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Dhobiyak kukur nen ghar ke ne ghat ke (69th BPSC Essay)
“He who understands time, understands life.” – Kabir Das
This popular saying, widely used in Indian society, refers to a person or situation where an individual loses their significance or utility in a particular place or group. The phrase finds mention in the works of Goswami Tulsidas in ‘Kavitavali,’ composed between the late 16th and early 17th centuries. Tulsidas writes— “O Lord Rama, everything happens according to Your will, otherwise, I would have been like a washerman’s dog, belonging neither to home nor to the ghat.”
This situation arises when a person, due to specific circumstances, loses their identity and importance. The meaning of this proverb also suggests that such an individual is never fully accepted anywhere. Mahatma Gandhi once said, “The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.” When a person fails to recognize their purpose, they end up belonging neither here nor there.
In ancient times, humans domesticated animals but did not confine them. Animals had the freedom to choose their masters. A washerman primarily used donkeys for work because they could carry heavy loads and never lost their way. On the other hand, dogs excelled in guarding property, but since washermen had no wealth to protect, they had no use for a dog. If a dog started living with a washerman, its utility was lost—it belonged neither to home nor to the ghat. Rahim Das also emphasized this idea: “Observe the value of even the smallest things, A needle has its purpose, where a sword cannot serve.” This teaches us that everything and everyone has their rightful place and function.
The relevance of this proverb is not limited to social contexts but extends to economic, political, and personal aspects of life. For instance, when a person leaves their roots and identity in search of new opportunities but fails to gain full acceptance in the new environment, they find themselves in a ‘washerman’s dog’ situation. As Ramdhari Singh Dinkar aptly put it— “Those who remain neutral, history will also hold them guilty.” This illustrates that individuals who fail to establish a firm position risk losing their very existence.
In modern times, this saying holds significance in issues like unemployment, climate change, and global politics. In India, many graduates struggle to find jobs matching their skills, leaving them stuck—unable to return to academics or secure employment in industries. A similar situation arises in environmental crises. Global leaders frequently conduct climate summits but fail to implement concrete policies. Kabir Das’s words resonate here— “Watching the grinding stones, Kabir laments; No one survives between the two stones.” This metaphor explains that when individuals or societies remain in indecision, no effective solution emerges.
History also provides examples where kings, warriors, and social reformers faced such dilemmas. Maharana Pratap, for example, had the option to ally with the Mughals but chose the path of struggle instead. Subhas Chandra Bose’s statement fits well here— “Without struggle, without facing fears, half the essence of life is lost.” This highlights that those who try to avoid challenges end up belonging nowhere.
The Mahabharata also presents similar instances where warriors and heroes faced dilemmas. Arjuna hesitated to fight against his own kin, but Lord Krishna guided him through the Bhagavad Gita, emphasizing the importance of duty. Tulsidas also echoed this thought— “There is no greater virtue than serving others; there is no greater sin than causing pain to others.” This reinforces that when individuals stray from their responsibilities, they lose their significance in society.
In conclusion, the saying “Dhobiyak Kukur: Neither Belonging to Home Nor to the Ghat” is more than just a proverb; it reflects an important life truth. It describes situations where individuals lose their identity, existence, and importance. Therefore, one must always be aware of their duties and responsibilities to avoid reaching a point where they become irrelevant. As Swami Vivekananda said— “Arise, awake, and stop not until the goal is reached.” This makes it clear that if a person remains focused on their purpose and takes the right actions, they will never find themselves in a situation akin to the washerman’s dog.
“Work is the highest form of worship.” – Swami Vivekananda
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