Raag Darbari: A Dark Portrayal of the Socio-Political and Exquisitely Complex Corruption in Post-Colonial India

Author(s): Dr. Upendra Kumar Dwivedi

Abstract:

In Raag Darbari, Shrilal Shukla delves into the intricate details and intricacies of India, the world's largest democracy, in his novel Raag Drabari. Through this work of creative brilliance, the author employs political satire to vividly portray the pitiful state of the nation, symbolized by the fictional Indian village of Shivpalganj. This village serves as a microcosm of the countless Indian villages that have been disregarded and left behind in terms of modern progress and advancements. In India, politics and government hold immense sway, playing a pivotal role in shaping the destiny of the nation. Gillian Wright, in her introduction to the translated version of Raag Darbari, aptly highlights the significance of 'politics and government' as integral themes within this novel. Consequently, the initial section of this paper explores the evolution of these influential pillars of Indian society by examining the concepts conveyed in the book. The subsequent part provides an insight into the extent of change in India since gaining independence, particularly from socio-political and cultural perspectives, as envisioned by the country's visionary leaders and embraced by ordinary citizens. The aim of this paper is to analyse the satirical techniques employed by Shrilal Shukla in order to expose the realities of post-Independence India. Specifically, the focus is on how the author effectively portrays the true state of villages in India through various situations. Shukla's novel, Raag Darbari, holds a significant place in the genre of satire as it highlights the pervasive corruption that exists at every level of society.

Keywords: Post-colonialism, Governance, Democracy, Development Post-Independence India, Satire.

Pages: 26-29      |       252 View       |       14 Download