Anterdol Dandpat

ANTERDOLE was a village submerged in hirakud, Sambalpur district, Odisha, India. Anterdole popularly known as Anterduli was one of the 360 villages which lost their identity under the Hirakud Dam reservoir which engulfed an area of 12300 acres of fertile lands in the Doab Mahanadi and Ib rivers displacing 26561 families and more than one lakh people .

Anterdol was a relatively big, prosperous and ancient village.Unlike most of the common villages it had been declared a Dandapat.There were about 20 dandapat in Hirakhanda samrajya which consisted of'Atharagada andTera Dandapat.Subsequently, seven more villages likeAnterdol,Chandrapur,Padmapur,Lakhanpur,Mundomahul,Srigida and Laida were declared Dandapat, Unlike the Gauntias of ordinary who were mainly revenue collectors with no police power,the Dandapats had some degree of police power like imposing certain amount of fine and imprisonment for specified periods.This power ii punish made them Dandapat. Unlike nearby villages the lay-out of Anterdol.It was well-planned, with a wide rectangular space or Khuil in front of the Goutia's house where Rathajatra and others fares and festivals were observed.There was huge Peepul tree at the sout- west corner where the village panchayat headed by the Gauntia sat.Other important meetings also sat there.

  Three important roads originated from the central quadrangle one passing to south connecting with Sambalpur,the second one passing to east connecting with Rampela the Police Station and the third passing northwards connecting with Belpahar the Railway station.

How ancient the village was?

   Prior to the occupation of this region on the left bank of Mahanadi by  Balaram Deb (1467–1582) belonging to Chouhan diynasty of Patnagarh was a part of present-day  Surguja in Chhattisgarh.Balaram Deb not only trespassed the area, but also made Samalpur his capital and started invading the adjacent areas.The king of Gangpur(Sundargarh) a vassal of Surguja king drew the notice of the latter and their joint forces attacked Balaram Deb.A long drawn battle ensued at the bank of the Bheden river culminating in decisive victory in favour of Balaram Deb.The names of villages like Daldali(Daladali) and Marakuta) represent the battle field.Balaram Dev started invading and further and occupied Bamanda(Debgarh,) Raigarh,Sarangarh,Shakti(all inChhattishgarh ) Before his death he had become a powerful and the region of Anterdol was under Chouhan rule.Anterdole does not find any mention in history book beacause it does not deserve.Its identity is linked with the Dubey family who received it as Bhrutti 
   (property right of  villages to enjoy,administer and collect revenue  without paying revenue  awarded to Brahmins by the kings)

from Balabhadra Sai(1561–1591) the third Chouhan king of Sambalpur.---Sambalur Itihas Shiba Prasad Dash,Third edition, 2002. Page no 156.. Dubeys y .belong to a sect of Brahmins known as Saryupari Brahmins to which Sant Tulsidas belonged.

The Saryupari Brahmins are a break-a way group of Kanyakubja Brahmins and are mostly scholars and Acharyas and disapprove the materialistic attitude of the Kanyakunjis.They left Kannauj and concentrate d in the region between the Sarayu,and Sharada river and hence the name. During the Muslim rule they suffered treamendous persecution due their rigidity and principle and to migrate southwards beyond the Vindhyas .One such group landed at Ratanpur near present-day Bilaspur in Chhattisgarh and we're accepted by the ruling Kalchuris.Fifty families came to Sambalpur following invitation of the king who were Shaktas like the Saryuparins.Amongst the fifty families was my ancestor Lachhman Dubey who was a brilliant Jyotish and enthralled the king with his accurate account past, present and future and received Anterdol as Bhrutti and became a Birtia.Many of the fifty families preferred to go back to Chhattisgarh to settle at Raigarh, Janjgir etc. which were under Chouhan rule.Few other Birtias were the Upadhyayas of Singhabaga and Tiwaris of Hirma and Kumhari.Many clans have become extinct.In this way Anterdol and Dubeys became inseparable until the reservoir of Hiirakud engulfed Anterdol compelling Dubeys to migrate again . Luckily the migration was easier than previous one and to a nearer destination.I represent the 10th generation of Lachhman Dubey the unlucky wanderer who planted our root here.In the meantime Dubeys have withered the storms Marahatta and British rule, independence, Sambalpur and Anterdol being pingponged between Nagpur and Calcutta presidencies repeatedlly.To be continued.

As hinted earlier the central quadrangular Khuil of the village was the key-spot of the village.On the north-west corner of the rectangle stood my house facing south.On the left(east) side of the house past the 10 ft wide road leading to Belpahar passed.The first house on this belonged my fathers older cousin Balaram Dubey the Headman(Nambardar Birtia and older than my father Malikram Dubey by about 20 yrs and his eldest son Rajaram Dubey a brilliant scholar of C.S . Zilla School and an outstanding advocate of Sambalpur was his contemporary and classmate.The eldest male heir became the Nmbedar and all other younger brothers añd cousins were known as Hissadars.In the eldest of the family Loknath Dubey had opted for another of our village known as Balanda adjoining Anterdol two generations before due to growing family and consequent partion.Within a short period Balanda prospered rapidly out- shining. Anterdol.However the family bond did not weaken and both villages developed satisfactorily.

