The Trunk of Ganesha

 

This short story is written by Indian English Writer Jayanta Mahapatra who is famous for his allegorical and symbolic writings. Here, in this very story he presents the elements of superstitions as pervaded in India life style. The characters are typical from Indian colony and the protagonist is Govinda Maharana. There is the Bengali atmosphere and the tradition of celebrating festivals with the worship of different Gods and Goddesses.

                        When the story opens the character named Govinda is very concerned because of the rift in the idols of Gods especially Lord Ganesha he made. He was master idol- maker and prepared idols with a great skill. He is one of the bets image – maker in the whole valley. He has learnt the craft from his father. His father had learnt it from his father. Thus, Govinda has inherited the art of making idols of The Durgas, The Ganesha and The Siva's from his forefathers. His wife Sulochana Feel very proud for him.

                    With the Passage of time, Govinda has to bring about certain subtle changes in the designing of the Clay – Figures – idols. Now he prepares the Goddesses with slim and sinuous bodies but in the deep corner of his heart, Govinda feels a sense of guilt. He feels that he is using his powers too carelessly. He fears that because of these changes the Gods are angry with him and His result that the trunk of Ganesha breaks down often.

       When he finds the tear on the Ganesha’s idols repeatedly, it creates a se

nse of guilt in him. He has starts doubting himself.  He verifies the weight of the Clay mold and the adhesive quality of the day. He thinks about some supernatural intervention .He thinks that he has no right to meddle with the private lives of Gods and Goddesses. He also feels that he is changing too much for the idols and it is unreasonable .These are all silly misgiving that Govinda has.

                   

    Govinda feels to find any reason for the repeated tear on the idol’s trunk. So, finally he decides to observe the happening in the workroom at night. He, along with his youngest son Ranju, takes his position in a dark corner of the workroom. After waiting for very long, at last he sees a cat between the two bars of open windows. The cat jumps on the idol’s trunk. Thus, the mystery is solved and Govinda feels greatly relieved of the tension. Thus, the cat is the real intruder.

                       

Thus, the story ends with the realization of the intruder which is cat only. The hidden meaning might be the cultural attitude of the Indians .The writers also demonstrates the Indian perspectives, traditions and superstitions. People do not think logically but rather they have created by their nature of superstitions. They make a major from a very minor things.Thus, Jayanta Mahapatra clarifies the Indian background and the thinking of Indian people . Through people are educated enough to think reason, they never take their mind on the right way and that is why they have to suffer as the character of Govinda does.