Page 193 - Communication Processes Volume 3 Communication Culture and Confrontation

168 Badri Narayan

Text A
What the dramatic folk story of Reshma and Chuharmal tells us is that
Chuharmal was a handsome and healthy Dusadh youth. Reshma, the
daughter of a local landlord, was fascinated with him and would offer
him invitations for indulgence. Chuharmal initially tried to avoid her,
but then she told him that she was the daughter of a high-caste landlord,
while he belonged to the Dusadh caste. Thus, Reshma forced him to
establish matrimonial relationship with her in which he succeeded.
This relation resulted in a clash between Chuharmal and the landlord
father of Reshma, leading to the victory of the virtuous hero, Chuharmal,
over the landlord and his army.
This is the folk version of the memory of Chuharmal prevalent in
the area. Although this version is more popular among some of the
lower castes, its many other varied forms are no less popular among
others in the area.

Text B
Rani Reshma and Chuharmal, it is said, belonged to the Brahman
caste in their previous birth and formed a couple. They were reborn
at different places near Mokama Ghat in Patna district. Chuharmal
was born in a family of a saint living in Anjani village, and his wife in
a Bhumihar Kshatriya zamindar (landowning) family. Later on his
father sent Chuharmal away for schooling, where Ajab Singh, brother of
Reshma, also studied. They became close friends. Coincidentally, once
Ajab Singh fell ill, Chuharmal went to call for his father. Reshma saw
Chuharmal and was so fascinated with him that she forgot her meals
and started worshipping a goddess to obtain the favour of marrying
Chuharmal.
Reshma sent a message for Chuharmal asking him to meet her at a
lonely place. He was a religious, brave and handsome youth, and re-
fused Reshma’s offer. However, she was firm in her resolve to avenge
this insult. Consequently, there was a clash between the armies of her
zamindar father and Chuharmal’s. The zamindar’s army was defeated.
Again, with the help of a tantrik or magician with supernatural powers,
Reshma tried to defeat Chuharmal. The remaining part of the narrative
describes revengeful fightings of her father’s army with Chuharmal,
but the bravery of Chuharmal could not be defeated. This theme is
displayed in local dramas and rural theatres.