    Our house was the original portion and the most dilapidated during partition.My ancestors were the youngest and entitled for the worst share as is customary.Moreover, the house was south-facing and considered inauspicious.However the house I was born,seen and lived and remember was big spacious, with three courtyards, four granaries with ten rooms in two stories.My grandfather Maniram Dubey had the Midas touch.A firm, planning, patient and a persevering person he was a wizard of agriculture, water management and man management.

There was a winding lane just in front of the Numberdar,s house which joined the road to Rampela.The lane was sparsely populated and housed the local Vaidya an old calm person belonging to Kulta cast.He was deeply respected by all for his healing power and dignified bearing and was a friend of the Numberdar . My father himself a good and successful Kaviraj consulted and respected him.I remember him vividly as a child patient and was overawed by his bald plate, wrinkled skin and grave demeanor.But his medicines were palatablThe next house belonged to one our relatives whose ancestors were brought and settled after marriage to a girl of our family.Theirs was the only of our caste in the village.The next house belonged to the Pujari of the local Jagannath temple.He belonged to the Baba or Bairagi caste and was full of all the vices despite his profession.There was keut family and two Barrie families in that winding.In a sense it was the residential complex of Bhitriyas meaning persons having easy access to Birtias' house-hold.

         The main road in front of the Numberdar leading to  Belpahar passed through the Bhandaripada which also housed three Gouda one Gond, and one Sahara family.There was one tall  Tal tree besides the Numberdar's house  which created an eerie atmosphere because of its dark imposing presence and monotonous sounds produced by its leaves. The road proceeded towards Belpahar by the side of the Kata, a small artificial lake spanning over an area of 48 acres.

In front of my house and at the south-west corner of the central quadrangular Khuil and next to our house was the house of my tutor Bhavani Shanker Parida.The accommodation and few acres of land were given to him for his services.He was also the second pandit of local U.P. school and permitted to tutor few other students with approval of the Birtias'.He had become almost a member of the village and was liked and revered by even the villagers.He belonged to Khandayat caste and his ancestors had migrated from the coastal area during the rule of Baliar Singh the 5th añd the mightiest of Chouhan kings.Baliar singh had married to a kin of Gajapati of Puri.Because of valour and other attributes he was a favourite of the Gajapati who had honoured him with the title of "Atharagada gada maudamani"During his reign many Utkali Brahmins,Karanas,Khandayat,and skilled workers like Sahasias,Maharanas,Malis, Kansaris migrated to Sambalpur and were settled in Sahasiapada, Patnaikpada,Gurupada, Mohantypada and Kansaripada etc.My tutor's ancestor was one among them.

My tutor was a thin elderly man of about 60yrs of age with most of his teeth gone walked with a conscious stoop but was quite alert and agile for his age.He was a firm ,tough and stern teacher who seldom spared the rod when needed.He tought me the 3 Rs meticulously despite my aversion to study.I being the youngest with two immediately older siblings dead was overprotected to the level of indulgence.Naturally I had an illusion of being someone special and at times became defiant.Ultimately the matter was brought to the notice of my father after giving me good thrashing in the brought me to the tutor throwing me into the laps of my tutor entreating him to teach me at any cost using the rod everywhere except the eyes and ears.From that day I was changed person.I had had a taste of father's anger and my mother's helplessness.I was a tamed person and started learning the alphabets more seriously and the numbers less seriously because of inborn aversion to mathematics.Within a year my "agyan" had had finished Barnabodh and memorised all 25 Khandayat of Pankias.The only thing he did not correct nor cared to correct was my handwriting which remained a major handicap throughout my career and till Today.But a great and loving teacher he was who laid a firm foundation from which I have jumped to this level.My heart gratitude and love you sir, for shaping my destiny. To be continued. In front of my house and at the south-west corner of the central quadrangular Khuil and next to our house was the house of my tutor Bhavani Shanker Parida.The accommodation and few acres of land were given to him for his services.He was also the second pandit of local U.P. school and permitted to tutor few other students with approval of the Birtias'.He had become almost a member of the village and was liked and revered by even the villagers.He belonged to Khandayat caste and his ancestors had migrated from the coastal area during the rule of Baliar Singh the 5th añd the mightiest of Chouhan kings.Baliar singh had married to a kin of Gajapati of Puri.Because of valour and other attributes he was a favourite of the Gajapati who had honoured him with the title of "Atharagada gada maudamani"During his reign many Utkali Brahmins,Karanas,Khandayat,and skilled workers like Sahasias,Maharanas,Malis, Kansaris migrated to Sambalpur and were settled in Sahasiapada, Patnaikpada,Gurupada, Mohantypada and Kansaripada etc.My tutor's ancestor was one among them.

