Anatomy of religious discord fuelled by crony capitalism. The story is set in a village of pre-Partition Punjab's Kasur district and revolves around the ਤੂਤਾਂ ਵਾਲਾ ਖੂਹ 'Well with sweet water surrounded by shady mulberry trees,' which is co-owned by Hindu and Muslim friends. A crony capitalist businessman has an ill eye on this well. He traps both owners in a debt trap and finally tries to usurp the heavenly well. He uses religious bigotry and extremists of both religions to fan tensions in the village to make a profit. The author also gives glimpses of various movements for Independence, both violent and non-violent, through the stories of Baba Akali. He is principally soft towards Congress and its leaders but also expresses his dissent at times. The story ends with the partition of Panjab and Panjabis.
One of the most poignant story read. Sohan Singh Sital has woven a beautiful narrative of pre-independence era, a story told in so many different ways, so many different perspective Story of fight for Indian independence. Story of two brothers split into two different identities. Story of greed, human nature, misgivings.
Its not a simple story of two brothers drifting apart but of a nation drifting away from its Roots.
A wonderful book. Writer has depicted the era of before independence and tells the stories of some freedom fighter. The protagonist Sajjan Singh and Ilam Deen owns a Tutan Wala Khuh and a greedy guy keep an evil eye on their Khuh.