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facts present a correct explanation of the state of
affairs :
(1) The rate of wages has risen more than three times1
what it was in 1902. This has a psychological effect
on the mind of the employer who thinks that the labourer
does not put forth work in proportion to the wages paid.
It is however necessary to remember that prices have
more than doubled since 1902. The complaint, there-
fore, of the landlord is justified only to the extent to which
there is a greater rise in the level of wages than in that of
prices.
(2) No doubt emigration to external areas does influ-
ence the physical and mental powers of the labourer.
Though he loses vitality when outside, he recoups it
when he returns home. But the habit, which he contracts
when outside, of working for a fixed number of hours
without being reprimanded every now and then to ac-
celerate his speed is not forgotten. When he returns to
the village he does not like to revert to the old habit of
working from early morning till late in the evening. He
militates against such discipline if enforced by any employ-
ing farmer. This accounts for the labourer's insolence
and the consequent complaint of the farmer about the
growing inefficiency.
(3) By coming into contact with literate people of a
high status in cities where he serves as a domestic ser-
vant, the labourer has developed a desire to wear better
clothes, eat a little richer food and enjoy more leisure
than he used to do before. Moreover, he has become
conscious of the fact that there is a great demand for him
in urban areas where he can receive a higher rate of
wages.
1, The earliest figures of wages of field-labourers available for the Bulsar
Taluka are for the year 1902. Taking it as the basis, the following
index numbers show at a glance the extent of rise in their wages:
Year. Index number.
1902 ioo
*9*4 120
1926 320