Village – Rampur Shyamchand

Block – Raghopur
District – Vaishali
State - Bihar

PARTICIPATORY Submitted to:

Prof. Hippu Salk Kristle Nathan

RURAL
APPRAISAL
(2020-22)
Group - 16

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Introduction:

After the completion of our third trimester, we were sent for the iconic and the flagship Village
Fieldwork Segment (VFS). This was a unique opportunity for us as well as the institute as never
before has the PRA and VFS been conducted during this time of the year, i.e. May – June (Summer
Season). Considering the unforeseen circumstances and the threat of pandemic and the risks
associated looming our heads the decision to combine the PRA and VFS was taken. We were
assigned to the Village Rampur Shyamchand in Raghopur Block, Vaishali District, Bihar. During
our stay we were fortunate enough to witness the village livelihood system and gain firsthand
experience of the village ecosystem. This document contains the report of some the Participatory
Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools that we were able to deploy during our stay. The main ingredient for
a fruitful implementation of PRA tools are the village people themselves and hence the name
“participatory”. The data gathered through the PRA tools may be different from the official or
government data because the main aim of the PRA is to gather information from the perspective
of the village people. We start by building good rapport and sharpening our observation skills.

Transect Walk:

After taking some rest on the first day (day of arrival), the next day we decided to go for a transect

walk along with the village facilitator. We were lucky to have the weather in our favor as well. As

the village was quite big and had a P shaped structure we decided to go for a S-shaped walk in
the village to get a general understanding and view of the village. We saw that the biggest house
in the village belonged to an ex-Mukhiya who was anyways handling all the works of a Mukhiya
and just a representative of his sits on the post as the post was reserved for someone with the
lower caste. We saw one of the two brick factories owned by the Mukhiya. We also noticed the
general condition of the houses that they are not plastered owning to the fact that the villagers
don’t bother about the look and moreover due to financial issues. Most of the houses that
belonged to people from lower class were without plaster. Also, most of the government schools
in the village were in quite dilapidated state. We also noticed that most of the agricultural land
in the village was fallow, the reason being loss of crops due to the onslaught of floods in the

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coming season. Some of the lands were cultivating maize (about to be harvested) or onions or
some other vegetables which re grown only for self-consumption. The hamlets in the village were
divided based on caste and occupation and most of them were also named accordingly. Few of
the tolas were Bhagtaan, Satgarhwa, Chamar Toli, Paaswan Tola, Hajaam Tola, Panchkoniya Tola,
etc. The habitation in the village can be termed as clustered. Through the transect walk we
figured out that the village did not have any hospital, post office, block office, or police station.
The only government institutions present were schools, anganwadi centres, and a Grameen Mini
Bank. The condition of most of the roads were good and only a few roads were dilapidated and/or
kutcha, although a few speed breakers were better off being called as vehicle breakers because
of their huge size and improper placement. We also went to the extreme end of the village where
the construction of the proposed 6-lane road was under process.

Figure 1: Fallow Lands being used for grazing

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Figure 2: House of Mukhiya (Village Chief)

Historical Map:

After spending a few days in the village and in search for the oldest person we stumbled upon
Mr. Ramnagina Ray who was 97 years old and a retired Bihar Police Inspector. He was one of the
key persons in telling us the history of the village. Other person was Mr. Gautam, who was well
versed with the history and also associated with the political party BJP. According to Mr. Gautam
the history dates back to the Ramayan era, although it has not been proven through facts. As per
his knowledge the old name of Raghopur was “Raghavpur” (originating from the name of Lord
Rama), which through the effect of time and common tongue got converted into Raghopur. The
on-record history has been established to date back as old as 2500 BC due to findings of Harappan
bricks and walls during an excavation. Moreover, the village also holds significant importance in
context of Buddhism and Sikhism. The famous Khalsa ghat, where the fierce battle between Sikhs
and Mughals took place is also nearby to the village in the same block. Two of the villages in the
block has been named after two sons of the last Sikh Guru. A police station (Raghopur Thana)
was constructed under the British Rule in 1915 (confirmed due to centenary celebration in 2015).
The village witnessed a major earthquake of magnitude 8.0 on Richter scale in 1934. The village
witnessed major floods in 1971, 1976, 1989, and 2016.The 2016 flood was the worst with 75% of
the village submerged in water. Electrification of the village took place in 1991 followed by

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construction of roads, Pipa Pul and 1st Television in the village. Telephone booth was installed in
the year 1999. Panchayati Raj system was introduced in the village in 2001.

