Write India Contest Story 1

This story was written by me for the Write India Campaign by Time of India and is based on the preface provided by author Amish and rules laid down by him. Hence the story has to be read with that context.

Rules by the Author

1) The story has to be set in the 17th century, not in Ancient Vedic India.
2) Remember, India had changed a lot from its ancient mores by the 17th century. But some still remembered the ancient days, when women were respected.
3) The story must be set in reality and not have fantastical or mythical angles to it.
4) I want the story to be written using the historical information available now about 17th century Paithan. But use your imagination to fill in any holes in the research. Just don't resort to fantasy, keep it plausible.
5) The heroine of the story will be Ilaa - a woman who lived in 17th century Paithan (in what is modern Maharashtra), and who remembered the ancient Vedic days (when women were respected in India) and demanded equal rights as any man.
6) A story which, while entertaining and fun, must deliver a message on women's rights. Something that many of us in Modern India could learn from.

PREFACE BY AMISH

Close to the city of Paithan, in a small village called Sauviragram, which lay along the banks of the great river Godavari, lived a woman named Ilaa. Being cotton farmers, her family was well to do, but not among the richest in their area. It was the harvest season, and cotton had to be picked from the plants. The wholesalers and traders from Paithan would be arriving in just a few weeks, carrying gold and goods for barter. They would exchange what they carried for the cotton that the farmers grew. The bales of cotton had to be ready in time! Work was at its peak!

But Ilaa was not to be found in the fields. She wasn't working. Instead, she was sitting by the banks of the great river Godavari.

'I am sick of this!' she grunted loudly.

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Close to the city of Paithan, in a small village called Sauviragram, which lay along the banks of the great

river Godavari, lived a woman named Ilaa. Being cotton farmers, her family was well to do, but not

among the richest in their area. It was the harvest season, and cotton had to be picked from the plants.

The wholesalers and traders from Paithan would be arriving in just a few weeks, carrying gold and

goods for barter. They would exchange what they carried for the cotton that the farmers grew. The bales

of cotton had to be ready in time! Work was at its peak!

But Ilaa was not to be found in the fields. She wasn't working. Instead, she was sitting by the banks of

the great river Godavari.

'I am sick of this!' she grunted loudly

Ilaa found the calm breeze and the cool shade of the tree very relaxing. Ilaa's life had become

monotonous. She was not able to keep her finger on what exactly was troubling her. She was sick of

being treated as another 'free' labourer, who toiled day in and day out in the house and on the fields.

She felt that the role of a caretaker was being taken too far with little regard for her well being. What Ilaa

sought was a little understanding and compassion for the women in the household. She wanted to be

recognized as an individual.

Her day began even before sunrise. Her day started by cleaning the house followed by smearing the

courtyard with cow dung. She would draw water from the well. After a bath, the daily chores included

drawing a rangoli in the main door, watering the plants and milking the cow. Being a Brahmin, she went

about the house chanting stotras as she worked and cooked.

The nyahari (breakfast) usually was same as lunch. Pithla, jowar bhakri and garlic chutney,

accompanied by raw onion, cracked open by pounding the fist on it in one stroke. Sometimes she did

not even find time to have her own breakfast. Ilaa fed her two kids Kashi (7) and Ganu (5). She would

have had many more kids but for the miscarriages. She packed lunch for all and headed to the fields.

Post lunch she would head to the river to wash clothes. Her daily chores seemed endless. After

returning home, her duties as the lady of the house and mother would take over. Kashi would help her

in minor tasks. Ganu being a boy was pampered. A male child was always preferred over a girl child.

17th century India was seeing winds of change. The social and political scenario was still very scary.

Author: Anagha Bhagwat

TOI Story Writing Contest - 1

The Mughal invasion in India had changed the way in which Indians lived their life. The rampant looting

and crime against women had terrorized the locals. Paithan being a trade center of international repute

had not missed the eyes of the Mughals and they had claimed it at the first opportunity. The area was

most famous for its silk and other textiles. The Paithani saree was a prized possession. The place was

very sacred to Jains, Buddhists and Hindus alike but the advent of Mughals had left a lasting imprint on

the culture. Fed up of the barbaric rule, Shivaji Bhosale, who went on to be a very successful Maratha

king challenged the Mughals and the winds of change started sweeping throughout Maharashtra. After a

long wait, the people could finally look up to a leader who would save them from the oppression and

give them Swaraj. However, it meant a continuous conflict between the Maratha and Mughal armies.

