Category: Indian Literature

This content will consist of Indian writings in English which will include all the Indian writers as well as Indian diaspora writers.

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Shashi Deshpande Death of a Child Summary

The narrator believes she has conceived and tries to convince her partner, who initially doubts her. The narrator expresses her reluctance to have another child, feeling trapped and overwhelmed by the responsibilities of motherhood. The partner tries to reason with the narrator, but she remains firm in her decision not to have the baby.

The narrator visits a doctor and decides to have an abortion, feeling grateful for the opportunity to escape the trap of motherhood. The narrator’s partner questions her lack of care and concern, but she insists that she doesn’t care.

Despite her decision, the narrator experiences conflicting emotions and a sense of connection to the unborn child. Just before the abortion, the narrator reflects on the miracle of life and the potential of the unborn child.

The narrator undergoes a medical procedure, likely an abortion. She describes feeling dehumanized and detached from her own body as she lies on the table. The pain and discomfort she experiences during the procedure are momentarily forgotten when she wakes up, disoriented and overheated. She eventually realizes that she has had a baby, but the medical staff’s reaction is not what she expected. They seem disappointed and avoid discussing the situation. The woman’s emotions fluctuate between grief, guilt, and shame. She questions whether her decision was the right one and struggles with the phantom presence of her child. Despite her initial hostility towards the doctor, her feelings towards him soften as they leave the facility. However, she still feels a lingering sense of the presence of her deceased child as they walk away.

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    Shashi Deshpande It Was Dark Summary

    The narrator wakes up from a disturbing dream and realizes they are in their child’s room, not their own bed. The narrator’s spouse asks about their child’s sleep and behavior, and the narrator explains that the child lies in bed and stares at the ceiling. The spouse expresses concern about a potential pregnancy and discusses the possibility of a medical termination of pregnancy (MTP).

    The narrator reluctantly reveals that their child’s next menstrual cycle is in a week. The couple waits in silence, anxious about the situation, when there is a knock at the door. The spouse urges the narrator to meet with the neighbors who have come to offer condolences or support.

    The narrator initially refuses but eventually relents and goes to meet the visitors.The narrator’s child enters the room, and the narrator tries to engage in conversation and offers tea. The child exhibits a newfound greediness in eating and drinking.

    The narrator checks the child’s clothing and bed for signs of something, but finds nothing. The child lies down on the bed, staring at the ceiling.

    The protagonist’s daughter has been found in a dingy house after a kidnapping incident. The protagonist feels outraged and cheated when she sees a stranger instead of her daughter. The daughter is silent and constantly searching for something with her eyes.

    The daughter exhibits strange behavior, staring at a spot on the ceiling and whimpering at night. The protagonist tries to comfort and understand her daughter’s experience. The police have arrested the man responsible for the kidnapping.

    The husband is angry and wants the daughter to identify the kidnapper. The protagonist reflects on her own experiences of fear and submission. The daughter remains unresponsive and only says, “It was dark.”

    The protagonist desperately tries to get her daughter to talk and understand what happened. The story ends with the protagonist pulling back the curtains to let sunlight into the room, and the daughter finally looks at her.

    Shashi Deshpande Death of a Child Summary

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    Shashi Deshpande Can You Hear Silence ? Summary

    The narrator wakes up to unusual sounds and discovers that it is raining heavily and the road is flooded. The narrator’s mother, despite promising not to go to work, leaves after lunch, causing tension with the children. The children wait for their mother to return while playing games and interacting with their neighbor, Tarabai.

    When their mother returns, she is upset to find the wet clothes left out and begins rearranging them. The father is rarely home due to work, and the mother expresses frustration about his absence. The children go to bed hungry, as their mother forgets to bring food home, but she suggests they go to the corner shop to buy something with money from her purse.

    The narrator and Rashmi go to a shop where a man offers the narrator a chocolate, but Rashmi takes it away, warning her about the dangers of accepting things from strangers. The narrator tells their mother about the incident, who seems worried and waits for their father to come home.