Figure 3: Historical Map

Social Map:

After 20 days of rapport building and knowing the villagers in every corner, we gathered the
village people residing in different parts of the village to help us with the construction of Social
Map. As an appreciation for the time and effort we also arranged tea and snacks (“samosa”) for
them to be distributed at the end of the activity. It was very fun to see how villagers discussed
among themselves regarding the location of various institutions, buildings, schools, and
resources. Those buildings, resources, and schools that are not working properly were sometimes
referred to as non-existing. First, we prepared the ground by cleaning of the mosses and grasses
and levelling the ground. Then we brought some dry colors and powdered lime to help with the
construction. By the end of the task completion the villagers seemed to be really happy to see
the village map in all colors and also enjoyed the task. Their happiness multiplied multifold on
being served with tea and snacks afterward.

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Figure 4: Social Map

Figure 5: Village people participating in PRA

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Resource Map:

While the people gathered for the social map, we also planned for the construction of Resource
map. The villagers were also enjoying and ready to contribute their time. But due to sudden rain
we were not able to proceed there with the resource map. The resource map was later drawn on
a sheet of paper with the help of the villagers. The map represents mostly cultivable lands, wells,
handpumps, kutcha and pucca roads along with the location and path of river and streams.

Figure 6: Resource Map

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Seasonal Map:

Seasonal Calendar:

The seasonal calendar depicts unemployment shows a surge just after the wheat cultivation
season and all through the flood period. Rainfall is at peak during May to August and that is the
duration of the floods in the area. Summer followed by heavy rains also brings along diseases,
unemployment and migration from the village in search of employment outside. Marriages
mostly happen during May – June. We also witnessed a lot of marriages happening every other
day almost. No marriages take place during Sept- Oct. Major income from Agri produce is
obtained right during and after the harvesting period and unemployment is low during this time.

Figure 7: Seasonal Calendar

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Crop Calendar:

The crop calendar shows the major crops cultivated during the year and when they are
transplanted, sowed and harvested. The major crop is wheat, mustard (black and yellow) and
Masoori. Apart from that the other crops and vegetables that are cultivated includes maize,
janera, tomato, green chili, arhar, potato, cauliflower, garlic, ladyfinger, gourds, brinjal, banana,
and tomato. The calendar has been made as per the Hindi Calendar as they were more fluent and
comfortable in telling so.

Figure 8: Crop Calendar

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Figure 9: Hindi to English months conversion

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Time – Activity Chart

Livelihood Chart:

A livelihood chart depicts the involvement of men and women in different livelihood activities
round the year. The major activities that the men were involved in was migration to bigger cities
for work. Apart from that they were involved in cattle grazing and feeding. Women were involved
and responsible fuel collection either through preparing dung cakes or collecting wood. But
during the crop season both men and women of the village engages in plantation as well as
harvesting.

Figure10: Livelihood Chart

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Daily Routine:

While charting out the daily routine we found out key observations. Unlike towns and cities, the
concept of equal contribution to household work is not very much prevalent in villages. Even
when asked to certain teenagers/adults about whether they cook or not, they would respond
saying that men do not do these things as these are meant for women to perform. Women end
up being engaged in household chores all day long. Majority of their daily time is consumed in
making food, cleaning utensils and clothes, and cleaning house. While majority of the time men
are found to be either resting, chit-chatting, or just sitting idle. Moreover, generally men would
go to bed early and women would only go to bed after cleaning the utensils and the kitchen. The
only activity that men are indulged in is taking care of the household animals.

Figure 11: Daily Routine

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Venn Diagram:

The Venn Diagram illustrates the perspective of the villagers on the different institutions, bodies,
peoples, etc. that are most influential to the village eco-system and play important part in village
dynamics. The bigger the size of the circle the more important/influential they are. The
intersection depicts the interference of other bodies or the influence of one body on another
body. The greater the intersection the greater is the influence. If a circle/body lies inside another
circle/body then it means that the bigger circle/body has complete control and influence over
the small one. Some of the important bodies/institutions/people are:

• Mukhiya • Sarpanch
• Block Office • Panchayat Samiti
• Bank • Ward members
• Primary Health Centre (PHC) • Asha and Anganwadi members
• Police Station • Krishi Sahayak
• Mini Bank • Circle Office

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Figure 12: Venn Diagram

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Wealth Ranking:

Wealth ranking depicts the general understanding/perspective of the villagers in regards

with how they categorize people as Rich, Average and Poor. There are certain indicators
that villagers analyze and decide or form a predisposition about someone’s social/financial
stature. This can be further understood by the below mentioned table.

