The Dhewai (protest) of Phulaguri, which took place in 1861, was the first-ever peasant uprising in Assam and one of the earliest in India—a significant event in the country’s history. Burdened by exorbitant taxes imposed by the British government, the farmers were left with no choice but to revolt. Heavy taxation on land (korepati, nanglepati, gharepati), additional levies on fishing rights (bilor mahal), and restrictions on opium farming (kanir mahal) deprived the people of their traditional means of sustenance, pushing them towards rebellion. The people of Phulaguri and its neighboring regions rose in resistance, seeking relief from the oppressive taxes. They submitted petitions to the District Commissioner, Scott, but received no response. Eventually, they organized a mass gathering (Raijmel) in Phulaguri to protest against the unfair taxation. Several significant incidents followed, leading to dire consequences for the people.

This novel attempts to portray that historical event by weaving together fictionalized circumstances, providing a vivid depiction of the socio-economic and cultural landscape of the Tiwa (Lalung) community of Bhuyam. In this way, the novel can be seen as a representation of the Bhuyam Tiwas. Another notable aspect of the book is its use of local dialects from regions such as Phulaguri, Morigaon, and Kampur. The dialogues are written in the native linguistic style of the time, lending authenticity to the narrative.