Raag Darbari is a satirical Hindi novel written by Sri Lal Sukla, published in 1968. He was awarded the Sahitya Academy Award, the highest Indian literary award, in 1969 for this novel. The novel illustrates the failing values present in post-Independence Indian society. It exposes the helplessness of intellectuals in the face of a strong and corrupt nexus between criminals, businessmen, police and politicians. The novel is narrated from the point of view of Ranganath, a research student in history, who comes to live with his uncle, Vaidyaji, in a village named Shivpalganj in Uttar Pradesh for a few months. He learns how his uncle uses all the village institutions—the village school, the village panchayat (a local elected body), the local government offices for his political purpose. The conduct of his uncle and the petty village politicians is in stark contrast to the ideals that Ranganath has learnt to aspire to during his university education. The villagers take pride in calling themselves "ganjahe", originating from "ganj" (which means "place" in Hindi) of Shivpalganj. Backdrop Shrilal Shukla the author distinctly portrays socio-politico-economic conditions in the village life of India by representing it coupled with satire in a style of rural fiction and remarkable reality. The title Rag Darbari does not suggest one of the Ragas of Indian classical music, but a song sung by a village politician, characterized by Vaidyaji in the novel, on whose tone all other in the village dance. The novel portrays gloomy depiction of social and political corruption and highly delicate dynamics of the same prevalent during postcolonial India. Plot The village has several characters, most notable of who is Vaidyaji – the patriarch of the village. He is assisted by his sons Badri Pehelwaan (or in English, Badri the Wrestler) and Ruppan Babu. A few more notable characters are the teachers at the village school, and the principal (whose characteristic trait is to burst into Awadhi, his native tongue, whenever he is very angry or excited). The story does not have a fixed plot – it is merely a series of anecdotes. It also does not have a hero or protagonist. Vaidyaji's nephew, named Ranganath, visits Shivpalganj after completing his M.A. in History. His health has been failing, and the doctors have advised a visit to the countryside for him to gather his strength. It is funny how Vaidyaji (which means "healer") heals the young boy's