To the Rasik Clan, ‘Manbhoom’ is the land of songs and dance. The novel ‘Rasik’ focuses on the lives of the Naachnis of Purulia. The harsh climate and difficult existence of Purulia blend with its soft melodies and reflect the lives of these musical people who have songs on their lips and pain in their hearts. The dry, stony arid lands wait for the rains; the wretched of the earth, who have almost no means of sustenance, live by the rich tradition of song (Jhumur) and dance (Naachni) that come naturally to their voices and bodies. The themes of ‘Jhumur’ gaan mainly draw upon the love tales of Radha and Krishna and give itself physical expression in ‘Naachni’ dance.

The Naachnis or nautch girls might be excellent performing artists but are amongst the most marginalized sections of the society. They are women; they belong to Scheduled Castes and Tribes; they have no education or economic independence (their earnings being controlled by the male rasiks who earn by exploiting them); and are outcastes who are denied even their last rites.

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