Contd. The permanent structure next to my tutor's house was peculiar the significance of which could not comprehend for a long time.It was a rectangular high verandah projecting from the wall of my tutor to the rectangular Khuil for about 10 feet,had height of about 3 ft. and width of about 8 ft.lt was partially open on three sides and had a roof.It had enough, protected from rain heat and could accommodate about 8-persons comfortably.It was well groomed cleaned every day but with little activity.Sometimes we children but were furiously chided when caught.The next imposing structure being the local Jagannath Gudi was centre of vigorous activities.For long time the partially covered neglected but well guarded verandah remained an enigma to me.Gradually I learned that it was the place where the panchayat sat.At that time I little knew what a panchayat meant.Gradually I learnt that it was a local committee of 5-members headed by the Numberdar The members represented various castes and sect basing on maturity,age and wisdom. In our village the members besides the Numberdar who was my elder father or Boba were the local Vaidya (Baid Boba), representing the kulita caste,PudhaGond representing the volatile and virulent Gond cast, and Swapneswar Bhoi representing the dominant and numerically superior Sahara caste.The Jhankar who was a Gond and Guro Ganda (whom we addressed as Guro Baba ) who was the Choikidar arranged the panchayat meeting. Contd. The permanent structure next to my tutor's house was peculiar the significance of which could not comprehend for a long time.It was a rectangular high verandah projecting from the wall of my tutor to the rectangular Khuil for about 10 feet,had height of about 3 ft. and width of about 8 ft.lt was partially open on three sides and had a roof.It had enough, protected from rain heat and could accommodate about 8-persons comfortably.It was well groomed cleaned every day but with little activity.Sometimes we children but were furiously chided when caught.The next imposing structure being the local Jagannath Gudi was centre of vigorous activities.For long time the partially covered neglected but well guarded verandah remained an enigma to me.Gradually I learned that it was the place where the panchayat sat.At that time I little knew what a panchayat meant.Gradually I learnt that it was a local committee of 5-members headed by the Numberdar The members represented various castes and sect basing on maturity,age and wisdom. In our village the members besides the Numberdar who was my elder father or Boba were the local Vaidya (Baid Boba), representing the kulita caste,PudhaGond representing the volatile and virulent Gond cast, and Swapneswar Bhoi representing the dominant and numerically superior Sahara caste.The Jhankar who was a Gond and Guro Ganda (whom we addressed as Guro Baba ) who was the Choikidar arranged the panchayat meeting.

Contd. The permanent structure next to my tutor's house was peculiar the significance of which could not comprehend for a long time.It was a rectangular high verandah projecting from the wall of my tutor to the rectangular Khuil for about 10 feet,had height of about 3 ft. and width of about 8 ft.lt was partially open on three sides and had a roof.It had enough, protected from rain heat and could accommodate about 8-persons comfortably.It was well groomed cleaned every day but with little activity.Sometimes we children but were furiously chided when caught.The next imposing structure being the local Jagannath Gudi was centre of vigorous activities.For long time the partially covered neglected but well guarded verandah remained an enigma to me.Gradually I learned that it was the place where the panchayat sat.At that time I little knew what a panchayat meant.Gradually I learnt that it was a local committee of 5-members headed by the Numberdar The members represented various castes and sect basing on maturity,age and wisdom. In our village the members besides the Numberdar who was my elder father or Boba were the local Vaidya (Baid Boba), representing the kulita caste,PudhaGond representing the volatile and virulent Gond cast, and Swapneswar Bhoi representing the dominant and numerically superior Sahara caste.The Jhankar who was a Gond and Guro Ganda (whom we addressed as Guro Baba ) who was the Choikidar arranged the panchayat meeting.

Too young to comprehend the significance of the panchayat and local justice system I lost interest of the peculiar modified verandah.I left for Sambalpur to study in C.S.Zila school after completing by Primary education at Anterdol.A year or so later during a summer vacation my parents were unusually agitated and on inquiring I learnt that Majhala Baba was visiting us in the afternoon. Majhala Baba better known as Ramadhin Dubey was the younger brother of Bodhram Dubey who had been a cabinet minister in 1929 under the Prime ministership of Biswanath Das the other minister Nityananda Kanungo.Bodhram Dubey was in charge ofHealth and education.The Chef Minister was then called Prime minister.

     Majhala Baba was giant of a man with a height of more than 7 ft.and a muscular physique .He  had asharp voice and a commanding . Almost everyone who confronted him for the first time but we brothers he was dear Majhala Bapa. My father was younger to him by about 18yrs saw true guardian in him my eldest brother Prem Ram Dubey stayed in his for many years in his house for many years during his elementary education as there was no school in Anterdol the n.