Wealth Ranking
Rich Household Medium Household Poor Household
Pucca Houses Pucca Houses Kuttcha houses with hay roofs
2-3 Storey Building Mostly single storeyed Daily wage earners
Minm. two 4-wheelers No 4 wheelers No 4 wheelers
5-6 two wheelers 1-2 two wheelers Cycles or 2nd hand 2 wheelers
10-20 Bigha Land 1-2 Bigha Land Upto 10 Kattha
AC in house No AC, but fan/cooler is there No AC, No fan
Minm. 7-8 cows 1-2 cows 2-3 goats, 1 cow at max
Generally works on batidari
Plastered House Mostly unplastered houses system
Clothes not so fresh & Pale clothes/torn
Fashionable and fresh clothes fashionable clothes/messy hair
No moneylending. They are
Moneylending(upto 5-6 lakhs) Small Moneylending (upto 50k) the ones who ask for money.
Owns chimneys, into contracting Owns small shops in the village
business itself Works as a worker
2-3 flats in cities like Patna, Ranchi Small landholdings on outskirts Sometimes even build houses
and Delhi of Patna on others lands

Table 1: Wealth Ranking

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Preference Ranking:

During an FGD with women members belonging to the lower class of people, we asked them
to list out the major problems/hindrances in the village according to their perspective. After
that we compared the problems one-on-one with each other to prepare a matrix and finally
find out what is the major concern. Accordingly ranking was given to all the problems listed.
The following problems were listed:

1. Availability of quality education

2. Connecting Pucca Roads
3. Proper supply of ration
4. Proper toilets
5. Hospitals/Healthcare
6. Proper availability of water

The Preference matrix shown reveals the ranking as follows:

Figure 13: Preference Matrix

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Focus Group Discussions:

With women (middle class)

The major outcomes from the FGD are:

• Around 15 years ago they used to go fetching water and a lot has changed in village since
then.
• There was lot of caste discrimination before, people did not used to sit at same level, drink
water from lower caste people.
• In last 5-6 years due to Shiv Charcha, women from all caste sit together, discrimination
has reduced to a large extent. Even upper caste (Rajput) women invite lower caste
members to their home for Shiv Charcha.
• Even talking with outside people was banned for women. Conducting such an FGD with
two of us male co-ordinators would not have been possible 10-15 years back.
• They are concerned about the education and well being of girls in the village, as not
sufficient liberty has still been given to them. Not a single girl from the village is studying
outside or is in a professional job.
• Their focus was on education of children.
• Major time spent in household works
• Veil system to be followed as a sign of respect.

With women (lower class)

The major outcomes from the FGD are

• Women had a major concern regarding building toilets while men did not have a concern
about that.
• Water, education, govt. schemes, hospital and ration were few other concerns pointed
out.
• Excited by the idea of FPO formations and ready to proceed with that.
• They would prefer proper water supply over education of children
• Absence of own land for building house was another concern

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• Women take equal part in household decisions

• Women contribute to wheat cultivation
• Women has to follow veil system as a sign of respect
• Majority of time is taken up in household works

With Men/Farmers (middle Class):

The major outcomes from the FGD are:

• Reduction in perennial cropping due to loss of labor

• New generation not wanting to work in fields
• A lot of migration in the village
• Loss of crops due to wild animals
• If FPO is to be formed then it should have a full time office in Raghopur
• Land fragmentation cannot be solved and lands of some people get submerged during
floods and no one would exchange with them
• Crops like sweet potato (shakarkand) and tobacco are no more grown due to extensive
labor.

Figure 14: FGD with women (lower class)

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Figure 15: FGD with men/farmers (middle class)

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List of Students in the Group

PRA-16

Name Roll No.

Arnab Hui P41005

Bikash Kumar Ray Mohapatra P41012

Kaustuv Rath P41024

Mallikarjuna B P41218

Niharika Singh P41164

Nikhil T M P41226

Priyanshu Verma P41170

Puneeth Prakash Saunshi P41232

Rahul Raj S P41034

Sanjeev Kumar P41041

Shubhakanta Nayak P41180

Shubham Vajinath Kulkarni P41049

T Shalini P41183

Vishakha Mukherjee P41062

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