On The Banks of Damodar

ON THE BANKS OF DAMODAR --- By Anant Joshi

NOVEL WITH A OUT OF BOX STORY

The novel " On the Banks of Damodar " is based on the background of imaginary government co. Ramgadh Coalfields Ltd. In the Zharkhand state of India .The story happens in coal mine named Maral , situated on the banks of Damodar river. This tragic story is about the exploitation of Jaggu Manjhi , a poor impersonator and his wife Radha . Jaggu is impersonating Ramnaresh ,who is loader in railway wagon coal loading job. The corrupt practices involved including impersonation have been depicted . The exploitation and harassment of women folk in labor category moves the reader. The activities of Coal-Mafia and their connections with officials have been elaborated. One more social aspect described in case of the character Miss Kirti Patel ,senior welfare officer ,that is " If a man can choose to KEEP a woman , what is wrong if sometimes a woman has KEPT a man ?"