The Trunk of Ganesha

The Trunk of Ganesha By Jayanta Mahapatra

Mahapatra had been undergoing treatment at the SCB Medical College Hospital for pneumonia and other old age-related ailments. His wife and son had predeceased him.

Jayanta Mahapatra was the first Indian poet to win the Sahitya Akademi award for English poetry. He was also conferred with the Padma Shri (India’s fourth highest civilian honour) in 2009. However, he returned it in 2015 to protest against “rising intolerance in India”.

He is best known for authoring poems such as “Indian Summer” and “Hunger”, regarded as classics in modern Indian English literature. His other prominent works also include “Relationship”, “Bare Face”, and “Shadow Space”. In all, Mahapatra penned 27 books of poems, of which seven are in Odia and the rest in English.

He experimented with prose, too. His published books of prose include Green Gardener, an anthology of short stories, and Door of Paper: Essays and Memoirs.

In this allegorical and symbolic short story by the Indian English writer Jayanta Mahapatra, the elements of superstition prevalent in Indian lifestyle are vividly portrayed. Set against the backdrop of an Indian colony with a Bengali atmosphere, the story revolves around the protagonist, Govinda Maharana, and his deep-seated concerns regarding the idols of Gods, particularly Lord Ganesha, which he meticulously crafts.

Govinda, a master idol-maker, has inherited the art of sculpting from his forefathers. His skill in crafting idols of various deities, including The Durgas, The Ganesha, and The Siva's, is renowned throughout the valley. His wife, Sulochana, takes great pride in his craftsmanship.


As time progresses, Govinda finds himself making subtle changes in the design of the clay idols, opting for slim and sinuous bodies for the Goddesses. However, despite his outward confidence, he harbors a sense of guilt deep within. He fears that his alterations may have angered the Gods, leading to recurring incidents where the trunk of Lord Ganesha's idols breaks down.

The repeated tear on the idol's trunk weighs heavily on Govinda's conscience, leading him to question his actions and doubt himself. He meticulously examines the clay mold's weight and adhesive quality, entertaining thoughts of supernatural intervention. Govinda grapples with the notion that he may be meddling too much with the private lives of the Gods, altering their forms unreasonably.

Unable to find a rational explanation for the recurring damage to the idol, Govinda resolves to observe the workroom at night, accompanied by his youngest son, Ranju. After a prolonged wait, they finally witness a cat slipping through the bars of the open windows and jumping onto the idol's trunk. The mystery is thus unraveled, and Govinda experiences immense relief as the tension dissipates.


The story concludes with the realization that the true intruder causing the damage to the idols is the cat. However, beyond this surface-level resolution lies a deeper exploration of cultural attitudes and superstitions prevalent in Indian society.

Mahapatra uses Govinda's experience to illustrate the Indian perspective, traditions, and superstitions. Despite Govinda's craftsmanship and expertise, his adherence to superstitions and irrational fears reflects a common mindset among many Indians. The story highlights how individuals often attribute significance to minor occurrences, allowing superstitions to dictate their actions and beliefs.


Through Govinda's character, Mahapatra critiques the tendency of Indian society to prioritize superstition over reason, leading to unnecessary anxiety and suffering. Despite access to education and knowledge, individuals like Govinda are unable to break free from the shackles of superstition, perpetuating a cycle of irrationality and fear.


In essence, Mahapatra's story serves as a poignant commentary on the cultural attitudes and beliefs that shape Indian society, urging readers to challenge superstitions and embrace rationality and critical thinking.