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Have you ever wondered why certain books are banned? Is it because authors spin yards of lie or because the governments are afraid that the truth will finally make people see things for what they are, without the rose tinted glasses? Hansda Sowvendra Shekhar was suspended from his job as a medical officer when he published this book. The government then went on to impose a ban on it. So what's so scandalous about this book, you ask? Truth. Truth about the injustice and unfairness that the Santhal community are put through even to this day. Santhals are the largest tribe in Jharkhand and I knew next to nothing about them until I read this book of short stories.

In the ten stories that are within this book, majority of them are narrated by female protagonists. Shekhar very cleverly uses an engaging tale to start the book with, thus captivating our attention. Not only do they carry different themes but even the characters are diverse in nature. There's one of bold women taking matters into their own hands to look after a neighbour but the other story is about a prostitute who thinks she has a shot at a normal life but eventually falls prey to the society's idea of chasteness. He also makes it a point to starkly highlight caste differences that are so common in rural areas. Some may find the stories crass and even sexist but I loved how Shekhar has managed to retain the authenticity of the characters. The last chapter is the one after which the book is named after and it also ended up being my favourite. An adivasi refuses to dance for the mere entertainment of the privileged. And this ties up all the chapters into a neat bundle.

These are stories of defiance, submission, oppressed and also bravery. I couldn't have chosen a better book for this month's #readingindia project. Thanks to @theobviousmystery @every.turn.a.story and @deepthi.m__ for hosting this.

4.5/5.

P.S. My only problem was that of a missing glossary.