Class 12 Hindi - KERALA
Prose: Pahelwaan Ki Dholak
Pahwan Ki Dholak by Phanishwarnath Renu is a poignant story set in rural Bihar during a time of extreme poverty, hunger, and a devastating cholera and malaria epidemic. It revolves around Lutan Singh, a local wrestler known as 'Sher Khan', who loses his parents in childhood and finds his purpose and identity in wrestling. When the zamindari system collapses and destitution sets in, Lutan continues to beat his drum (dholak) in the village at night. The sound of the dholak acts as a psychological tonic, instilling courage, life force, and resilience in the villagers who are slowly perishing from disease and starvation. This chapter holds high importance in the Kerala SCERT Class 12 Hindi board examinations as it tests students' understanding of rural realities, human endurance, and the artistic expression of resistance against hopelessness.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Lutan Singh (Pahwan)
The protagonist of the story who becomes a champion wrestler after being inspired by the sounds of the dholak at a wrestling match in Shyamnagar.
Symbolism of the Dholak
The rhythmic beating of the dholak (Chatt-dharsa, pett-dharsa) symbolizes hope, courage, vitality, and the unyielding spirit of life amidst death and despair.
Impact of the Epidemic
The village is struck by cholera and malaria, wiping out families and stripping away joy, leaving the villagers in silent grief until the dholak breaks the stillness.
Loss of Patronage
The death of the king and the subsequent arrival of the young prince who dislikes wrestling leads to Lutan's dismissal from the royal court, forcing him back into deep poverty.
Tragic Climax
Lutan loses both of his young wrestler sons to the epidemic, yet he continues to play the dholak stoically until his own death, symbolizing total dedication to his art and resilience.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Kerala SCERT Class 12 Hindi examinations, this chapter typically carries around 6 to 8 marks. Common question types include character sketches of Lutan Singh, critical appreciation of the role of the dholak, short notes on the socioeconomic backdrop of the story, and reference-to-context (RTI) questions based on specific passages.
Frequently Asked Questions
What role does the dholak play in the lives of the villagers during the epidemic?
The dholak provides a psychological boost, infusing energy, courage, and a will to survive among the villagers who are suffering from disease and starvation.
Why did Lutan Singh lose his position at the royal court?
The old king who loved wrestling died, and the new young prince, influenced by Western education and culture, stopped funding the royal wrestling arena and dismissed Lutan.
How does Lutan react to the death of his sons?
Despite the immense grief of losing both his sons to the epidemic, Lutan suppresses his personal sorrow and continues to play his dholak that night to keep the villagers' spirits alive.
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