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| Algu, having dinner in complete darkness |
A sleepy village, tucked between a national highway and the Ganges in central Bihar. It is only 7.00pm. I am having dinner under a battery operated lamp. I have just returned from a home tour related to my research. This village was electrified in the 1960s but people still walk around with torches in hand. Those who can afford, eat dinner under battery operated lamps. There is darkness all around. Electricity is like a guest here. It makes short visits.
Since, it is early, my host offers to take me for another home tour after dinner, an offer I gladly accept. Armed with our torches, we walk through the dark lanes, past the well and past the temple. Finally we reach jaadab toli (Yadav Toli), a neighbourhood inhabited by Yadavs (As par the caste system, Yadavs have traditionally been involved in taking care of cattle and the business of milk).
My host calls for the person we are looking for. A reply comes from the dark. My host directs his torch towards the sound. The man, Algu Yadav is sitting on a chauki (wooden bed used for sleeping and sitting) with a plate full of rice and lentil. The heap of rice is topped with about 10 red chillies (wonder how he manages his mornings). The usual accessories give him company, a torch and a stick. In the dark dogs and cats are regular scares to the food. The stick needs to be kept by the side in case a dog is tempted. The torch will be used when Algu will need to move about. I find this condition strange and worrying but Algu seems to be at peace with his condition.