The afternoon came and Majhala Baba also came but he seemed be in extreme hurry .He did not even for the tea he so much enjoyed .He and my father left the house and I followed out of curiosity.They headed towards covered verandah of the panchayat.All the members except the Numberdar were present.The Jhankar and the Choukidar were busy restraining the small agitated crowd gathering.From the lane nearby the small frame of Balaram Dubey the Numberdar was approaching the meeting place with rapid strides.He seemed as calm as ever.He was greeted by all including Majhala Baba who was junior by age.Both seemed normal the members entered and occupied their respective places with the Chairman at the centre.He was a small man with mild manners and calm bearing.Then he dispassionatey invited Majhala Baba uttering "As Ramadhin bus pointing towards the place meant for the accused.He asked my father to wait outside.Only then we knew that Majhala Baba himself a chairman of a Panchayat and cousin of the local chairman was facing atrial.The complainant was asked to tell his grievancan the crux of the case was that the cattle of Majhala Baba had strayed away.from the territory of Badlands to that of Anterdol and eaten and damaged Two purug area of standing crops and claimed damage.The Chairman asked for proofs and witnesses which the aggrieved party produced.Majhala Baba was asked if he would like to be present during the examination of witnesses or would he like to cross examine.Majhala Baba declined to both.He simply submitted that his cows might have strayed and done the damage he had a cowherd to graze the cattle and for time to check up with the cowherd or he should be summoned later.The chairman asked him to wait for Half an hour called my father and take me to our house for rest and refreshment.They came to our house took tea gossiped for sometime and returned to the Panchayat meeting.The Panchayat had already made a decision.The chairman in firm tone informed that as the accuse had employed a full-time cowherd the accused could not held solely responsible. With standing crops the field owner should have been more careful and vigilantMoreover itis not always possible to predict the behaviour of the animals.However considering economic standard of both parties the accused is directed Rs.Ten to the opposite party.

Cont. . ....The next structure next to the Panchayat was the Jagannath Gudi.As opposed to a temple a Gudi is an ordinary building housing a deity.It is cheaper to construct budget is flexible an can be constructed local masons.A temple on the contrary needs higher budget and specially trained and skilled manpower.Hence a Gudi is more popular and commonplace.

    The Jagannath Gudi was located almost at the centre of  the quaringular khuli at the western side adjoining the Panchayat meeting and facing east.The structure consisted of four components: from east to west (1) a 4 ft tall verandah 15 ft into 15 ft (2) a hall 20 ft into 15 ft behind (3) another hall almost mirror image the sanctum Santorum  housing the deity and(4) a hall 10 ft into 15 ft partioned for the purpose of storage and washing and cleaning.The roof was  made up country tile and bamboo and logs.The masonry consisted of burnt brick and lime.The front verandah was for entry and waiting,the front room for entry and meditation and sanctum Santorum  housed the imposing Dadhibamana procured from Puri.

The maintenance,the day-to-day management of the rituals the salary of the priest the maintenance of cleanliness etc. were the responsibility of the numberdar and probably some acres of land were earmarked for the purpose.Our Numberdar was a highly religious, learned and devout person who took keen interest in temple matter organising religious meetings from time to time.He vast knowledge of Sanskrit most of the time he would be absorbed in Sanskrit scriptures.Usually a calm and quiet person he was very touchy about the Jagannath Gudi.I had seen his violent outburst on the Pujari during few festivals such as Snana Purnima,Ratha Jatra etc. for any lapses.After we left our village in1957 after the Dam was commissioned he brought the deity him, purchase some land at Dhankabada near Sambalpur,constructed a temple employed a Pujari and every year Rathajatra regularly for more than 50 yrs.All the Jagannaths of the Budi Anchal were not that lucky.The remaining descendants of the Numberdar are also as passionate as him the temple.My eldest brother late P.R Dubey who was principal of the L.R law college and the Pioneer of the Koshala movement regularly attended the Ratha Jatra with his family till he was crippled.Please note how deep the Jagannath culture was rooted in this distant, backward and neglected region.It can be found also in Chhattisgarh till Hansdeo river a tributary of Mahanadi.The Jagannath culture is patronized bu Royal houses of Raigarh, Sarangarh,Shakti,Bindra Nawagarh, Billeigarh etc. where Rathajatra is observed. I was surprised to note that even at at Ratanpur near Bilaspur, the capital of Kalchuri kings the traditional rivals of Chauhan there is a well-maintained ancient Jagannath the descendents of the priest informed that his ancestors were from Odisha.Jai Jagannath.To be continued.

During two last postings I was dealing with two important issues namely education and religion strict at the village level.As we are all aware a village is too small a unit it has to co-ordinate with appropriate unit . Timely commutation,feedback, instructions, compliance visits and inspection are essential.To facilitate all these there were two more institution apart from the Gouti system: the Dera Ghar and the village school.To day I shall discuss about them. A Dera Ghar as akin to an Inspection Bungalow minus the facility and glamour.It was temporary resting place for higher officials while on visit or inspection.It could provide basic facilities like shelter,rests,food and water toilet facilities etc.The Gountias were mainly responsible aided by the Jhankar and Choukidar.In our village ln our village the Deraghar was a mud -brick structure with country-tile roof.The room size were comfortable with mud floor. A kitchen was nearby in an enclosure and fresh earthen pots for cooking, storage of water for drinking, cooking and toilet were freshly supplied for each new visitor or groups.All care was taken to make their comfortable

