appraisal of the societal drifts in the rural atmosphere. The book consists of various themes like inter-caste alliance, disease, deceit, role of women in a rural society, and the plight of those not in power. All this and more has been discussed in a light-hearted, yet solemn and compelling manner.  Translated into 15 major Indian languages, Raag Darbari has been popularly hailed one of the most outstanding contributions to contemporary Hindi literature. This national bestseller, for which the author received the Sahitya Akademi Award, is an absolute delight for all those who appreciate sharp wit, satire, and mesmerising storylines. About Shrilal Shukla Born on the 31st of December, 1925, Shrilal Shukla was a renowned Hindi writer and satirist. He is best known for his novel, Raag Darbari, which is considered as one of the finest works in Hindi literature.  Apart from this book, he wrote many short stories and novels. Some of his works are Pehla Padaav, Sooni Ghaati Ka Sooraj, Aadmi Ka Zahar, Dus Pratinidhi Kahaaniyan, Agli Shataabdi Ka Sheher, Khabron Ki Jugaali, and Yeh Ghar Mera Nahin. He studied at the Allahabad University before serving the Indian Administrative Services. He received many awards including the Jnanpith Award and the Padma Bhushan. He died on the 28th of October, 2011 in a hospital in Lucknow.