Bakha's Day in 1933 India

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Questions and Answers

What is Bakha's occupation in the community?

Hockey player

Water carrier

Latrine cleaner (correct)

Temple priest

How does Bakha feel about the British-style blanket he owns?

He finds it fashionable.

He loves it dearly.

It keeps him warm.

It is not warm enough. (correct)

Why are outcastes like Bakha and his family not allowed to draw water directly from the well?

They are considered untrustworthy.

They do not have vessels.

They are labeled as polluted. (correct)

They are too young.

What promise does Havildar Charat Singh make to Bakha?

To give him a hockey stick. Signup and view all the answers

What does Sohini wait for at the village well?

To draw water for her family. Signup and view all the answers

What is the relationship of Bakha to Sohini?

They are siblings. Signup and view all the answers

What derogatory remark does Gulabo make towards Sohini?

She implies that sweepers are the lowest. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Pundit Kali Nath decide to draw water for the outcastes?

To relieve his constipation. Signup and view all the answers

What does Bakha reflect on during his work?

His mother and happier times. Signup and view all the answers

What does Bakha think about the British clothing and cigarettes?

He considers them fashionable. Signup and view all the answers

What leads Bakha to desire revenge against the upper castes for the first time?

His first experience of being verbally abused by a higher-caste man Signup and view all the answers

What does Bakha lament about after hearing Sohini's experience?

That as an outcaste he cannot worship the Hindu gods Signup and view all the answers

Who is the only high-caste Hindu that treats Bakha with dignity?

Charat Singh Signup and view all the answers

What event causes Bakha and his friends to begin throwing rocks at each other?

A hockey match Signup and view all the answers

What significant societal issue does Gandhi address in his speech that resonates with Bakha?

The abolishment of the caste system Signup and view all the answers

What does Bakha hope to receive from higher-caste Hindus after his day of work?

Food for his family Signup and view all the answers

What happens to Bakha when he accidentally bumps into a higher-caste man?

He is verbally abused and feels polluted Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary concern raised by Sarshar concerning the caste system?

The introduction of flush toilets to eliminate the need for sweepers Signup and view all the answers

How does Bakha feel about the second-hand food brought home after the local woman’s abuse?

Disgusted by its condition Signup and view all the answers

What does Colonel Hutchinson attempt to convince Bakha of?

That all people are equal in Christ’s eyes Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Bakha's Day in 1933 India

Caste System: Bakha is an "untouchable" sweeper, forced into a low-caste position. His work involves cleaning latrines and streets. This is a feature of the caste system which severely limited his status and access to resources.
Daily Life: Bakha lives in a cramped, dirty encampment outside of Bulashah, with his family, who share a similar low caste status.
Bakha's Feelings: He reflects on the loss of his mother and the hardships of his work. He is also intrigued by modern British objects like blankets and cigarettes.
Interactions with higher castes: Bakha is often scolded by higher castes for his work. He witnesses instances of abuse and discrimination, particularly from a higher caste man who is offended by interacting with Bakha.
Sohini's experience: Sohini, Bakha's sister, faces harassment from higher-caste people at the well because of her outcaste status. Pundit Kali Nath, a Brahmin priest, unexpectedly gives Sohini water, then encourages her to clean the temple. A significant event is that the priest attempts to sexually abuse Sohini, which leads to public distress and panic.
A Moment of Inspiration: Bakha inspires higher caste brothers to teach him how to read. This represents a significant moment of breaking caste system prejudice and demonstrates a spark of hope for education.
Seeking Food: Bakha struggles to find food given his outcaste status. He receives scraps from a higher caste woman who mistreats him.
Bakha's Reaction: Bakha is deeply affected by his experiences with discrimination. He decides to abandon his home and family, seeking comfort and equality beyond the limitations of his home and family.
Ram Charan's Wedding: Bakha attends Ram Charan's sister's wedding, an event that underscores the social divisions and conflicts in the caste system.
The Hills and Hockey: Bakha finds solace in the natural world with Chota and Ram Charan. Charat Singh, a hockey player, provides Bakha with a new hockey stick, showing surprising acts of respect; whereas, others mistreat him.
Hockey Game and Violence: A mishap or fight breaks out during a hockey game involving Bakha that ultimately leads to misunderstandings and negative portrayals of caste conflict.
Colonel Hutchinson: An evangelist approaches Bakha, attempting to convert him to Christianity, but Bakha is unimpressed by the Colonel's apparent insensitivity to culture.
Impact of Gandhi: Mohandas K. Gandhi arrives in Bulashah and gives a speech advocating for the end of the caste system. Bakha finds his call to action powerful, and it galvanizes him to create change.
Gandhi's message to lower castes: In a subtle manner, the author conveys that, while Gandhi's intentions were good, his approach may have been patronizing and his perspectives regarding the need to end the caste system could have been quite limited.
Modernization and Caste Systems: A crucial aspect of the discussion shows how some people believe the caste system will not end easily, as others suggest that new technologies like flush toilets could completely change the system.

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Description

Explore the life of Bakha, an 'untouchable' in 1933 India, as he navigates the challenges of the caste system. This quiz delves into Bakha's daily struggles, interactions with higher castes, and the impact of social status on him and his family. Discover the complex dynamics of caste and personal identity during this historical period.