As the Numberdar was reclusive by nature he delegated the unpleasant task to my father who being a gregarious person enjoyed the task.How old the Deraghar concept was I don't know but it was put to effective use only during the British rule after they had firm foothold in India especially before the Permanent settlement of Lord Cornwallis.Before that temporary settlements made frequently made through through auction.For supervision, auction and collection of revenue the Deraghar concept was a boon.The system might have been created by the Chouhans but more out of love for their subjects and did not depend upon it.The intervening Marhatta rule and downright despotic and did not need any system. I had heard stories about brutal system of collection of revenue of the Marhatta and early British rule.Physical torture, outraging the modesty of women,pillage and plunder was at earliest pretext.Many Gountias used to flea from the village and hide in Jungle to avoid persecution for their default.I have also heard from my mother that unwed girls used two Tikkas one of cow's Blood one of Pork blood two escape molestation by Marhatta and Muslim invaders respectively. I cannot vouchsafe but they do not appear far from truth. In my childhood I have seen frequent use of the Deraghar by the employees of Hiirakud Dam project.The suvey work had been finished long back but the settlement, measurment, arbitration, assessment of loss valuation etc.were in full swing .At times higher revenue officers including IAS on deputation made night halts and accommodated in our out house.My services our freely utilise to run errands from the outhouses and back.The officers Youngers from good families and felt obliged for the unexpected hospitality but the old veteran were sweet in talk but greedy at heart.At that tender age I had glimpses of future bureoccracy of future India.During that time I saw oneSardar and one Gurkha for the first and afraid by their appearance and avoided the Deraghar for few days.My father took me to them to break my fear and gradually became their chums.The villagers

The villagers enjoyed their peculiar features,joked them at their back.They had nicknamed the Sardar as"Dadhibandhu Pagdi" referring to the Beni of his beard and the turban.For the Gurkha they more appropriate name Tekarghara or the hive of hornets with obvious reference to his hairless yellowish flat mongoloid face.Friends donot underestimate the sense of humour a common man.Luckily they did not understand Sambalpuri.But they were good people.Sardar Pritam Singh was a qualified overseer and was leader of the survey team of three people the Gurkha being his orderly.Third person was Sri Patnaik the Patwari of state government to assist in suvey work.He belonged to a nearby village Talpali close Deshar village the ancestral village of Dr.Dilip Patnaik our senior ophthalmologist.Mr.Patnaik,the Patwari was very often absent with the pleaMore kania Perri ache meaning my wife is pregnant " which evoked much laughter at his back.For me however the object that evoked more interest than the features of the Gurha(Thapa Babu) was the peculiar multipurpose weapon he possessed It was a creascentetic sturdy weapon which he dextereously used for cutting and chopping Fowls which they consumed daily.I had desire to procure the and cajoled him daily.He never told no but never gave the weapon which he called,,"Khukri".By peculiar twist of fate my first posting as a doctor was to OMP hospital Jharsuguda a Gurkha battalion.I was presented a pair of Kukris by Gurkha admirer during my farewell which remains as one my priced posseions.

THE PRIMARY SCHOOL.

   The Primary school at Anterdol was not very old.The newest primary school was at Balanda where my elder brothers eight and ten years older than received their primary education.It was at most five to eight year old.It was located at the outskirt of the village at the sout-west corner.While approaching from Sambalpur it was the first permanent structure which caught the sight at the western corner With no building in the vicinity it was conspicuous.The nearest  house to the east belonged to our Sais who groomed our horses. Slightly further east the road entered the village by the side ofGandpada .On the western side of the school there were no house.Only paddy  fields could be seen for about a kilometre ending near an elongated hill running south to north.Beyond the hill lay Balanda our twin village where our older kind.resided.Many small villages like Dungri tal  and Kendmuda could be seen atop the hill from the school.The school campus was spacious covering an area of about one acre.The school building at the centre was an elongated structure from east to west and facing the south.It was built with brick and mud and mud floor and painted with crowding paste.The roof was made of country tile,wooden frame and bamboo batons.The wall were painted spotless white with lime emulsion.There were three class rooms  in one  row from east  to west with one black - board in each room on their eastern walls.There were  one wooden table and chair in each class room for the teachers.The students sat on the floor facing the black board .There were two teachers for three classes.The first room meant for the junior Shisu and Pratham class  was the crowdest and noisiest because the students practised alphabets  and number at the loudest of their  voices to impress the teacher  who preferred stay in room for class 2 where noise was less.The Head Pandit monopolized the room meant for class 3 where students were less and noise was less with ample comfort for dosing The Head Pandit whose name was Harishankar Pati belonged to village Ramella not far from our village.He most of the days covered from Ramella showered slaps and blows at slightest provocation but was affectionate at heart .The Second Pandit Bhabani Shanker Parisa who was my tutor managed most of the teaching  and administrative duties The school had a fence made of indigenous fencing plants tied with ropes made of Gundhua which is also used for netting the beds.There was wooden gate with lock and key.In front of the school gate there was an evergreen Karanja tree in branches of which we played Dahi Makdi.The karanja being a tenacious but resilient tree best suited for the game.The only nuisance were the ugly lizards who prefer the Karanja tree . Close to the Karanja tree was Mahul tree few mis shaped stones painted with vermilion were worshipped by the village ers as Grama Devi.The Jhankar was the priest.They were the tribal gods Maoli and Pitabaili representing the Mother God and the Father god respectivel.Villagers irrespective of caste,creed and social status revered the tribal Gods and seemed to,be to be in awe.At the other end of the village there was another ragged cylindrical piece of stone which was worshipped as  Bhim probably as a symbol of  strength.In the month of Pausha annual Puja of the Grama Devata known as Pujai was held and large  number of animals like Bodas,Mendhas.and Cocks were sacrificed and consumed as Prashad.The whole village was involved and contributed as per their capacity.The Numberdar presided and donated the lion share

