Category: North East Indian Literature

This is an important piece of literature written in English contributed by the North eastern states of India. Their contribution to the literary pieces and art of work will be discussed and give a critical comments on their works.

Posted on

Robin Ngangom Native Land Summary

Stanza I

First came the scream of the dying
in a bad dream, then the radio report,
and a newspaper: six shot dead, twenty-five
houses razed, sixteen beheaded with hands tied
behind their backs inside a church . . .
As the days crumbled, and the victors
and their victims grew in number,
I hardened inside my thickening hide,
until I lost my tenuous humanity.

These lines emphasize the devastating impact of violence, death, and destruction on the narrator’s sense of humanity. The initial description of the scream of the dying in a bad dream, followed by the radio report and newspaper detailing the gruesome events, sets the tone for the horrors that unfold. The mention of six people shot dead, twenty-five houses razed, and sixteen individuals beheaded inside a church highlights the scale and brutality of the violence. As the days pass, the number of victors and victims grows, and the narrator describes hardening inside his thickening hide, suggesting a gradual loss of sensitivity and emotional connection. This hardening leads to a sense of losing his tenuous humanity, indicating a profound impact on his identity and perception of himself. Overall, these lines depict the devastating consequences of violence and the erosion of one’s humanity in the face of such atrocities. The lines also reflect the psychological effects of violence and death on human consciousness.

Stanza II

I ceased thinking
of abandoned children inside blazing huts
still waiting for their parents.
If they remembered their grandmother’s tales
of many winter hearths at the hour
of sleeping death, I didn’t want to know,
if they ever learnt the magic of letters.
And the women heavy with seed,
their soft bodies mown down
like grain stalk during their lyric harvests;
if they wore wildflowers in their hair
while they waited for their men,
I didn’t care anymore.

These lines suggest a sense of detachment and apathy towards the suffering and experiences of others. The narrator describes ceasing to think about abandoned children in burning huts, indicating a lack of concern for their well-being. He also expresses indifference towards whether these children remembered their grandmother’s stories or had the opportunity to learn how to read. The mention of women, heavy with pregnancy, being mown down like grain stalks during harvests further emphasizes the disregard for their lives and the loss of empathy. The narrator no longer cares about the women’s adornment with wildflowers or their waiting for their men. Overall, these lines convey a sense of emotional disconnection and a loss of empathy towards the experiences and struggles of others.

Stanza III

I burnt my truth with them,
and buried uneasy manhood with them.
I did mutter, on some far-off day:
“There are limits”, but when the days
absolved the butchers, I continue to live
as if nothing happened.

These lines highlight a sense of guilt, shame, and a desire to bury one’s own truth and manhood along with the suffering and atrocities witnessed. The narrator expresses burning his truth and burying his uneasy manhood, suggesting a willingness to suppress his own identity and personal experiences in order to distance himself from the horrors he has witnessed. The mention of muttering “There are limits” indicates a recognition of the atrocities committed, but as time passes and the perpetrators go unpunished, the narrator continues to live as if nothing happened. This highlights a sense of resignation, a feeling of being unable to change the circumstances or hold the responsible parties accountable. It portrays the internal struggle of carrying the weight of what has happened while trying to navigate a world that seems to move on without acknowledging or addressing the atrocities.

Posted on

Robin S. Ngangom The Strange Affairs of Robin S. Ngangom Summary

Introduction

The poem is divided into four parts. The poem reflects the socio-political upheavals of Manipur state in Northeast India. It explores the odyssey of a poet’s identity, self, history of the state and its indigenous tribe. It is a post-colonial poem that addresses many issues of the post-colonial giving a sense of poet’s ambivalent relationship with his native soil. The theme of the poem addresses many cultural issues, violence, war, and corruption of the society which has post-colonial implications.

Part I Summary

The poem begins with the poet suggesting a sense of self-reflection and introspection. The speaker acknowledges that he cannot claim to be in complete control of his own life (“Not once can I say I am the captain behind this wheel of fire“). He expresses a feeling of loss or displacement, symbolized by misplacing a bronze bell and leaving behind untended hearths. The speaker realizes that something has changed within him, possibly due to his experiences or the passage of time. It’s a contemplative moment that explores the complexities of personal growth and transformation.

Then the speaker highlights a sense of identity transformation and his connection with nature. The speaker expresses his ability to define himself (“I can say I am this or that“) and his admiration for the steadfastness and character of water and stone. He reflects on his past, mentioning being made a sheep as a boy, but now feeling enchanted into a goat. The townspeople seem to enjoy parading the speaker with a marigold garland between their horns.

