61
bustle of the city. Yet it has to be described lest he may
have no idea of the reality.
Early in the morning the peasant goes to his farm driv-
ing a pair of bullocks or with a scythe in his hand. He
works there till about 9 o'clock, and returns home to
take the morning meal, consisting of loaves of Nagli
flour and a meagre quantity of pulse or vegetable, or at
times some pickles. He goes back to his field and works
there till half past twelve or one. Once again he returns
home,l takes his mid-day meal and rests himself for a
while. At about three o'clock one finds his dark, per-
plexing figure in the field busily moving about or working
with tools and implements similar to those his forefathers
used generations ago. As the shadows of the night ga-
ther, he 'homeward plods his weary way' whistling and
driving a pair of tired-looking bullocks. If he is a Kali-
paraj cultivator he often goes from the field direct to the
toddywala's shop or booth, drinks as much toddy as his
means allow or his credit commands, and returns home
reeling and singing obscene songs. He takes his supper
if he can, or immediately drops down to sleep on the
ground forgetting the toils and troubles of his monotonous
life. The average Ujaliparaj cultivator also visits the
toddy shop or liquor-shop but drinks moderately .^ The
next day dawns with the same dull routine of life. Days,
months and years roll on without any break in the deaden-
ing monotony of his life. There are no play-grounds and
clubs for him to attend. Nor are there libraries which
he may occasionally visit to refresh his mind, receive new
ideas and ennoble his life. Unfortunately, in most cases,
he is illiterate. If he knew the three 'R's, he has for-
gotten them for want of practice.
If there are any changes in this uniformity they are
1 It Is necessary to remember that the construction of this village is such
that a farmer can- go from his field to his house and from his house
back to his field frequently.
£ This whole description does not apply in all its details to all, but to a
majority of working cultivators who form the bulk of the village popu-
lace.