Ranga's initial take on marriage was that he wanted to remain a bachelor. This is evident from his reluctance to get married and his desire to continue living a carefree life.

Background:
Ranga, the protagonist of the story "A Horse and Two Goats" by R.K. Narayan, is a simple and contented man living in a small village called Kritam. He leads a peaceful life with his wife and goats, and his primary concern is to make ends meet. However, he dreams of a better life and often contemplates leaving the village to find work in a city.

Ranga's reluctance to get married:
Ranga's initial take on marriage is clear when he mentions that he does not want to get married. He believes that marriage would tie him down and restrict his freedom. Ranga enjoys his bachelor life, where he can go about his daily activities without any responsibilities or obligations towards a spouse or family.

Desire to remain carefree:
Ranga cherishes his freedom and independence. He is content with his simple life, where he can spend his days tending to his goats and living at his own pace. Ranga values his autonomy and does not want to be burdened with the responsibilities that come with marriage.

Reluctance to settle down:
Ranga's desire to remain a bachelor is further emphasized when he expresses his wish to leave the village and find work in a city. He is attracted to the idea of a more exciting and fulfilling life outside of his small village. Getting married would tie him to his current life and make it more difficult for him to pursue his dreams and ambitions.

In conclusion, Ranga's initial take on marriage was that he wanted to remain a bachelor. He valued his freedom and independence and did not want to be tied down by the responsibilities of marriage. However, as the story progresses, Ranga's perspective on marriage undergoes a transformation, highlighting the themes of societal expectations and personal growth.