Manu ~ The Rani of Gayapuri

Close to the city of Patna, in a town called Gayapuri, which lay along the banks of the great river Phalgu, lived a woman named Manu. Being Onion farmers, her family was well to do. It was the harvest season and Onion had to be picked from the field. The wholesalers and traders from Patna would be arriving in just a few weeks, carrying gold and silver. The stock of Onion had to be ready in time! Work was at its peak!

But Manu was not to be found in the fields. She wasn't working. Instead, she was sitting by the banks of river Phalgu.

'I am sick of this!' she grunted loudly!

Way back in 17^th Century during Moghul Dynasty, there lived a damsel Manu in a town called Gayapuri.

On a sunny Sunday in the month of October tired Manu was observing the water-fall sitting at the bank of river Phalgu while sipping cup of coffee purchased from nearby hut selling tea, coffee and refreshments. She was making a visit to a vendor dealing with the supply of water for irrigation purpose required for her Onion-field, in order to get associated in long run on a mutually beneficial business relationship.

On her return, Manu was strolling in her house gallery overlooking the Onion field. Well built, with vigor and stunning looks, six feet tall Manu was self-sufficient to scare the hunters in the field. Passionate about her work, Manu had been a brilliant student through-out her academics as well. The lady always aspired to serve the society by uplifting the “under-privileged” women. More than being an Onion farmer by taking forward her family business, Manu actively supported “women empowerment” to at least facilitate deprived women taking their own decision in all aspect. Polygamy, Sati Pratha, Child Marriage, Girl Slaves, Concubines at King’s court, Trafficking were few much prevalent non-supportive social phenomena. This behavioral sickness thus pushed Manu for bringing in revolutionary change in the village and ensuring the same is set as a benchmark for the generation next.

 Onion farming were the major business inheritance of the denizens of Gayapuri; a town well studded at the bank of sacred river “Phalgu”. Gayapuri was mainly populated by Hindus and Buddhists and Muslims comprising of various communities and class. Knowing the fact of non-income during off season, the locals had a provision of running small scale businesses sufficing their livelihood for nearly 6 months each year. Like people of Gayapuri, citizens across India played a pivotal role in shaping the economic activities. The major source of provisional income were from key Indian festivals like Maha Shivratri, Dussera, Diwali, etc. where the artisans and the craftsmen showcased their talent in week long melas and haats. People from other cities also used to take part for purchases who were informed and invited by the town-criers.

With the flourishing economic condition, Golden-Bird as India was, still there were loops in these faiths. To impress the-then Emperors and elite communities, many villagers were also in the malicious practice of selling minor lower class girls, at handsome exchange of Gold and Silver Coins, to the ruling communities.  

Blessed Manu had a family of four inculcated with liberal thinking. The Saivities (Manu and her family were the firm believers of Lord Shiv) were equally concerned about women’s condition and status in the territory and around. Inheriting intelligence from her father Rudra Kant and mother Indravati Kant, Manu’s parents were the great scholars who rightfully invested their knowledge in shaping their daughters’ future and also on their Onion filed with best applied scientific techniques to get a healthy crop, therefore enhancing its commercial value in return. Manu had a well to do family still they chose simple living so as to stay protected from underlying threats and insecurities in the society. Manu’s younger sister Manjira had lost her one leg in an accident few years ago. Holding Manjira firmly in her arms, Manu was busy thinking a way out from the existing worries prevalent in the society and at home. Suddenly anxious father Rudra called out for Manu rushing towards his house gallery.

Rudra: Manu! Where have you been? I am expecting traders and wholesalers from Patna after 2 weeks and yet the Onion harvesting has not started. When will you find time and when will the work start, my dear? I found some contracted farmers too lazing around. What’s the matter? It’s just not happening?

Manu comfortably put her sister back to the chair where she generally used to sit in the gallery post taking a small walk with the support of her bamboo with Onion-rest crutches. She then replied:

Appa, please do not get tensed. Everything is moving perfectly fine. It’s just that my farmer friend Shyamlal was bitten by a snake today morning while he was working in the field, other farmers had rushed him to Hakeem Khana.

Rudra in dismay replied: Oh! I was unaware of that. Hope everything is fine now.

Yes Appa, everything is fine now. Shyamlal ji is out of danger. Hakeem Tau has asked him to take some rest in his dispensary for few more hours, post which he can resume his work. Other farmer friends were chasing out the snake, for it not to bite anyone else. Now it’s a lunch time, they will be getting on to the field very shortly. I just came home to see Manjira as she was taking a walk in the gallery. Post finishing my lunch I will join them back.

After a pause…

Appa, I am taking care of the work with great responsibility, do not worry. By the way how was your trip?

Rudra replied in agreement, I trust you my child. It was my mistake that I forgot I have Manu with me. On his statement, they all smiled. My trip to Phalgu pilgrimage was wonderful. How this one week passed by, I didn’t realize.

Noticing Manu’s pre-occupied mind…

By the way Manu, may I know your worry? Rudra took a seat next to Manjira gasping Manu’s silent expression much visible on her face. You don’t have to lie. Tell me the matter, I insist!

Listening to the conversation, Manu’s mother Indravati too joined them.