The speaker speaks of the journey to Bohemia, a metaphorical kingdom of Art, where he sought inspiration and creativity. He expresses a sense of curiosity and fascination with the behind-the-scenes world of theater, mentioning painted girls and poor blind boys who come to perform. However, the speaker also mentions mixing his drinks with despair in the evenings, implying a sense of disillusionment or sadness. He attributes his lack of productivity to love, suggesting that romantic experiences have affected his creative pursuits.

The speaker then describe the story of his community or people who have sown suspicion and hatred among themselves. As a result, their crops have been destroyed and they now find themselves begging from their neighboring communities, while also pointing fingers at each other. The constant bickering and backbiting among them has silenced any sense of compassion. The speaker expresses a clear intention to erase all traces of their violent history by resorting to destructive measures like slashing and burning. The poet is clearly indicating at the post-colonial ethnic rivalry and conflicts that exist in Manipur state.

The speaker then talks of a complex and a conflicted history. The speaker reflects on a past where he met and clashed with others, going their separate ways while still holding onto the belief that their own history is untainted, despite the violence and enslavement they have caused. The mention of rewriting history with malicious intent highlights the danger of distorting the truth. Memory is portrayed as fragile, easily ignited and explosive. The mention of boys returning to Christmas with hate and fear implies a twisted celebration, as they take a roundabout path to outsmart an enemy who would take pleasure in the birth of a merciful son. The dreams of these boys, when they finally return home, are portrayed as filled with red, potentially symbolizing violence or conflict. The last lines of the poem suggest a dark and troubled history, where the impact of hatred and fear is deeply ingrained. It reflects the psychological effects of communal violence that has spurred hatred and resentment amongst the people.

Part II Summary

The initial part of the second emphasizes a sense of intimacy and vulnerability in a relationship. Here, Manipur is personified as a beloved. The speaker describes touching his partner’s healing breasts with hands filled with love. However, the mention of scars on the partner’s body suggests a history of mistreatment or abuse. The speaker questions who is responsible for branding their love with pain and using his partner like a toy doll. The mention of guilt implies that the speaker feels complicit or responsible for the harm inflicted upon his partner. The personification gives an ecofeminist element in the poem where the state of Manipur is compared to a woman who has been oppressed with gun violence and war (associated largely with patriarchal men).

There are a poignant and the heartbreaking portrayal of the speaker’s return to his war-torn country. With a heavy heart, the speaker turns towards his flaming country, only to hear the hills scream the name of his beloved. The mention of soldiers with black scarves turning into shrouds implies the presence of death and destruction. The trucks carrying death and devastation, along with the eager rescuer in his armored car, symbolize the ongoing violence and conflict. The graves of youths who died in turmoil serve as solemn reminders of the toll of war, acting as the only milestones on the path to the city. The part conveys the devastating impact of war on both the physical landscape and the lives of its inhabitants.

There are also a contrast between the natural beauty of the hills and the harsh reality of the speaker’s surroundings. Instead of the musk of his beloved, the speaker inhales the acrid smoke of explosives and funeral pyres. Mammon, a personification of greed, arrives to inspect the city and further devastates it by cutting down the remaining trees. The mention of morning papers selling the same bland items, such as rape, extortion, ambushes, and embezzlement, highlights the prevalence of crime and corruption in society.

Then the speaker addresses about a pervasive atmosphere of fear and oppression. There is talk on the streets, in dark corners, and in homes, with words whispered and caught by the ears of a restaurant. The people honor the unvarying certainty and pay routine homage to silence, suggesting a climate of conformity and suppression of dissent. The enemy of the people is described as someone who wears a new face each morning, indicating a sense of constant surveillance and uncertainty. The mention of freedom prompts introspection, questioning whether one is truly free in a society that feels sullen and oppressive day after day.

Part III Summary

The beginning part indicates a bleak and oppressive society where values and virtues are distorted. Uprightness is not shown in public displays of affection, integrity is not upheld in abstaining from drinking, and worthiness is twisted into supporting a new faith that promotes violence. Service to the state is corrupted into exploiting it for personal gain, and even when that is no longer possible, people turn to stealing from each other. Chastity is enforced by controlling women’s clothing, and purity is equated with refraining from expressing love. The uncertainty of basic necessities like oil, lentils, potatoes, food for babies, and transportation reflects the instability and insecurity of the outside world. The part highlights the oppressive nature of the society depicted in the poem, where values are perverted and nothing can be taken for granted.

