Dying Stories of Purani Dilli: The Last Mashak Walas (EP-01)

In the first episode of Dying Stories of Purani Dilli, we explore 'The Last Mashak Walas' in Delhi. Everyone knows them as Mashak Walas but they're actually Bahistis, a word that comes from the Persian word of paradise 'Bahist'. The mashak is what they carry with them.

The mashak walas have been a part of the society for the longest time possible. They accompanied British soldiers when they went for wars while carrying water in the bag on their back. The bag is made from goat's skin and it needs repair after a few months. A mashak wala usually carries 40 liters of water on their back. That's equivalent to 20 liters of water jars we have at home.

One of the mashak walas states that taps are responsible in taking away their jobs. Earlier they were a major part of the festivities in Old Delhi especially at the time of Ram Leela. They used to clean streets and provide water for drinking.

There will be no one to call Mashak wala in the next generation. The book is finally closing.


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