Swept by this wave of patriotism, many youth had joined the Maratha army. Ilaa's village was also

abreast of the changes sweeping through the country. Evenings would often be spent exchanging news

with villagers regarding the wars. Sometimes, news of a war bereavement of some local person would

take the village by storm.

Ilaa often wondered how life would have been if these barbarians had not entered India. The security of

a girl child had become the biggest challenge for families. Young girls would often be kidnapped and

raped by the Mughal soldiers. Ilaa was always concerned about Kashi. Once Ilaa spoke her mind to her

husband Krishna. “I am always concerned for Kashi's safety”, said Ilaa. “I have to take her with me

everywhere I go, be it the temple, or the local market. I cannot leave her alone at home but taking her to

the market with me is equally dangerous. You never know when a roving eye will catch the sight of the

young girl.”

“I understand. I was thinking of finding her a suitable match”, said Krishna.

“Marriage! She is just a little girl.”

“7 is not little. You too were married to me at this age and anyway this is the best arrangement. What do

we do if our village comes under another attack from the Mughals. Where will we run and with a young

girl in tow, we will surely be targeted.”

“But...”

“No if's and but's. Kashi's best friend, Radha, is already engaged. I have decided that this is the best for

Author: Anagha Bhagwat

TOI Story Writing Contest - 1

her. I am her father, not her enemy. Radha's father was right in his assessment. Radha's groom comes

from a nearby village which is off the main road to Paithan. It is sort off a dead end. That is a safe place

to leave our daughter in case of an attack. Once Kashi is married, she can live officially in her new

household at any time. We can rush further towards the sparsely populated waadi's (hamlets) and seek

refuge. Radha's groom has a younger brother. He said he can speak to them for Kashi's alliance. They

have a big farm and many cattle. The groom's father is well respected as a priest in our community.

Kashi will live happily.” Krishna was convinced that this was indeed a good proposition.

Ilaa herself was a young bride. She was married and had children even before she understood what

love meant. Child marriages had become a norm after the advent of the Mughals. Bharat (India) had a

patriarchal society from time immemorial but women were still respected as mothers, as wives, as

sisters. The eldest man in the family used to be revered not just for his age but for his wisdom. Although

the responsibilities were distributed amongst the male and female members, the distribution was logical.

Men were supposed to toil hard and be the providers for the family. Women folk were protected and

were taught to be caretakers of the household and perform the role of mothers. Women were imparted

knowledge so that they could bring up their children with good morals and family values. Children

learned to respect their religion, culture, women and elders primarily from their mothers.

Ilaa looked at Kashi who was playing outside the house. 'Even if we send her to her husband's place

after she comes of age, even then she is just a child.' Ilaa's thoughts were interrupted by little Kashi who

came running happily to give her some news. Kashi said “Aai, we have decided to get my doll, Bayabai,

married to Radha's doll, Dagdu. All my friends are coming. Will you help me put her a new saree. My

friends said that since it is her wedding, she should wear a saree and not the parkar polka. Parkar polka

is for kids. All preparations will be similar to Radha's wedding preparations.”

Krishna had just overheard this conversation. He said, “See, Kashi is slowly gearing up for her own

wedding and you were thinking she is just a child. I have conveyed to Radha's father that we are

interested in meeting the people. He will let us know soon.”

Ilaa: “How old is the boy?”

Krishna: “Radha's groom is 30 years old so his younger brother could be 25 or 28. How does it matter.

Kashi is better looking than Radha so we are lucky to get a young boy.”

Author: Anagha Bhagwat

TOI Story Writing Contest - 1

The words stung Ilaa like a bee. 25? Did she hear it right? Kashi will get married to a boy who is the age

of her father. No, she can't let this happen. What is it that she could do. Something or may be nothing.

Ilaa tried to hide her tears.

Ilaa rushed to her neighbour, Shanta. Shanta was her best friend. Ever since both got married and

became neighbours, both the ladies had found a true friend in each other. Shanta's husband was ill for

the past one month. A small thing as cold and cough had taken an ugly turn and the vaidya's (ayurvedic

doctor) medicine did not seem to offer much relief. Shanta smiled on seeing Ilaa.

“How is your yajman (husband) doing?” asked Ilaa.

“No respite from his cough and high fever.” Saying this Shanta broke down.

“What is the matter? Stop crying, please. Tell me, what did the vaidya say?”

“Vaidya has given him only a few days.”