    The father is late, causing anxiety and worry for the family. The mother tries to distract the children by telling them about her childhood home and the peacefulness she experienced there. The narrator reflects on the growing tension between Rashmi and their mother, as Rashmi is going through a rebellious phase.

    The family waits for the father to come home, and when he finally does, an argument ensues between the parents.The narrator finds solace in the silence of the night, despite the external noises, and wonders if they will ever experience true silence like their mother described.

    Shashi Deshpande It Was Dark Summary

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    Ambai Squirrel Summary

    The narrator is observing a librarian on a ladder, surrounded by dusty shelves of books. The librarian dismisses the books as rubbish and sneezes uncontrollably.

    The narrator requests the books to be thrown down, and they crash through the roof. The books on the third floor hold stories of generations and significant events.

    The narrator feels a connection to the books and experiences a profound sensation. The librarian is found slumped over his desk, and a file about string is mentioned.

    The narrator hears the squirrel chirping and feels a link to reality. The narrator is reluctant to leave the books, but learns they will be burned. The narrator is called down and sees the books in a strange light before leaving.

    Overall, the story explores the significance of books and the emotions they evoke, as well as the impending destruction of these books. The narrator feels a deep connection to the stories and events contained within the books and is saddened by their impending loss.

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      R.K Narayan The M.C.C Summary

      The story is an excerpt from the novel Swami and Friends from the Chapter 13. Swaminathan has joined the Board High School after leaving Albert Mission School due to a strike. Swaminathan is initially uncertain about his happiness in the new school but becomes the center of attention among his new classmates.

      Swaminathan’s old friends from Albert Mission School have changed, with some being transferred or excluded from the group. Rajam, one of Swaminathan’s old friends, has not spoken to him since his political activities became known. Swaminathan is trying to make a camera when Rajam visits him and they reconcile. They discuss forming a cricket team and brainstorm names, eventually settling on “Jumping Stars” or “M.C.C.” (Malgudi Cricket Club).

      Swaminathan raises concerns about taxes and complications with the government recognizing their team. Rajam realizes that starting a cricket team is more complicated than he initially thought and sympathizes with Gandhi’s opposition to the government.

      Swaminathan, Rajam, and Mani are discussing the payment of taxes and the potential for fraud. They then shift their focus to a catalog of sports goods, specifically a Junior Willard bat. Swaminathan makes a comment about the bat, which angers Rajam. Rajam explains the differences between a Rolls-Royce and other cars, using it as an analogy for the Junior Willard bat.

      The three boys select items from the catalog for their cricket team and write a letter to Messrs Bins to place an order. They receive a card from Sankar, an old friend, and decide to reply. They struggle to find Sankar’s address and eventually send their letters without it. They receive a letter from Bins, thanking them for their order and requesting a 25% payment upfront. They are unsure if Bins will actually send the goods.

      The recipients of a letter, believed to be from the M.C.C., concluded that it was sent to them by mistake as there was nothing in their previous letter to warrant the expressions used in the letter. They returned the letter with a covering letter apologizing for the mix-up and requesting their goods to be sent immediately.

      Despite not receiving a reply to their second letter, they remained optimistic and expected their goods to arrive soon. In the meantime, they decided to start practicing with whatever equipment they had available, such as makeshift bats and used tennis balls. On the opening day of practice, all members of the M.C.C. were present except for one called the Pea, who was supposed to bring the real stumps.

      The Pea arrived late and claimed to still have the stumps but couldn’t find them. This caused disappointment and frustration among the group. They considered using the compound wall of Rajam’s bungalow as a temporary wicket and marked off a portion of it with charcoal. The captain opened the batting and Swaminathan bowled the first ball, which hit the wall and caused Rajam to be bowled out. This led to a shout of joy from the other players. Swaminathan was praised and given the nickname “Tate” on the spot.