Then the speaker suggest a distorted and contradictory notion of patriotism. Fire, water, and air, which are essential elements of life, are now being treated as commodities. Patriotism is portrayed as preaching secession and mourning the merging with another nation, reflecting a sense of confusion and conflicting loyalties. It is also associated with preserving native customs and traditions, but at the same time, imposing them on other people. This concept of imposing one’s cultural norms and values onto others gives a post-colonial space in the poem of internal colonialism. Admiring youth who engage with violence and proclaiming brotherhood while secretly depriving others indicate hypocrisy and double standards. The mention of playing the music of guns to an unborn child symbolizes the normalization of violence.

The speaker highlights the power and significance of history. The mention of “stones and hills speaking when we fall silent” suggests that history has a voice and a presence that continues to resonate even when a person is absent from here. The poet questions why one have such complex and conflicting emotions towards history – why one fears it, love it, hate it, lie about it, and conceal aspects of it giving a post-colonial impression of an individuals ambivalent relationship with one’s historical identities. Despite these conflicting feelings, one still feel compelled to enact history in the “coarse theatre of time,” suggesting that history holds a significant role in shaping one’s lives and society.

Part IV Summary

The last part opens with an expression of a sense of solitude and reflection. The speaker acknowledges the influence of a man who may have been independent and self-sufficient, without the need for a woman. The mention of a “tiny land bound by fire” could refer to a place that is geographically constrained or surrounded by danger. The phrase “slave to an unexamined life” suggests that the speaker feels trapped or constrained by a life that hasn’t been fully explored or understood. The following lines convey a sense of remorse or regret, as the speaker reflects on past experiences of love, fear, anger, and despair. The imagery of the penitent wearing sackcloth and the sky’s dress in shreds adds to the somber tone, suggesting a state of mourning or loss.

Then there is a sense of loneliness and disconnection. The comparison of stars holding up the sky like nuts and bolts suggests that there is a need for stability and support in the world. However, the speaker expresses a feeling of people not allowing each other to dream or connect emotionally. The mention of love being a forgotten word implies a lack of love or an absence of meaningful connections. The lines also touch upon the ability to both suffer and inflict hurt on the person one loves the most, suggesting a complex and potentially painful dynamic in relationships.

The speaker then expresses a sense of loss, despair, and weariness. The mention of the festival of lights during childhood implies a joyful and vibrant time in the past. However, the speaker is now with widows who are unable to light lamps, symbolizing a loss of hope and light. The idea that the land is tired and exhausted, possibly from the violence and bloodshed it has witnessed, reflects a somber tone. The mention of the lack of peace between the farmer and his fields suggests a strained relationship with nature and the struggles of agricultural life. The line about all men being tired of being men hints at a broader disillusionment or weariness with the human condition. It also highlights the predicament of men suffering internally to embrace masculinity while getting exhausted of protecting their people from external menaces. Finally, the acknowledgment of death implies a recognition of mortality and the fragility of life.

Lastly, the speaker describes a complex and challenging situation. The speaker expresses a desire to explain abominable laws, likely referring to oppressive or unjust laws. The mention of leaving a life without mirrors suggests a desire to escape self-reflection and the judgments of society. The blue ode between pines and the winter sky evokes a sense of natural beauty and tranquility. However, the speaker ponders where he can run from his homeland and flee from the love of his partner (Manipur). The mention of pursuing prisons and criminal words implies a sense of being trapped or constrained by societal expectations or restrictions.

Robin Ngangom Native Land Summary

Critical Analysis of Emily Dickinson Success is Counted Sweetest

Eunice de Souza De Souza Prabhu Summary

Posted on

Dhruba Hazarika Vultures Summary

The narrator observes a group of vultures in the distance and wonders what they are after. He speculates that there may be a dead cow or horse in the valley, as that is where their neighbors dispose of dead animals. The narrator’s friend, Lien-Thang, mentions that Papatey has been missing for three days, and they discuss whether someone should check on the birds.

They decide to go down to the valley to investigate. On their way, they encounter Kyn, whose father is a police officer involved in the search for Papatey. They continue to the forest, where they discuss a curse and the possibility of an innocent man being hanged for murder. The narrator reflects on their conversation years later when Lien-Thang becomes a judge and a similar situation occurs. A year prior, a man named Hep was hanged for a murder based on the testimony of a girl named Dahlia. The judge in that case was Papatey’s father. The narrator questions why there was no appeal in that case.

