Raag Darbari - A Novel  (English, Paperback, Sri Lal Sukla)

Raag Darbari is an intense satire on the political and social life of a village in post-Independent India.

Summary of the Book

Raag Darbari - A Novel is set in Shivpalganj, a small village in Uttar Pradesh, which is not really different from numerous other villages in all of India. To the outsider, the village life seems to continue at a dawdling pace - peaceful and uncomplicated. To this village comes Ranganath one day, a research student in history. He stays with his uncle Vaidyaji, to rest and recover from a recent sickness. The village life reveals all its complexities to him gradually, leaving him amazed. His uncle is the leader of the village, controlling every aspect of life there, and his followers occupy all the vital positions in that little place. Vaidyaji’s grip over the village is almost vice-like. Raag Darbari uses the political and social trivialities and enmities in the village to represent the general ruin of values in both personal and public life.

About Shrilal Shukla

Shrilal Shukla was a famous Hindi writer, known for his novels, short stories, and memoirs. He was mainly famous for his unparalleled wit and satire. Born in 1925 in Uttar Pradesh, he served as an IAS officer who worked in the state’s civil services. His literary works satirised the deteriorating moral code especially in the socio-political arena of post-Independent India. He won the Sahitya Akademi Award for the current title. He was also honoured with the Vyas Samman and the Jnanpith Award, and the prestigious Padma Bhushan. Some of the other notable works written by him are Sooni Ghaati Ka Sooraj, Aadmi Ka Zahar, Makaan, Seemayein Tootati Hain, Pehla Padaav, and Meri Shreshtha Vyangya Rachnayein.