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      Munshi Premchand The Holy Panchayat Summary

      Jumman Sheikh and Algu Chowdhari were close friends who had a great deal of mutual trust. Jumman placed Algu in charge of his house when he departed for Mecca, and Jumman watched over Algu’s home whenever he left the hamlet. Jumman’s elderly aunt was the only close relative she had. Jumman took good care of her till the deed was completed because he wanted to have her modest property in his name. However, he made false promises to achieve this goal.

      After that, Jumman’s wife even mistreated the elderly woman, demonstrating his lack of empathy. In addition to being malnourished, she was cursed nonstop. She made the decision one day to get out from under Jumman’s family. She begged Jumman for money so she could support herself, but he sternly declined. After growing increasingly agitated, the elderly woman made the decision to approach the panchayat.

      The elderly woman went around the village telling everyone what was going on and even went to Algu’s house to ask for his assistance in standing up for her in front of the panchayat. Although Algu didn’t want to break up their connection, her comments about justice couldn’t help but linger. The elderly woman informed the panchayat that Jumman and his wife had mistreated her and that he had broken his word when the panchayat met that evening to discuss the issue. She approached the panchayat for justice after they failed to fulfill their commitment. One of the panches, Ramdhan Misra, asked Jumman to either name his head panch or make a settlement with his aunt.Jumman observed that the majority of those gathered in the panchayat owed him something. He had no doubts about winning the case.

      So he allowed his aunt to pick the chief panch, and the elderly woman suggested Algu’s name. Algu attempted to back down and avoid becoming involved, but the elderly woman had faith in him and thought that God would speak through the panch and he would carry out justice. Upon Algu’s nomination being approved, he made the decision to put their friendship on hold and treat them as equals.

      He requested that Jumman address the panchayat with his statement. Jumman talked calmly, unperturbed, and didn’t believe he had done anything wrong with the elderly woman. He pointed out that the contract included no mention of the allowance and stated that he would respect the decision taken by the panchayat. With his extensive legal knowledge and regular court visits, Algu started to cross-examine Jumman. Jumman was astonished to hear that his friend Algu had made the choice in favor of the aunt and wondered what had become of him.

      Jumman never would have thought his best friend would turn against him. Ramdhan Misra and other panchayat members, however, publicly commended Algu for making the right choice. Algu and Jumman’s friendship was severed by this choice. Jumman lived only to exact retribution, constantly contemplating Algu’s betrayal. He also didn’t have to wait long to exact his retribution.

      Algu had purchased a pair of exquisite long-horned oxen from Batesar the year before. Regretfully, one of the oxen passed away a month after the panchayat verdict. When Jumman learned about it, he was ecstatic. Algu made the decision to sell the other ox because one was useless to a farmer. Samjhu Sahu, a trader in the village, bought it from him. Samjhu agreed to pay the ox’s purchase money after a month when he purchased it. Algu consented since he wanted to get rid of the ox.

      Samjhu would usually take his ox cart for a single trip to the market. He went to the market with gur and ghee and came back with salt and oil, which he sold to the locals. He used to make one trip to the market, but with the new ox, he was now making three or four. Samjhu treated the animal with extreme carelessness, not providing him with food or drink or enough sleep. The ox had received excellent care in Algu’s residence, but now it was forced to endure a life of agony. His bones were showing because he was so weak. On his fourth journey to the market, Samjhu had accidentally overloaded the cart one day. After a long day, the poor ox was so exhausted that it was barely able to stand. When Samjhu started to whip it, it started to flee. Its strength gave out after a few yards of jogging, and it fell to the ground.

      Samjhu made the decision to spend the night on the cart because he couldn’t leave his possessions alone. He discovered that many canisters of oil and his money were missing when he awoke in the morning. Weeping and beating his head in grief, he even blamed the bull for his misfortune. After a few months, Samjhu still hadn’t given Algu the ox’s cost. Samjhu said that Algu had duped him and given him a sick ox. Algu brought the issue up with the panchayat. Algu was gonna propose his head panch this time. However, Algu very kindly allowed Samjhu to choose, and he deliberately suggested the name Jumman Sheikh. Algu was terrified and worried that Jumman would get even with him.