The narrator recalls a time when Rosewell Wahlang grieved loudly outside Papatey’s house after his hanging, while the narrator’s mother closed the windows to block out the noise. The narrator’s father would chant at night, asking for protection for his children after Papatey went missing. The narrator and Lien-Thang approach the woods, noticing the absence of children and sparrows.

They decide to go around the forest to investigate and eventually come across a group of eleven vultures. The vultures appear ominous and quiet, forming a loose circle. The vultures suddenly take notice of the narrator and Lien-Thang, causing them to step back. The vultures fly up into the sky, causing darkness and a strong wind. Lien-Thang points out a dead pony on the forest floor, with only the tail remaining.

The smell of death becomes apparent, and the narrator realizes it is not Papatey’s body. The grass is soaked in blood, and a cloud of flies hovers above the remains of the pony. The narrator and Lien-Thang retreat and head back to town, where the air is fresh and sounds from the town can be heard. The vultures return to their nests, and the narrator and Lien-Thang speculate that Papatey may not be in the forest. They decide to visit Mr. Shadwell’s house, as he is a friend of the narrator’s father and a good man.

Posted on

Dhruba Hazarika Asylum Summary

The cat, Pusso, starts behaving strangely and attacks the dog, Missus Tippoo. The protagonist, Hargovind, tries to intervene and throws a lighter at Pusso to stop the attack. Hargovind temporarily neutralizes Pusso with a tranquillizer gun. Hargovind contemplates whether to find a cure for Pusso’s insanity or put him to sleep permanently.

Hargovind receives a phone call from his assistant, Mahadev, who informs him that a patient named Dhaniram Dutta has unexpectedly regained sanity. Hargovind instructs Mahadev to keep Dhaniram at the hospital until further evaluation. Hargovind realizes that Pusso’s attack and Dhaniram’s recovery occurred at the same time. Hargovind contemplates the strange events and the changing colors of the sunset.

Hargovind, a vet-cum-psychiatrist, is cleaning his house after an incident involving Pusso, a cat. He reflects on Dhaniram Dutta, a celebrity artist who turned insane a few years ago due to an intense desire to sit on pigeon eggs. Dhaniram’s case intrigued many psychiatrists, as his madness did not exhibit typical symptoms of violence.

Hargovind takes care of pigs in his pigsty and has a genuine affection for the pigeons in his backyard. Hargovind learns from Manjulla that Dhaniram has taken the keys to the cells of three violent patients in the hospice. The guards are locked in the toilets, and the patients are behaving abnormally.

Hargovind instructs Mahadev to lock the doors and suggests calling the police, but realizes his phone has been disconnected. The pigeons seek refuge in Hargovind’s house, and three pigs go wild, forcing Hargovind to use a gun on them. Hargovind contemplates going to the hospital but decides to stay for another hour. He is concerned about Dhaniram, who has mysteriously regained his sanity and threatened someone named Reema. Reema is worried about Dhaniram’s actions and the situation at hand.

Hargovind met the Duttas at a marriage ceremony and was drawn to Reema, Dhaniram’s wife, due to her simplicity and naivety. Hargovind and Reema began an adulterous relationship, which Dhaniram discovered. Dhaniram confronts Hargovind over the phone, accusing him of torturing his wife and injecting him with hallucinatory drugs for three years.

Hargovind denies the accusations and claims that Dhaniram is insane. Dhaniram reveals that he accidentally ingested a mixture of paint and the drug, which cured his madness. Dhaniram seeks revenge on Hargovind by drugging him and the guards, as well as giving pills to three other patients who were wrongly confined. Dhaniram implies that the patients will come to Hargovind’s house to seek revenge.

Hargovind is startled by noises outside, including his dog Pusso’s meow and the pigs grunting. Missus Tippoo, a cat, suddenly attacks Hargovind, biting his neck. Hargovind manages to grab a sting-gun and uses it to defend himself, injuring and eventually killing Missus Tippoo. Hargovind mourns the loss of his beloved pet and contemplates the events that have unfolded.

Hargovind worries about the arrival of three men, Tek Bahadur, Gajen, and Rekibuddin, and their intentions. Hargovind receives a phone call but is unable to make out the voice on the other end. Hargovind becomes increasingly panicked and orders someone named Mahadev to inject someone with a drug to keep them mad. The three men enter Hargovind’s house, and the police arrive after hearing his frantic shouts.

Hargovind is taken to a mental asylum, where he had previously worked as a superintendent. Manjulla, a woman who cared for Hargovind, explains that Mahadev acted on his own and called the police. The final phone call to Hargovind was made by Manjulla herself to inform him that the three men were back in their cells. Manjulla expresses sadness and confusion over Hargovind’s lack of trust in those who cared for him.

