Class 12 Hindi - ODISHA
Prose: Pahelwaan Ki Dholak
Pahwan Ki Dholak by Phanishwarnath Renu is a poignant short story set in rural Bihar during a time of extreme poverty, hunger, and a deadly cholera-malaria epidemic. The protagonist, Lutan Singh, becomes a champion wrestler (pahelwaan) after drawing inspiration from the sound of a dholak (drum). The story revolves around the symbolic role of the dholak, which instills courage, life, and energy into the hopeless villagers battling death. For Odisha BSE Class 12 board exams, this chapter is crucial for testing reading comprehension, character analysis, and understanding the socio-economic conditions and rural psyche depicted in Hindi literature.
Start Learning FreeKey Concepts
Lutan Singh ka Pahelwaan Banna
Lutan loses his parents in childhood, grows up as an orphan, and transforms into a skilled wrestler named 'India Kid' after defeating the undefeated wrestler Khana Singh in a Dangal.
Dholak ki Goonj aur Uski Bhumika
During the epidemic, the sound of Lutan's dholak acts as a spiritual tonic, giving dying villagers the courage and willpower to fight death and endure unimaginable pain.
Gramin Jivan aur Mahamari
The chapter realistically portrays the helplessness of rural India, where poverty, superstition, lack of healthcare, and epidemics claim hundreds of lives overnight.
Badtalte Samay aur Pahelwaani ka Ant
With the arrival of a new zamindar who prefers horse-riding over wrestling, Lutan loses patronage, highlighting the decline of traditional Indian sports and artists.
Lutan ka Sangharsh aur Pitritva
Despite losing his two young sons during the epidemic, Lutan continues to beat the dholak to keep the morale of the surviving villagers high, showcasing immense selflessness and strength.
Important Formulas
Board Exam Info
In the Odisha (BSE) Class 12 board examinations, this chapter typically carries around 5-8 marks. Common question types include long-answer questions based on the character sketch of Lutan Singh, the significance of the dholak during the epidemic, short-answer questions explaining specific lines, and context-based reference questions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the dholak in Lutan's life?
The dholak is not just an instrument for Lutan; it is his mentor, a source of energy, and a companion that gives him the courage to face life's struggles and death.
Why did Lutan continue beating the dholak even after his sons died?
He beat the dholak to infuse hope, courage, and fighting spirit into the helpless villagers who were dying of malaria and cholera during the grim epidemic.
Why did the new zamindar dismiss Lutan Singh?
The new zamindar shifted to the city, preferred modern sports like horse-riding over traditional wrestling, and stopped the financial allowance given to Lutan.
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