      Jumman felt a sense of duty as soon as he was named Sarpanch. He made the decision to stick to the truth no matter how far it led. Jumman made the announcement following a protracted deliberation. The ox was in good health when he had purchased it, therefore he declared Samjhu Sahu would have to pay the full amount. With delight, Algu exclaimed, “May God bless the sarpanch.” And all applauded Jumman’s choice.

      Finally, after realizing that a panch is neither a friend nor a foe, Jumman traveled to Algu and accepted his choice to be fair. All he sees is fairness. This caused all of the misconceptions to be erased by their weeping.

      R.K Narayan The Holy Panchayat Summary

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      Critical Analysis of Salman Rushdie The free Radio

      Salman Rushdie’s short story “The Free Radio” is a thought-provoking and poignant exploration of the power of storytelling, the lure of escape, and the harsh realities of life. Through the character of Ramani, Rushdie offers a compelling examination of the consequences of unfettered desire and the impact of Western influence on traditional cultural values.

      At its core, “The Free Radio” is a story about the clash between tradition and modernity. The protagonist, Ramani, is a poor rickshaw puller living in the Indian city of Bombay. He is a man of simple desires, content with his humble existence and largely unaffected by the materialism and consumer culture that has infiltrated Indian society. However, his life takes a dramatic turn when he wins a free radio in a contest. The radio becomes his ticket to a new world, a world filled with dreams and illusions that captivate his imagination and lead him astray.

      Through Ramani’s experience, Rushdie explores the allure of escape and the power of storytelling. The radio becomes a source of fascination and obsession for Ramani, transporting him to distant lands and exotic locales far removed from his own reality. It becomes a symbol of his aspirations and desires, a means of transcending the limitations of his circumstances. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes apparent that the illusion of escape is just that – an illusion. Ramani’s fixation on the radio leads him to neglect his responsibilities and ultimately results in his downfall. His pursuit of an unattainable dream leaves him disillusioned and destitute, a cautionary tale of the dangers of unchecked desire and the consequences of succumbing to an illusory reality.

      “The Free Radio” also delves into the impact of Western influence on traditional cultural values. The radio, a symbol of Western technology and media, exerts a powerful influence on Ramani and his community, reshaping their perceptions and aspirations. The allure of Western culture and the promise of a more glamorous and prosperous existence lead Ramani and those around him to forsake their traditional values and customs in pursuit of an unattainable fantasy. Rushdie’s depiction of the clash between tradition and modernity serves as a powerful commentary on the erosion of cultural identity and the seductive nature of Western consumerism.

      Furthermore, “The Free Radio” explores the themes of hope and disillusionment. Ramani’s initial excitement and optimism at winning the radio rapidly give way to disappointment and despair as he realizes the futility of his dreams. His experience serves as a powerful testament to the transient nature of hope and the crushing weight of disillusionment. Rushdie’s depiction of Ramani’s journey from euphoria to despair is a poignant reflection of the harsh realities of life and the frailty of human aspirations.

      The forceful sterilization campaign in “The Free Radio” has a profound impact on Ramani’s life. His wife becomes a victim of the campaign and is forcibly sterilized, resulting in immense physical and emotional trauma for both of them. This event shatters their dreams of having a family and deeply affects their relationship. Ramani is filled with anger, frustration, and a sense of powerlessness as he witnesses the violation of his wife’s bodily autonomy. The campaign not only robs them of their reproductive choices but also leaves a lasting scar on their lives, highlighting the devastating consequences of such coercive policies. It’s a heart-wrenching portrayal of the human cost of political decisions.

