Cheap markets were set up. By giving a daily wage of four to eight coppers, I exploited (or robbed) the Santal woman.
This couplet paints a stark picture of exploitation. It speaks of "cheap shops" being set up, which could mean either a market where goods are undervalued, or a situation ripe for unfair dealings. The second line then reveals the grim reality: the speaker admits to exploiting a Santal woman. By offering her a paltry sum of "four-eight copper coins" as her daily wage, the speaker confesses to having "robbed" her. This implies that her labor was worth far more, and she was severely underpaid, highlighting a powerful commentary on economic injustice and the vulnerability of marginalized communities. It's a critique of how cheap labor leads to the exploitation of the poor.
Interpretation note: meanings and explanations may be AI-assisted and should not replace a primary text or scholarly edition. See the editorial policy.
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