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By:

Shoma A. Chatterji

21 August 2024 at 10:49:40 am

The Pallbearer’s Tragedy

Three decades after its premiere, Rangakarmee’s Mayyat remains a searing theatrical indictment of caste. Rangakarmee is perhaps the only theatre group that has been producing and performing plays in Hindi in Kolkata for 50 years this year. Founded and headed by the late Usha Ganguly, it is still as active and dynamic in presenting Hindi plays mainly new and sometimes recreating for the new audience, old plays that are timeless in their content and their appeal. The amazing feature of Mayyat...

The Pallbearer’s Tragedy

Three decades after its premiere, Rangakarmee’s Mayyat remains a searing theatrical indictment of caste. Rangakarmee is perhaps the only theatre group that has been producing and performing plays in Hindi in Kolkata for 50 years this year. Founded and headed by the late Usha Ganguly, it is still as active and dynamic in presenting Hindi plays mainly new and sometimes recreating for the new audience, old plays that are timeless in their content and their appeal. The amazing feature of Mayyat is that it was first performed by Usha Ganguly and her troupe way back in 1997 and has already performed around 500 shows spanning 30 years and signifies the cross-generational reach and popularity of the play. We saw a group of absolutely new actors dedicated to Rangakarmee. Their performance defined the strict discipline, the constant workouts and rehearsals to keep mobile and flexible because the very big cast needed to be perfect in body, mind and spirit during each 45-minute performance. What does the word Maiyyat mean? It is said to have its roots in Arabic and literally, it translates as ‘dead body’ or ‘corpse.’ The play is rooted in the deep internalization among the low castes of their exploitation and torture by the Brahmins of their village. The Brahmins are proud in their gait, their body language and even in their pure form of dress with the holy thread of Brahminism proudly on display. The custom of the proud, arrogant and rude Brahmins is to choose at least one among the four untouchables to become the pall-bearer when someone of the upper-caste dies. Instead of feeling sad or insulted, the chosen untouchable feels blessed and proud for being allowed by this strange custom of becoming a fake “Brahmin” if even for one day. Lakku is one such untouchable who lives somewhere near Aurangabad and leads a miserable life of poverty with the burden of a mentally deranged, motherless son he takes care of. The pall is decorated heavily with flowers and instead of looking like a bourse, it is decorated with lots of flowers like a palanquin. Someone obviously among the Brahmins is dead and the other Brahmins draw lots to find out which untouchable will be chosen to offer his shoulder to the bourse. `When Lakku’s name comes up in the shuffling of the paper chips, he is thrilled that at least for one day, he will enjoy the ‘blessing’ of becoming a “Brahmin.” But forced to run through the village on an empty stomach and with a weak body, Lakku collapses and dies before the bourse can reach the crematorium. Now, the question is – who will carry his body and carry it to the cremation ground? The entire performance, with 23 theatre actors, originally scripted, designed and directed by Usha Ganguly, is now performed by a new young cast under the guidance, training and supervision of Amal Saha, Deepesh Rajak, and Anirudh Sarkar. It has been conceived and designed like a musical opera with every Brahmin member of the cast, including the young women, dressed traditionally in pristine white with lots of marigold garlands and a sandalwood tikka adorning their foreheads. Though there are dialogues in the performance, these are either among the leading and decisive members among the Brahmins or scoldings and threats from the Brahmins to the four members from the untouchable tribe, each one representing a different low caste. These four men, alongwith Lakku and his mentally retarded son, keep waiting eagerly in one corner of the proscenium for the results of the lots to be drawn. They hug each other for joy when their names are announced and Lakku specially is thrilled with the responsibility of being pallbearer and becoming a Brahmin for just one night. Whose corpse is being carried in the bourse is not important. What is important is who are the pall bearers? At least, the Brahmins are not. What one carries home after watching a performance-play like Mayyat is the marvellous synchronization of the entire female cast wandering right around the proscenium space singing songs in complete harmony with not a note of error and the Brahmin men discussing, arguing and quarrelling over not how the corpse will be cremated but which low-caste man will become the pallbearer for one night. The bottom-line is caste is a continuous, historical evil. But should it remain so? (The writer is a noted film scholar. Views personal.)

