This dark comedy by Premchand follows father and son Chamars (one of the Dalit or “untouchable” sub-castes) as they go to buy a funeral shroud for the son’s deceased wife. The lazy but likeable pair, who will do anything to shirk work, end up spending donated shroud money on a boozy night in town. The story satirizes the caste system by pointing out that those who can never rise above their low birth position have little incentive to do more than ensure their survival. Themes include social class, callousness, indolence, tradition, selfishness, exploitation (of the generosity of others).
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