      The resistance against forceful sterilisation is evident in the story. After the loss, Ramani copes by channeling his anger and frustration into activism. He becomes a vocal critic of the sterilization campaign, speaking out against the injustice and demanding accountability from those responsible. Through his activism, Ramani finds a way to give voice to his pain and fight for justice for himself and others affected by the campaign. While the loss remains a part of his life, his determination to bring about change and seek justice becomes a source of strength and resilience. It’s a testament to the human spirit and the power of standing up for what is right, even in the face of adversity.

      In conclusion, “The Free Radio” is a masterful exploration of the clash between tradition and modernity, the allure of escape, and the consequences of unchecked desire. Through the character of Ramani, Rushdie offers a compelling examination of the impact of Western influence on traditional cultural values and the transient nature of hope and disillusionment. The story serves as a cautionary tale of the perils of succumbing to illusions and the importance of maintaining a steadfast connection to one’s cultural heritage and values. Rushdie’s evocative prose and insightful commentary make “The Free Radio” a timeless and thought-provoking work that continues to resonate with readers.

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      Mahasweta Devi The Hunt Summary

      The abandoned Kuruda Outstation used to have trains stopping there, but now it is deserted except for stray animals. The train climbs Kuruda Hill and enters a ravine, then arrives at the bustling Tori station, which is a coal halt and a junction for bus routes. Tori is known for its timber brokers and the arrival of Sal-logs, which are split and sent in various directions.

      Mary Oraon, a tribal girl, works at the Prasad household and is admired by many at the Tori market. She is in a relationship with Jalim and they plan to marry when they have saved enough money. Mary is hardworking and earns money by picking mahua fruit from the Prasad property, which she sells at a profit in Tori.

      Mary is independent and does not tolerate familiarity from Prasadji, but she is also distrustful of Jalim and does not fully trust him. Mary is accepted in the village society but longs to be part of the Oraons, her own tribe. Mary’s life is disrupted when Collector Singh arrives with Prasadji’s son, causing a storm in the quiet and impoverished existence of Kuruda.

      Prasadji owns a bungalow with a large tract of land attached to it. The land ceiling laws are not being followed in the area. Mr. Dixon planted giant Sal trees on fifty acres of land. Prasadji wants to sell the trees at the highest price. Lalchand and Mulniji, other forest proprietors, are also happy about this.

      Prasadji’s son, Banwari, takes the initiative to find a buyer and brings in Collector Singh. Negotiations for the sale of the trees begin. The broker and other forest proprietors are in favor of selling the trees. The broker plans the deployment of manpower from nearby villages.

      Mary, a contact between Tohri and Kuruda, warns Prasadji that the broker is taking advantage of him. Mary insults Collector Singh and warns him not to bother her again. Collector Singh continues to pursue Mary, but she is uninterested.

      The felling of the trees continues, and the weather warms up. The women in the area participate in a ritual hunt during the Spring festival. They hunt and then celebrate together.

      The forest that was once filled with animals and excitement has now become empty and lifeless. Mary is tired of the Collector’s relentless pursuit. Jalim might become angry if he finds out about Mary and the Collector’s relationship, and he may even try to harm the Collector. The Collector has a lot of money and power, and he could ruin Jalim’s life by framing him for a crime.

      The Collector catches Mary’s hand one day, but she manages to escape from his grasp. The Collector promises the men liquor for the Spring festival, and they celebrate by singing and dressing up as clowns. Mary and the Collector have a conversation where he expresses his desire for her and promises to give her clothes and jewels.

      Mary agrees to meet the Collector on the day of the feast, but she asks him to keep their relationship a secret. Mary realizes that the Collector won’t try to grab her again, and she leaves him with a pat on the cheek.

      The Spring festival fire burned high and reddened the sky. The men are wild with drink, songs, and color. The very old women are looking after the children. The women armed themselves and went into the forest for a hunt. Mary is wearing a new sari and is excited about the hunt. Mary has contributed money and liquor for the festivities.

      The Collector has provided liquor and promised to demonstrate a dance Mary is determined to hunt a big beast and is filled with anticipation Mary imagines a romantic encounter with the Collector. Mary kills the Collector and takes his money.