Shanta was inconsolable. Ilaa tried her best to pacify her. Finally, Shanta became quite, as if her mind

was made. With a deep intense gaze into nowhere, she said, “If he goes, I go with him too.”

Ilaa felt as if she was hit by a bullet. Speechless, she stared at Shanta. She tried to gather herself and

finally managed to speak.

“He will be alright. Don't give up.”

“No, I have seen it in his eyes.”

“You must be mistaken. You are just too concerned. It is just fever, it will subside. Has your mamanji

(father-in-law) thought of taking him to Paithan to a senior vaidya. Can you suggest that to him.”

“Yes there was a discussion and I heard two sentences from the kitchen. Our vaidya feels that the trip to

Paithan could prove costly. He does not have much time. If he goes, I go with him too.”

“Please don’t say that. I am here to help you.”

“ Ilaa, a woman’s life is cursed and a widows life is hell. I do not want to live a life of a widow. I cannot

see myself with my head tonsured and wearing the red alwan (saree). Only dry food to eat but that is the

least of my worries. Haven’t you heard about the reputation of my husbands brother. He will be the first

to put his hand on me. I will anyway have to court the well, in my backyard, out of shame. I might as well

die with my honour intact.” It was Ilaa's turn to break down. She came home and went straight to the

kitchen. She wiped away her tears but Krishna's aaji (grand mother) had seen them.

“Whats the matter, Ilaa?”

Author: Anagha Bhagwat

TOI Story Writing Contest - 1

“Nothing”

“Where had you been?”

“To Shanta's house”

“How is her husband now?”

Ilaa's face changed.

“How many days does he have?”

Ilaa broke down and told Aaji about Shanta's decision. “Aaji, tell me why? Why does Shanta need to go

after her husband. Why can't Shanta speak her mind. She wants to save her husband. If he cannot go

to Paithan, why cant she get the senior vaidya here. Why isn't a woman’s opinion ever asked. Shanta

says her husband is a good man. No one cares to tell her the real condition of her husband. She needs

to eavesdrop. In that house, Shanta cannot decide for her husband and in our house, I cannot decide for

my children and my poor Kashi too will never be able to choose her husband and future life.”

“Calm down Ilaa”, said Aaji.

“We are Hindus, aaji, what happened to those swayamvar's. Was this a privilege given to only to Sita

and Draupadi? I know they were beautiful rajkumaris and so the choice was ample but I am sure the

rest of the girls too got to exercise their limited choice. Aaji, for a girl to exercise her right to choose, let

her at least understand the meaning of marriage.” Ilaa paused for a bit as if trying to regain her senses

but it was difficult. She could not bear the thought of Kashi and Shanta both going away from her.

Kashi was a loving and sharp kid. Talkative by nature, she used to ask multiple questions. She was very

inquisitive about every ritual that took place in the house. Kashi used to ask “Aai, why do we make a

circle of water around the prasad thali” or “Baba, will Satya Narayan Maharaj come to our house when

we do this pooja?” or “Aaji, did Sant Tukaram Maharaj really make his books float on water!” Kashi

would love listening to stories from elders and ask many questions. She was so inspired by Jijabai that

she aspired to be one. Everyone had laughed, when one day she innocently said “Even I will teach my

son to be like Shivaji, a great king.”

Ilaa said, “Aaji, remember one day you told me a story of a woman called Gargi. She was a

Bramhavadini. She had challenged Yajnavalka in a philosophy congress and he was speechless. She

was a scholar and propagated education. She chose to remain single and dedicated her life to

preaching. Our religion gave equal rights to men and women. I will not quote the various goddesses

here since they were “Gods” but Gargi, Maitreyi and Lopamudra were ordinary women who proved that

Author: Anagha Bhagwat

TOI Story Writing Contest - 1

girls can contribute extraordinarily in every field. They have contributed to Rigveda and the Upanishads.

So tell me Aaji why is every woman suffering today?”

Aaji had tears in her eyes and only managed to feebly say “Ghor kaliyug aala pori, ghor kaliyug.”

“No Aaji, my daughter will not suffer. My Kashi is a bright kid. I know how many questions she asks our

vaidya kaka whenever he comes over. Kashi always offers to help him to make a paste of his medicine

or grind any of his jadi booti and vaidya kaka happily lets her take the lead. Kashi knows so many

names of herbs. I will not let Kashi go to her marital house till she is 15. She still has 8 years. I will let

her learn medicine and no one can stop me.”