Waman Govind Hoval’s moving story “The Storeyed House” explores the difficulties a Dalit family faces within the framework of India’s deeply ingrained caste system. The protagonist of the tale is Bayaji, a Dalit who worked as a labourer in Bombay’s dockyard for many years. When he becomes sixty, Bayaji makes the decision to retire and take his life savings back to his home village.

When Bayaji gets back to his village, he runs across Bhujaba, a member of a higher caste, who takes offence at his greeting because he is a Dalit. The story’s portrayal of widespread caste discrimination is established by this first interaction. While his eight children are curious about what he must have brought with his lifetime wealth, Bayaji’s family is looking forward to his return.

But Bayaji has ambitions beyond his family’s immediate expectations. Having acquired fresh perspectives while residing in Bombay, his goal is to construct a multi-story home for his family. His children embrace this decision enthusiastically, signifying advancement and hope. The family creates the blueprints, and on a lucky day, the house’s foundation is set.

The narrative examines the conflict between conventional morals and contemporary goals, with Bayaji’s hopes for his family’s future being shaped by his exposure to Bombay. The younger generation expresses excitement for Bayaji’s intentions, highlighting the generational difference within the family.

But as the housewarming party turns into a funeral, the story takes a heartbreaking turn. The contrast between happiness and sadness captures the complexity of Dalits’ lives, as even happy occasions are marred by the harsh reality of discriminatory society.

“The Storeyed House” is essentially a social commentary on India’s caste system, highlighting the difficulties Dalits confront and their hopes for a better life. The novella promotes a more just and equitable society by encouraging readers to consider the need for societal change through Bayaji’s story.