The Trunk of Ganesha

Welcome to my Blog, 

This blog is created as part of my B.A. studies. This blog is more than a digital journal; it's a dynamic tapestry where ideas, reflections, and the vibrant hues of learning converge.

Jayant Mahapatra

Jayanta Mahapatra, born on October 22, 1928, left an indelible mark on Indian English poetry as a trailblazing figure and the recipient of the first Sahitya Akademi award for English poetry in India. Hailing from a prominent Odia Christian family, Mahapatra's poetic prowess is epitomized in works such as "Indian Summer" and "Hunger," both regarded as cornerstones in modern Indian English literature. Beyond his literary achievements, he was honored with the Padma Shri in 2009, a recognition he returned in 2015 as a symbolic protest against the escalating intolerance within the country.

Mahapatra's journey into the realm of literature started with rejections, but he persevered, and his poems found a home in international literary journals. His distinctive voice set him apart in the trio of poets, including A. K. Ramanujan and R. Parthasarathy, who played a pivotal role in shaping Indian English Poetry. With a career in teaching physics, Mahapatra dedicated his later years to crafting 27 books of poems, seven in Odia and the rest in English, showcasing his ability to experiment with prose forms. 

He served as a distinguished editor, contributing significantly to the literary magazine Chandrabhaga, and his translations from Odia into English enriched the world of Indian literature. Jayanta Mahapatra passed away on August 27, 2023, at the age of 94, leaving behind a profound literary legacy that continues to inspire generations.

The Trunk of Ganesha

"The Trunk of Ganesha" is a short story by the Indian writer Jayant Mahapatra. It revolves around Govinda, a skilled idol maker who faces an unusual challenge while crafting an idol of Lord Ganesha. Despite his craftsmanship, the trunk of the Ganesha idol breaks inexplicably every night, leaving Govinda perplexed. Govinda, proud of his artistic skills and heritage passed down through generations, lives with his wife Sulochana, and three sons. While two of his sons are not interested in idol-making, his youngest son, Ranju, follows in his father's footsteps and learns the art of idol-making.

The central conflict arises when Govinda encounters a peculiar problem with the Ganesha idol he is creating. Each night, the trunk breaks, hindering his progress. Unable to comprehend the reason behind this recurring issue, Govinda considers various possibilities. He contemplates the quality of the clay and the weight of the idol but finds everything to be in order.

Doubtful and troubled, Govinda delves into introspection. He wonders if the gods are displeased with him for making eye-catching idols or for altering the figures of goddesses to appear slim. Another consideration is that he might be charging too much for his idols, leading to divine disapproval.

To uncover the truth, Govinda and Ranju decide to hide in a corner of the room after completing the Ganesha idol. They patiently wait, and just as they start to lose hope, Govinda spots a dark shadow moving near the window. To their surprise, it is revealed to be a cat that jumps onto the trunk of Ganesha, causing it to break. Govinda experiences a sense of relief as the mystery is finally solved. "The Trunk of Ganesha" explores themes of tradition, craftsmanship, and the intersection of the spiritual and the mundane. It showcases the dedication of an artist to his craft and the journey of unraveling a mystical occurrence rooted in the realm of the everyday.