Such collection of crude forms of stones were worshipped in the open under the trees unknown to people of next village and deformed vermilion painted monster to the villagers beyond.To quote Rajendra Kishore Panda my close friend and classmate born in Budi Anchal,an IAS and Sahitya academy award winner Gramadebata is(A gaanra Deon,se gaanra Ra Pathara o aara Gaan Ra Asura) an apt testimony to human faith and concept of religion.

     ..               

WATER SOURCES FOR DRINKING AND IRRIGATION.

    Anterdol, Balanda and Chhadarama were three main villages  of Dubey family though they had Gouti rights of about of ten villages had purchased Raitti land in 7 to  8 villages solely from the income of three villages.The secret of prosperity the three villages was excellent planning of location of reservoirs, interconnecting them, channelling the overflowing water of Rainy season to  channellising the overflowing water to other smaller reservoirs or a small rapid flowing stream about a kilometre east to the village.Care had taken to protect the paddy fields while  channellising the overflowing overflowing  water  
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[29/05, 20:52] SAKHARAM Chach: The main sources were the two massive water bodies (Kantas) on either side of the hill which separated Anterdol from Balanda and ended near Chhadarama.The Kanta on Anterdol was larger covering an area of about 48 acres.It was roughly triangular shape.The village Anterdol lay to the east of the Kanta known as Larian Kanta, but at a lower level. [29/05, 20:53] SAKHARAM Chach: An earthen embankment starting from the eastern wall of the hill known as KendaDungri running towards Anterdol had been constructed .The length of the embankment was about 500 ft with a 15 ft road at the top.The base the embankment was much wider gradually tapering towards the top.The deepest part of the Kanta was about 10 feet from the embankment .I donot know how deep it was, and the exact area of the deep part but I have never seen it drying even in worst summer.There was enough water near the ghat though Kanta shrank substantially in size.As the gradient was towards the embankment few smaller embankment were made at certain vulnerable patches likely to breached in rainy season.From the western end a 10,ft. wide canal was dug towards the village ending in secondary pond near the village where.anothe small embankment was made to limit the secondary pond .From the secondary a secondary 10 ft wide canal was dug towards south where backside of the Birtias' with their kitchen garden (Bair).From the canal behind water was lifted by Tendas to irrigate the kitchen garden.A narrow channel about 1 ft wide continued from the spot flowed toward another pond at the south -east end of the village.The whole purpose was to utilise the capacity of the Kanta to maximum at same time minimising wastage.About 55 acres of land mostly belonging to the Numberdar about twenty acres to Hissadar never tasted crop failure for want of water .The lands of the Prajas remained east to the village which received water from two ponds (Bandhs) and three Mundas. Close to Kenda Dungri below the Kanta was a Pan Baraj with lush green Betel leaves round the year My a lover of paan-chewing took special interest of the Paan Baraj which was maintained by the Barai family which was settled in the village for that purpose.He had the authority to sell the Paan to others but ensured a free quota for the Birtias.He was the Man Friday of the Numberdar and we chlldren were scared of him.His name was Brushabha Boraii but we called him Brushabha Boba.His nephew, a contemporary of my father was our Bohidar cum Mukhtiar.

 On either side of the road atop the embankment about 50 Date Palm tree were planted for the soul purpose to prevent soil erosion but we enjoyed the Date fruit .Of of variety of taste and flavour they had!Even at this age I tend to salivate.What an imposing sight the two rows made especially on windy days tossing their majestic folliage frighteningly and on tranquil moonlight night with reflection on clean water of the  Kanta.Over and above there were two fairly large Baniyan tree, with branches over hanging  the water and.  we children enjoyd jumping to water.There were three Semel( silk cotton trees near the Male Ghat with their foreboding thorns and  purple smellless flashing and flying cotton at appropriate .There was an imposing Peepal tree at a corner of secondary pond near the village .At the main part of the Kanta hundreds of Lotus and  Lily plants grew  with characteristic large green leaves afloat.ln autumn which corresponded with our Puja holidays hosts of  Lotus and Lily flowers could be seen tossing their heads in day and night respectively their beauty being accentuated beside their large emerald-green fioating leave.It was indeed a celestial sight

The seeds Inside the spongy fruits of Lotus plant known as Fuskara is very tasty when tender when tender and raw.We children devoured with glee along the tender shoot with glee .When matured the seeds were dried and flour made which was used to prepare tasty Halwa.The Lotus stem near its root is thick, slight sweet is called Dhens and cooked as curry.The fruits of water -lily is called Khukma and its mustard-like seed but slightly larger is consumed raw but the flour of matured dried seeds is used to prepare Tikhri during ritualistic fastins.