Indonesia’s Capital Shift from Jakarta to Nusantara

Jakarta to Nusantara

Indonesia is relocating its national capital to a new city called Nusantara, located in East Kalimantan on the island of Borneo. The decision, announced in 2019 by President Joko Widodo, aims to address significant challenges faced by Jakarta, the current capital, and to promote more balanced development across the country.


Jakarta, situated on the island of Java, is one of the most populous and congested cities in the world. It faces several critical issues:


Environmental Challenges: Jakarta is sinking due to excessive groundwater extraction, and much of the city lies below sea level, making it highly susceptible to flooding.


Overpopulation: With over 10 million residents in the city proper and over 30 million in the metropolitan area, Jakarta struggles with overcrowding.


Infrastructure Strain: Traffic congestion and pollution are persistent problems.


By relocating the capital, the government aims to ease the pressure on Jakarta while promoting development in other parts of the country.


Nusantara, meaning “archipelago,” has been envisioned as a modern, sustainable, and technologically advanced city designed to meet the needs of Indonesia’s future. The city will span approximately 256,000 hectares, of which 56,000 will form the core urban area.


Key features include:

Sustainability: Renewable energy sources are expected to power much of the city. Green spaces and pedestrian-friendly zones will be prioritised to reduce environmental impact. Urban planning will integrate the city with Borneo’s rainforest, preserving biodiversity and minimising deforestation.


Infrastructure and Buildings: The city will house Indonesia’s main government offices, including:

A new presidential palace.

Complexes for the legislative and judicial branches.

Residences for government officials and diplomats.

Public facilities, such as hospitals, schools, and universities, will support the city’s population.


An advanced transportation system, including electric buses and possibly autonomous vehicles, is being planned.


Population and Technological Advancements: Initially, Nusantara is expected to accommodate about 1.5 million residents, including government employees and their families. The city will feature smart city infrastructure, such as integrated public services, high-speed internet, and systems for managing energy, waste, and water usage.


Economic Opportunities: Nusantara is positioned to drive regional economic growth, attracting investment and creating jobs in East Kalimantan and surrounding areas.


The total estimated cost of Nusantara is over $30 billion. The government has adopted a mixed funding approach:


State Budget (20%): Covers initial infrastructure and government facilities.


Private Sector Investment (80%): Focuses on housing, commercial developments, and other urban infrastructure.


Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Used for projects like renewable energy and transportation systems.


Foreign Investments: Countries such as Japan, South Korea, and the UAE have shown interest in contributing.


Land Sales and Development Rights: Investors purchasing land in Nusantara are granted development rights for residential and commercial purposes.

Despite this multifaceted approach, challenges remain, including slower-than-expected private sector interest, environmental concerns, and land disputes.


Construction began in 2022, and the government aims to relocate some administrative functions by 2024. However, reports indicate that infrastructure development is behind schedule. Key milestones, such as the Independence Day celebration in Nusantara in August 2024, have been used to showcase progress and maintain momentum.


Similar Examples of Relocated Capitals

Several countries have undertaken the ambitious task of relocating their capitals to address issues such as overcrowding, uneven development, or environmental concerns. Notable examples include:


Nigeria: Abuja replaced Lagos as the capital in 1991 to manage overpopulation and ensure a more central geographic location.


Kazakhstan: Astana (now Nur-Sultan) became the capital in 1997 to encourage development in the northern part of the country.


Myanmar: Naypyidaw was inaugurated in 2006 as the new capital, although it remains underpopulated and has faced criticism for being isolated.


Egypt: The New Administrative Capital (NAC), currently under construction 45 kilometres east of Cairo, aims to alleviate overcrowding in Cairo. It features plans for government ministries, a presidential palace, and Africa’s tallest tower, along with infrastructure to accommodate an estimated 6.5 million residents.


These examples highlight both, the opportunities and challenges of relocating a national capital, offering lessons that Indonesia can consider in developing Nusantara.


Nusantara represents an ambitious effort to address Indonesia’s urban challenges while fostering sustainable development. However, its success depends on overcoming funding, environmental, and logistical hurdles. As construction progresses, Nusantara’s development will be closely watched as a potential model for urban innovation and resilience.


(The author is a foreign affairs expert. Views personal.)

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