      Mary washes herself in the Cut and feels satisfied. Mary returns to the gathering and enjoys the festivities. Mary plans to leave with Jalim after the celebrations. Mary feels fearless and empowered after her kill.

      Mahasweta Devi Draupadi Summary

      Munshi Premchand The Holy Panchayat Summary

      R.K Narayan The M.C.C Summary

      Ambai Squirrel Summary

      Walter Scott The Heart of Midlothian Summary Chapter 1-10

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      Rabindranath Tagore Kacha and Devayani Summary

      Kacha, who came from Paradise, has completed his studies with a Sage and is ready to leave. Devayani, the Sage’s daughter, questions Kacha if he aspires for anything more. Kacha insists that he desires nothing else and has achieved fulfillment.

      Devayani expresses her realization of the hardships Kacha has faced during his time in an alien land. Kacha asks Devayani to smile and let him go, but she reminds him that this world is not his native Paradise and smiles are not easily found here. Devayani reminds Kacha of the memories they shared in the forest and the companionship they had.

      Kacha expresses his gratitude for the forest and promises to remember it. Devayani mentions Venumati, a river, and asks Kacha not to forget her. Devayani also reminds Kacha of another companion who had feelings for him.

      Kacha acknowledges the memory of this companion and how it has become a part of his life. Devayani recalls how Kacha first arrived and expressed his desire to learn the secret spell of reviving the dead. Kacha mentions how the Titans had killed him three times, but Devayani’s father brought him back to life each time.

      Devayani questions Kacha’s focus on benefits and asks if he only remembers them and not beauty or love. Kacha says that some things are beyond words. Devayani claims to know Kacha’s love for her and insists that he cannot leave her.

      Kacha denies her claims and says that he must fulfill his promise to the Gods. Devayani accuses Kacha of using his love for her as a means to gain access to her father’s knowledge. Kacha argues that it is not the time to question the truth of his love and that he must focus on his life’s work.

      Devayani expresses her anger and hurt, feeling betrayed by Kacha’s actions. Kacha asks for forgiveness and explains that his suffering is doubled by the pain he causes Devayani. Devayani curses the knowledge Kacha has gained, as it will never bring him happiness and will remain foreign to his life.

      Insights into the Play

      • Kacha has completed his studies and is ready to leave, despite Devayani’s feelings for him.
      • Devayani feels hurt and betrayed by Kacha’s actions, believing that he used his love for her as a means to gain knowledge.
      • Kacha is focused on fulfilling his promise to the Gods and believes that his love for Devayani must take a backseat.
      • Devayani curses the knowledge Kacha has gained, seeing it as a burden that will never bring him happiness.
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      Rabindranath Tagore A Feast for Rats Summary

      The boys are unhappy about having a new teacher named Kalikumar Tarkalankar. They have given him a ridiculous nickname, “Black pumpkin fresh chilli.” While on a train journey, an old man enters their coach and the boys initially try to get him to leave.

      The old man stays and interacts with the boys, who play a prank on him involving rats and stolen food. The boys eventually invite the old man to continue the journey with them and promise to protect his belongings. The old man reveals that he is a Sanskrit teacher looking for employment.

      The boys insist that he come to their school and threaten to leave if the school doesn’t hire him. The train arrives at their destination and the school secretary welcomes the old man with respect.

      Insights into the Story

      • The boys’ initial resistance to the new teacher suggests a resistance to change and a preference for familiarity.
      • The boys’ prank on the old man highlights their mischievous nature and desire for amusement.
      • The old man’s calm and good-natured response to the prank shows his patience and understanding.
      • The boys’ invitation to the old man to join them on their journey demonstrates their inclusivity and willingness to accept others.
      • The boys’ insistence on the old man becoming their teacher reflects their loyalty and determination to protect their preferred teacher.
      • The school secretary’s respectful welcome of the old man indicates the value placed on teachers and education in the community.

      Rabindranath Tagore Kacha and Devayani Summary

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