When the British government banned the free trade of salt and established a Salt Department, a new avenue for corruption emerged. People began smuggling salt, and the post of "Salt Inspector" (Daroga) became highly coveted—even more so than high-ranking judicial positions—because of the potential for bribes.
The Story Summary
1. Munshi Vanshidhar's New Job
Vanshidhar, an honest and well-educated young man from a poor family, lands the job of Salt Inspector. His father, a cynical and worldly man, advises him: "Look for a job where there is 'extra income.' The monthly salary is the full moon—it appears once and then disappears, but bribes are a flowing river that quenches thirst forever."
2. The Midnight Confrontation
One winter night, while stationed near the Yamuna River, Vanshidhar hears the rumbling of carts crossing the bridge. He rushes out to find a long caravan of wagons. Upon investigation, he discovers they are smuggling salt.
The caravan belongs to Pandit Alopideen, the most powerful and wealthy landlord in the area. Alopideen is a man who believes that everyone has a price and that "Lakshmi" (the Goddess of Wealth) rules over even justice and truth.
3. Wealth vs. Duty
Alopideen approaches Vanshidhar with a calm, arrogant smile, offering a bribe. He starts at 1,000 rupees and quickly escalates to 40,000 rupees (an astronomical sum at the time).
Vanshidhar remains unshakable. He famously declares:
"I am not one of those who sell their conscience for a few pieces of silver."
He orders his assistant to arrest the powerful Pandit. The locals are shocked—it was the first time "Wealth" had been defeated by "Dharma" (Duty).
4. The Bittersweet "Victory"
The case goes to court, but Alopideen's wealth buys the lawyers, the clerks, and the influence. Due to "lack of evidence," Alopideen is acquitted, and Vanshidhar is reprimanded for harassing a "respectable citizen." A week later, Vanshidhar is terminated from his job. He returns home to the taunts of his father and the disappointment of his family.
5. The Final Twist
Months later, a grand carriage pulls up to Vanshidhar's house. It is Pandit Alopideen. Vanshidhar's father begins apologizing for his "stupid" son, but Alopideen stops him.
Alopideen turns to Vanshidhar and says:
"In this world, I have seen many people, but I have never seen a man of such integrity. I have bought many souls with my wealth, but today, you have bought me."
He presents a legal document: Alopideen appoints Vanshidhar as the Permanent Manager of his entire estate with a massive salary, a house, and servants, all for the price of his honesty.