  During winter the winter the Kanta was crowded with various types of birds such as Pani kuali,Lam Benji,Ghulikank and Barad(water fowl) etc. which we could easily identify.Besides there were some unknown birds which resembled the migratory  Ibirds we see in Hiirakud Reservoir.The bird population attracted the attention of hunters both local and from Oriient and other  private collieries near Brajarajnagar.They came with guns and Rubber Boats.There were some white people in the group.They were satisfied with 5 to 6birds and sometimes presented 1or2 birds to the Biirtias through me after knowing my 

The Larian Kanta was a unique position any village can be proud of .It combined beauty with utility and the potential except for the crowd.It was for bathing, ablutions, drink water irrigation, bathing of Cattle etc.but special places were earmarked for each activity.For nobody was allowed to defecate I near the bathing ghats or the earthen embankment, there were special areas for bathing of Cattle at far off corners of the Kata .The Reservoir was so vast that minor pollution at appropriate had little detrimental effect on the overall quality.Special places were allocated for collection of water for drinking purpose away from crowded spots.There were exemplary punishment for lapses.The following incidence before the Panchayat will illustrate.A newly wed Bahu of the village was not aware of the rules prevalent .Most of the time she was surrounded by crowd.The only person she had taken into confidence a very young sister in law who was virtually shadowig her out of love.The was building for an urge to defecate but could not express because of the crowd.Ultimately he informed the sister in law and they for the Kanta . Hardly had the reach the Kanta she had a severe urge and rushed to the nearest bush and emptied her bowel .The movement was so sudden and the action was so abrupt that the poor Nananda no time to control her .The nuisance was found next day because of the stench.It was reported to the Choukidar who reported the matter to the then Nambardar, the father of the present Nambardar a very sharp, cunning person and an astute administrator known far and wide for his decision s and appropriate but bizarre punishment.He ordered the Choukidar to find out the culprit by evening and produce before the Panchayat next morning failing which he was to lose his job.

By the evening the culprit had been traced the compliance reported to the Numberdar Brijlal Dubey,the Panchayat meeting had been scheduled early morning next day, the Panchayat members had been duly communicated and family the accused had been alerted to produce culprit in time.It was a sleepless night for all except the Numberdar.In due time the meeting started .The accused was produced.The tender girl, a young Bahu with tons of dream in her eyes for a new life stood in front of strangers trembling head down half-hidden by the Udahana .The Numberdar usually rough and cold person was unusually tender and patronising asked the accused about the crime, her role in it, the circumstances,her defense if any and witness if any .The girl overwhelmed by the age,the tender and fatherly approach of the Numberdar spoke the truth,nothing but the truth and the whole truth first haltingly then coherently tears flowing over her face.All heard her in rapt attention.After few minutes the Numberdar declared his decision in firm and clear tone.The girl was guilty of the crime but the circumstances extraordinary and should be viewed with utmost compassion.He called the accused near him patted her back in tender voice told her" Nua jagathi gents bhul ghai Hai jaishi.Kintu heta aamar gaan thi Benium Kam aai.Henta bhul kebhey nai karbu.Tore Guhu ta aai ja sapha kariidebu aur Gubar pain thee Badhanai Debu aain".The young, innocent Bahu seemed to be relieved and eager to finish the task.She touched the feet of the Numberdar.The meeting came to an end, all present spellbound trying to find the answers to the following questions.(1) Was it a punishment or not? (2) What was the message left for the villagers? (3)What was the message for the Bridegroom's family? And shall anyone will venture to defecate in prohibited areas in future..? A brilliant judgement indeed! Friends, I donot remember theNumbardar.He died when I was a two-year-old child.I left Anterdol at the age of twelve . I had heard a lot about him from the villagers my parents and family members.This accountant was given to me by my elder brother late P.R . Dubey when we were going to Korba by train to finalize the marriage of his son Hemant.Unfortunately both of them are no more.P.R .Dubey had seen the numbe inrs at and was 13 yrs old when Brijlal Dubey died.This account cannot be dismissed lighty.

At long last the Larian Kanta our prized possession tried through ages failed us measurably Lt failed in all fronts :- it failed to provide adequate and safe drinking water, failed to provide adequate amount of water for timely irrigation and its beautiful bed filled will with sparkling crystal-clear water to a pool of muddy water.All appeared to happen so sudden because none thought that calamity can happen to the mighty Kanta that too on the face of twin epidemic of Cholera and Small Pox.The surprise element was similar to what the World faces today thanks to the Corona virus.

