mind in more ways than one. After his masters, Ranganath, who is a big believer in high ideals and "poetic justice", comes face to face with the hypocrisy and the meanness of the village gang. The very first incident highlights his innocence and blind faith. In order to travel to his uncle's place, Ranganath boards a truck. The driver is a rash fellow, who drives carelessly without regard for the pedestrians. After witnessing him nearly run over a few cows and sleeping shepherds, the young man is finally elated when a few police officials pull the bus over. From a distance, Ranganath watches them question the driver. Although they are trying to extort money out of the driver, it appears to Ranganath that the driver is being punished for his foul deeds. There are several such incidents, one after the other, that shatter Ranganath's high ideals and faith in justice. He is a mere spectator of the system – unable to make a mark or stand up for himself. Characters Vaidyaji: He is the mastermind behind all village politics. Very articulate in framing his sentences and choosing his words, Vaidyaji is also officially the manager of the local college. Ruppan Babu: The younger son of Vaidyaji and the leader of college students, Ruppan Babu has remained in the 10th grade for last 10 years as he does not want to leave college, in which his father is the manager. Ruppan is actively involved in all village politics and is well respected by the village community due to his illustrious parentage. Towards the end of the novel, a gradual change can be observed in his behaviour. Badri Pehelwan: Elder brother of Ruppan Babu. Badri keeps himself away from his father's involvements and keeps himself busy with bodybuilding exercises and taking care of his protégé. Ranganath: An M.A. in History, Ranganath is the nephew of Vaidyaji. He has come to Shivpalganj on a vacation for about 5–6 months. It appears that the author wants to give the view of the pathetic condition in the villages through the eyes of an educated person. Chhote Pehelwan: One of the protégé's of Badri Phelan and devout decipline of Lord Hanuman, Chhote is an active participant in village politics and is a frequent participant in the meetings summoned by Vaidyaji. Principal Sahib: As the name denotes, Principal Sahib is the principal of Chhangamal Vidyarthi Inter College.