Chapter 3, In A Village by a River Summary

Ishvar's father, Dukhi Mochi, was once a cobbler and their family came from the Chamaar caste of tanner and leather-workers. When they were given or purchased a dead buffalo or cow, they would skin the carcass, eat the meat and tan the hide, then turn it into goods such as sandals and whips. Soon after Dukhi turned eighteen, his parents married him to fourteen-year-old Roopa, and after bearing three girls, each of which did not survive longer than a few months, they were blessed with a boy, Ishvar. Roopa watched over Ishvar closely, even to the point of stealing food during the night ensure that he was fed. Roopa was risking her life, and even allowed herself to be raped so that she would not be discovered stealing the food. Two...