Where Is The Village Of My CBSE Textbook?

Growing up in Delhi, my understanding of Indian villages was largely shaped by the CBSE textbooks. These books painted a picture of serene landscapes, close-knit communities, and a simpler way of life. They described a world vastly different from the bustling metropolis I called home. My perception of villages was a mix of curiosity and romanticism, influenced by stories of green fields, bullock carts, and traditional customs. This blog explores the contrast between my textbook-induced notions and my real-life experiences of rural India.

CBSE textbooks often depict villages as picturesque locales, surrounded by lush green fields and dotted with small, mud-thatched houses. These images evoke a sense of tranquility and timelessness, far removed from the chaos of urban life. The textbooks emphasize the strong sense of community in villages. They describe villagers as friendly and cooperative, living together in harmony and celebrating festivals with great enthusiasm.

Village life, as portrayed in textbooks, seemed simpler and more connected to nature. Traditional customs, local crafts, and age-old practices were highlighted, creating an image of a life untainted by modern complexities.

Simultala, Bihar

When I first visited Simultala, Bihar, the reality was both familiar and surprising. The lush fields and rustic houses were there. The beautiful scenery was accompanied by issues like no electricity, no proper drinking water, network issues, and a distant market. Simultala used to be a Naxalite area around 2015. The Santhali tribe living there made their livelihoods through agriculture and making Mahua, a local alcoholic beverage. While their local language was Santhali, there was no language barrier as they knew Hindi. However, they were skeptical about interacting with strangers like me, perhaps due to past bad experiences.

Tumkur, Karnataka

In contrast, the people of a rural village near Tumkur, Karnataka, were warm and welcoming. Despite the language barrier, I could interact with them as some labourers who had worked in various places knew Hindi. The women showed their affection through delicious food, with Ragi being a staple in their diet. It was the first time I tried Ragi, and I loved it. This experience was vastly different from Simultala, reflecting the diversity within Indian villages.

Udaipur, Rajasthan

During field trips to a village in Udaipur, I noticed that the people were initially hesitant to talk but eventually opened up. However, I realized they were presenting a rosy picture of their daily lives, not the reality of their daily struggles. This encounter highlighted the gap between the idealized village life depicted in textbooks and the more complex and challenging reality.

Ambajogai, Maharashtra

When I came to Maharashtra for my fellowship, the nearby villages presented another aspect of rural life. The women were similar to those in Karnataka, exuding warmth and confidence. Before, I had an image of village women as timid, submissive, and in Ghunghat, but the women of Maharashtra changed my perspective. Inspired by figures like Savitribai Phule, Ramabai Ambedkar, and Ahilyabai Holkar, these women were bold, confident, and outspoken.

Women Of Rural India

Across these visits, the women i met, stayed in me. The rural Indian women are an epitome of strength, who is performing her household duties from dawn to dusk. After completing their daily chores, many women work on small agricultural lands. While men typically operate machinery, it is the female workforce that sustains agriculture, the mainstay of the rural Indian economy. These women are the invisible lifeline of agrarian rural communities.

From a young age, rural girls bear the burden of caring for younger siblings, cooking, engaging in domestic chores, and looking after the fodder for domestic animals in their homes. They are often married off at an early age and condemned to a life of serfdom, anonymity, and facelessness. In rural India, very few women have ownership over land or productive assets, and the majority of agricultural labourers are women. This reality starkly contrasts with the simplified depictions in textbooks and underscores the significant yet often unacknowledged contributions of rural women.

Migration And Changing Demographics

Another stark reality of rural India is the decline in the rural population from 82% in 1960 to 64% in 2023, as per World Bank Group data. Lack of resources is driving people, especially the youth, to migrate to cities for higher education and employment opportunities. This migration trend is leading to emptier villages, with mainly the elderly and women remaining. In many places, this shift is leaving villages increasingly abandoned, altering the social and economic fabric of these communities.

Evolving Perspective

My initial romanticized view of villages, shaped by textbooks, evolved into a more nuanced understanding through personal experiences. The challenges faced by villagers, such as economic hardships and social inequalities, became apparent. However, so did their resilience, community spirit, and adaptability.

There is a significant gap between the textbook portrayal of villages and their reality. Bridging this gap requires more than just visits; it requires genuine engagement and an open mind. Understanding the true essence of Indian villages involves acknowledging both their charm and their challenges. My experiences in Simultala, Udaipur, Tumkur, and Ambajogai have provided a richer, more complex picture of village life. While the idyllic scenes and strong community bonds are real, they coexist with significant challenges and a dynamic interplay between tradition and modernity.

For someone who has only known city life, the journey to understanding Indian villages is one of discovery and transformation. Through this journey, I have come to see villages not just as quaint, pastoral settings, but as vibrant, evolving entities that embody the spirit of India in all its complexity.