Manu had no choice than sharing her feelings…

Appa, you remember Dussera Onion trading season two years ago? We were so busy trading Onion stock that we ignored Manjira. How those unruly traders dragged her to the center of the haat to sell to those VIP’s? This child in the fight for her survival preferred coming under the moving cart-wheel. This keeps haunting me all time, especially at this time of the year. I can’t even connect my pain the way Manjira is dealing with each day. I certainly don’t want to breath my last with this ignited rage within and doing nothing about it!!

Indiravati interrupted saying, we all are sailing in the same boat of emotion. Manu! you think Manjira will ever get justice in this society? Anyhow, don’t you remember that had you not sprinted to save Manjira fighting with those traders, we could have lost her that day? Also, not all traders are evil. We have plenty of loyal clients and that’s why your Appa has restricted the business only to them.

Manu burning down in rage within, grunted loudly.., Aai I am going to avenge her in the name of Lord Shiv. I don’t know how, but I will! What Appa did is fine, but that’s not a justice. I am sick of this!

Days passed by and the Onion stock were ready for trading. They were well stacked in Manu’s warehouse located in the basement of her house. Suddenly Manu came up with an idea of taking her farmer friend’s view on womanhood. Not surprised by their answers, Manu was certainly taken aback when Shyamlal and few other farmers answered in support of women. Manu then came up with structured plan of changing the mind-set of the residents.

Dussera and trading season had arrived! Gayapuri had gone bright and colorful with houses dipped in vibrant colours with Madhubani art painted on walls. Artisans had taken a place road side to sell mud work and the town was enthralled in melas and haats.

The traders and wholesalers from Patna had arrived. Most of them were new to the village. Manu and Rudra also arrived to welcome his clients. After taking their wellness, Rudra offered them a sumptuous lunch being arranged by selective senior members including Rudra himself, in Gayapuri. Comfortably satisfy your appetite, we have also made an arrangement for your stay. Please take some rest and I will come in the beginning of sixth prahar with some Onion samples, said Rudra.

Suddenly Nasir Khan, one of the trader, inquired: Will this fine lady be also accompanying you?

Rudra was stunned and could only stood with speechless expression while Manu replied: Yes I will be joining my father. Will meet you all in the evening!

Rudra immediately took their leave and shouted at Manu after reaching a distance, on her need to open the sentence. Manu said: it’s a part of my plan Appa. Along with Shyamlal ji and some other farmer friend, we have made a plan to teach these morons a lesson on how to respect a woman.

While Manu was continuing and Rudra all the more getting worried, Shyamlal joined them who from a distance, was watching Rudra arguing with Manu.

Maalik, please do not worry. We will support Manu Rani’s mission. She changed me entirely when a snake had bitten me. None but Manu Rani had come to my rescue, took me to Hakeem ji, bore the cost and nursed me till I gathered back my conscious. Seeing her heroic move, not only I had changed my perception towards women, other farmers too felt guilty on their reluctance that day. I must say “Rani Bitiya” has changed us all.

Manu was getting little uncomfortable on Shyamlal’s continuous praise and interrupted…

Yes Appa, along with my farmer friends, we have pledged for not allowing any further heinous crime against any woman. From this Dussera onward neither any Sita has to prove her sanity nor will any Ravaan emerge from anywhere.

We must disperse now. I am really hungry father, let’s go home.

While having lunch, Rudra narrated the incidence to Indravati and Manjira. They were equally happy and were feeling proud of her daughter Manu when suddenly Manjira asked: Didi, what was your plan?

Manu gave a stunned look to Manjira and started with smile, I never knew I have a detective sister with me. I planned my mission with Shyamlal ji. He managed to give me the list of traders a week in advance. I understand Appa’s clients are loyal but Nasir Khan is a new entrant in this business. Hailing from a reputed family, I met his father in Patna last week. He is a noble soul. I shared the Onion sample and took his approval on deal closure. Here is the agreement duly sealed by him. Today evening Nasir’s father would be visiting Gayapuri to give us the Gold coins in double quantity in exchange of our superior quality Onion.

I wanted to surprise you all with my bumper deal closure. This Nasir Khan laid eggs on my complete surprise package. On this remark, all laughed whole-heartedly after many years.

In the evening the deal was closed and Manu informed Nasir’s Abba about his son’s intentions. The matter was well handled. Manu then gathered the Locals at a stage meant for Puppet Show in the haat. Through puppet show she taught them the importance of having women in the form of mother, wife, daughter, sister and various other relation. The message said “Let us not bury the womanhood as you have also emerged from one. If someone is going wrong, bring them to the right path. We need to strike and maintain balance between men and women and having a girl is not a curse rather it’s a sheer blessing. Teach your son to wipe every woman’s tear and give love to your wife and daughter that they should not hesitate birthing a daughter, tomorrow!

Ignorant as the Locals  were, learnt the truth of life. Manu played her magic wand by making Gayapuriians understand to wisely use their power. Everyone can flourish if men show their power in protecting womanhood rather harassing them by all means.

Gayapuriinas bowed in front of Manu accepting their fault. At the same time they equally apologized Manjira for not turning up to help her and allowed her to fight helplessly two years ago.

Manu’s tireless effort gave birth to a new Gayapuri where the denizens pledged to safeguard the women at home and in the society. Her effort also resulted into opening up avenues for girl child education in her town hence controlling the loops to maximum extent.

May “iconic Manu” reside within us in today’s scenario as well.

Written by:

Snigdha Shrivastava

Email: snigdha82@gmail.com