      The year was either 1951 or 1952; I am not very sure.The monsoon had failed miserably and the summer had been unkindly hot.Farmers had not maintained proper restraining while utilising the water from the Kanta for irrigation.It was apprehended that there might be shortage of water for human consumption in summer.But there was nobody to control.The Panchayat had lost its bite thanks to the newly earned Independence.Each India n thought himself to be the master without realising the importance of responsibility and none had the time or will to educate the people to teach the concept of citizenship to the gullible masse who got freedom after 600 years of  foreign rule.Precious five-year period from 1947 to 1952 had been wasted in celebration, merry-making, boasting, accusing by the leaders to outdo one another and the general populace to knave to appreciate the reality danced with the leaders . With virtually no elementary knowledge of citizenship India was declared a Federal Democratic  Republic in 1950 and an election was thrust on the on the ignorant,knave, gullible, manipulable electorate and the result is a system which tends to treamble to mildest jolt.

It was a summer moonlit night of1951 or 1952 Three wooden beds were laid side by side in our courtyard their foot side facing north towards the adjoining house of the Numberdar.I and my father had finished our dinner and my mother had not taken her food.Two persons one a balding man past forty years of age another a child of about ten years.They were father and son,the only son from the second marriage.They belonged to Bhandari or Napit caste .The father,s name was Nityananda, but popular at Nitai and the son's name was Bibhuti a nice chubby handsome child my favourite playmate who virtually doted me.The parents of the child were employed as masseusers for my parents daily.The used to finish massaging or any lady guests before dusk and escorted them to the Kanta for evening bath and back.Nitai came after a couple of hours later by which time my father had finished his dinner and lying on the bed enjoying the massage and gossiping with Nitai about village affair.That day my mother had cooked Aludam which had turned quite tasty.I and my father had lavishly praised mother who became quite jubilant a gave Nitai a major portion of her share keeping little for herself.Nitai was hesitant as he had his dinnerMy mother prevailed as Bibhuti also showed his interest the doting father succumbed.The family consumed the Aludom.The father developed diarrhoea next day followd by his wife and Bibhuti in that sequence.Nitai had nobody to look after except his brother Satya who had migrated to Balanda our nearby village following some dispute with Nitai's wife.He was an evil man who utterly selfish.My father who was aKaviraj of good repute tried his best to save them and informed Satya about everything.Nitai died the next morning and his wife died by night.Satya only one and half kilometres.My father in desperation involved Ramadhin Dubey his older cousin and Sarpanch of Balanda.Nitya came rushing to see the dead body of Nitai and his wife.Bibhuti died in the morning.In the meantime three new cases of diarrhoea had been reported in the neighborhood.Cholera had raised his ugly menacing head in Anterdol giving us guilty conscience as to whether the cause was our Aludam.

. Matters turned out as apprehended.Satya made an issue after the funeral was over.He felt humiliated for being dragged into the responsibility and for staying in our village and bearing its cost.He squarely put the blame on the Aludam and us.We tried to convince everybody individually many times a day .Cases of diarrhoea were increasing by leaps and bounds.We thought it wise to convene an emergency meeting of the Panchayat and argued how our family which had also consumed the Aludam did not suffer and how others who others who had not consumed theAludam had suffered.This convinced the Panchayat and Satya was strongly reprimanded.In the meantime Small Pox also appeared into an epidemic.The Kanta and other water sources also started drying getting gradually polluted.The aquatic animals started dying and floating in the Kanta.Some people started consuming the dead fishes developed diarrhoea.My along with few members of the village to Ramella where a hospital was there A team of the Public Health hospital headed by a Health Inspector with their characteristic khaki uniform rushed to and camped in the village.The drinking water sources were shielded after disinfection and vaccination was started.People especially children started hiding in nearby Patraa jungle bushes.They were brought for vaccination from their hiding places by local volunteers .My father who had studied up to minor class at Ramella had many acquaintances in Rampela hospital.The Medical officer of Rampela paid few visits.The sincerity and involvement of the Health staff was excellent probably a reminder of British training.I had the misfortune of being the ADMO(PH) of aJharsuuds for about six years and the biter experience of controlling a Cholera epidemic in19 Khand Mauja area and the attitude of the Public Health staff.The cohesive planned approach I had seen in Anterdol cannot be imagined now despite the progress in epidemic control. As all the sources of drinking water were sealed we had to collect it from a Jore( a big Nala) one kilometre away by digging Chuas and collecting the water after sedimentation.The Jore was known as Khadam Jore .Those who have approached the Ib thermal from Kumharbandh must have crossed a bridge.The bridge crosses the water of the Khadam Jore which ends in Hiirakud Reservoir.At long last the twin epidemic of Cholera and Small Pox were controlled a rich monsoon followed things improved but memories of dead people remained so also disfigurement,blindness etc. caused by Smallpox.The experience was nightmarish simulating our initial response to CORONA pandemic.

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References

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