Binaya Adhakari

Dhankuta

“Who taught you to write this book?”

“Bhojraj taught me to write. He has also made some corrections in the manuscript himself,” replied Krishnalal Adhikari, the author of the controversial book ‘Makai Ko Kheti’.

“Of course I did. I smelt the book’s seditiousness that is why I informed you in time,” answered Bhojraj showing due regards to Chandra Shumsher. Chandra Shumsher studied the silence. When he looked at Krishnalal’s face, his own had turned red and flushed. “I won’t get hurt even if he kicks my breast,” he roared. None dared speak in Krishnalal’s favour.

It was a day to be remembered by Nepalis for years. It was the 17th of Shrawan, 1977 BS in the open courtyard of Singha Durbar where more than 36 or even 96 people had already been escorted to face trial on account of writing ‘Makai Ko Kheti’ (literally ‘Cultivation of maize’) which was blamed for being seditious. Chandra Shumsher, the Rana prime minister of the period, had ordered the arrest of the author and his accomplices who had a hand in the completion and publication of the book.

Nepal, during ‘Ranarchy’, witnessed many political upheavals. Among other events, the maize episode established its own significance in the politico-literary scenario. The root cause of the event was the publication of the book on maize cultivation. It was regarded seditious by the Ranas. Thus an apolitical publication was regarded to be political.

In fact, the book was not written to condemn the social and political attitude of Nepali society or the bourgeois ethic of the Ranas. It was designed to help farmers who practiced primitive maize farming. Unfortunately, it was found to have a political flavour upon interpretation right after publication, before it could even reach the targeted group.

Krishnalal was born possibly in 1944 BS in Kathajor Tilpung, Ramechhap district. He was a gifted official and rose to become a ‘subba’ quickly. He was inspired to write by an Indian book on maize cultivation, which his friend Pashupatibhakta Pant had given him. But who had known what would befall in the future!

Bhojraj, a ‘good’ friend, had hatched a perfect plan. Neither Krishnalal, nor the others knew of the implausible reality. But according to Shabhabhakta Subedi, the author’s brother-in-law, Bhojraj was no more a good friend after a deal on land in the valley, which was discovered when the evil came to light.

Some references in the book were interpreted and labelled objectionable. The use of the words ‘Nepali dog’ and ‘British dog’ regarding faithfulness and the two types of pests ‘black headed’ and ‘red headed’ that destroyed crops were questioned. The terms were somehow misinterpreted and defined as being directed not towards insects but Rana officials who wore caps bearing these colours.

Allegations were made in such a way that ‘red headed pests’ and ‘English dog’ was interpreted to be Chandra Shumsher who had just returned from England and wore a red cap. ‘Black headed pests’ to be Bhim Shumsher, referring to his black cap. Chandra Shumsher was made to believe that Krishnalal and a few others were trying to claim the throne.

He announced an oral verdict: chief culprit Krishnalal was sentenced to nine years in prison; six-year prison sentence plus three additional years for not being able to produce one copy of the total presumed publication of thousands. Later, the books were set ablaze, his accomplices immediately dismissed from government jobs. Somenath Sigdel was taxed a fine of Rs 50 for the “offence” of correcting the language in the manuscript. Bhojraj Kafle and Ram Hari Adhikari, the traitors were awarded ‘dhosalla’ (shawls of honour) along with Rs 1,000 each for rendered service.

Most scholars believe that though Krishnalal bore the blame on his shoulder and faced the nine-year sentence, there were more people behind the publication. Some relatives of eyewitnesses stated that the publication of the book was not Krishnalal’s project alone.

In an interview, Sambhahbakta Subedi agreed to this. Sambhu Prasad Dhungel and Sambhabhakta had also contributed some writings. The book suddenly had a political use when Bhojraj distorted facts. Krishnalal drank hemlock like Socrates and sacrificed himself to his belief. Like Prometheus who stole fire from gods and gave it to men, Krishnalal provided “fire” for revolt against Ranas.

While serving his sentence, he contracted tuberculosis. At the end of 1980 BS, his condition worsened. His father Laxman asked Chandra Shumsher for permission to cremate his son in Pashupati. Chandra Shumsher denied permission saying, “He was put into jail to die decaying.”

When Krishnalal was breathing his last, jailors took him for a sunbath and asked Chandra Shumsher to release him because he was dying. Shumsher replied acridly, “No. Not until his death is proved.” The jailors asked him to go inside. Krishnalal immediately wrote on ground with a limestone “Doom for the Ranas”. He later died in Magh the same year.

The historic maize episode ended. But, Chandra Shumsher had no peace. He might have found out the fact that he had punished unjustly. He could not correct his mistake; that would prove him incompetent. All writers were scared of the word ‘Maize’. So to make people realise the “triviality” of the event, and to show an exemplary book on agriculture, he wanted to bring out a book of the same kind.

To consolidate his project, A D Ramadi published the book changing a few words, lines and phrases from Krishnalal’s book to add novelty. It is believed that this very book is totally like Krishnalal’s ‘Makai Ko Kheti’ except for “objectionable” and “seditious” references.