    Posted on

    Dhruba Hazarika Ghostie Summary

    The narrator describes a dog he encountered in his neighborhood, referring to it as Ghostie. Ghostie had distinct physical features, such as a regal appearance, white rib cage, brown line on the underbelly, and a tail that never drooped. The dog’s eyes were ancient and placid, conveying a sense of quiet sorrow for the world.

    The narrator and his friends, Jycbo and Deep, initially called the dog Poppy but later settled on Ghostie. The boys would often whistle and jeer at Ghostie, who would calmly walk away without reacting. The boys would gather in the mornings and sneak out to play football, with Ghostie occasionally watching them.

    One day, Jycbo kicked a football at Ghostie, hitting him on the nose, but the dog remained unfazed. The boys tried to find out who Ghostie belonged to but were unsuccessful. They speculated that Ghostie may have come from the hills, but they were unsure of his true origins.

    The narrator and his friends formed a cricket team and participated in friendly matches. During one match, the narrator noticed a dog named Ghostie appearing mysteriously far away from his locality. Ghostie was often seen in Deep’s garden and seemed to materialize out of nowhere. Pyn, a plumber from a nearby house, threw a stone at Ghostie, but it had no effect on the dog.

    Pyn later claimed that Ghostie had eaten his rooster, but he didn’t actually witness it. Pyn was later involved in a motorcycle accident and suffered injuries. The narrator and his friends became afraid of Ghostie and tried to ignore him. The narrator, for unknown reasons, splashed boiling water on Ghostie, but the dog didn’t react. Deep speculated that Ghostie might be a ghost due to his lack of response. Ghostie remained silent, unobtrusive, and strange, never eating or barking, and the boys never saw him mate with a female dog.

    The narrator and his friends form a youth club called “The Famous Four Club” with a clubhouse in Deep’s compound. Ghostie, a dog, is always present at the clubhouse, despite girls not being allowed. Sanjay, a new boy in the neighborhood, joins the club and contributes money to the club’s kitty. Sanjay doubts Ghostie’s abilities and claims that he feels pain.

    One day, Sanjay shoots Ghostie with an air-rifle, injuring him. The narrator fights with Sanjay and feels guilty for not being able to protect Ghostie. The narrator secretly visits Ghostie at night, leaving food for him under a guava tree. The next morning, Ghostie is gone, but the food is untouched.

    The narrator becomes withdrawn and haunted by the image of Ghostie being hurt. The narrator’s father notices his change in behavior and suggests moving to another neighborhood. The narrator’s mother agrees and asks him to go out and get lemons from Deep’s garden.

      Posted on

      Dhruba Hazarika Chicken Fever Summary

      Rattan Deb Barman is obsessed with his hen-coop in the backyard, which he built himself. Rattan’s marriage is founded on different needs, with him seeking emotional security and his wife seeking stability. Rattan feels inadequate in his marriage and is constantly on the alert for signs of unhappiness. The hen-coop provides Rattan with a sense of security and helps him deal with his shortcomings.

      Rattan is concerned about predators, particularly a one-eyed mongoose that killed his rooster.Rattan experiences fear and insecurity, especially regarding his job, but feels the need to do it well to avoid being seen as a coward. Rattan and his wife have a sexual relationship, but his desire is fueled by fear rather than genuine desire.

      Rattan is preparing for a trip with Sanjay Yadav, but Sanjay’s wife is ill and unable to join them. Rattan is disappointed that Sanjay did not send a note about his wife’s illness. Rattan and his wife have a tender moment before he leaves, and he promises to be home for dinner. Rattan and Basumatary, a sub-inspector, leave in a jeep for their trip.

      Rattan, is traveling through a town and then on a dusty road towards a dangerous area. Rattan is fearful of the potential dangers they may face, especially when confronted by armed men. Rattan questions his own courage and contemplates turning back. Rattan thinks about his wife and his friend, Sanjay Yadav, who did not join him on the mission.

      Additional armed personnel join their group as they continue their journey. They reach the encroachments near the river Longai, where relics of ancient civilizations lie beneath a settlement. Rattan reflects on his own sacrifices and the discomfort he is enduring. They continue their journey into the foothills, where the road becomes narrow and the surroundings become eerie and still. Rattan and Basumatary, his companion, remain silent.

      Rattan, and his team arrive at a deserted brick-field with abandoned huts. Rattan feels uneasy and suspects that they were expected. The armed personnel split up to search the area. Rattan senses that an attack may come from the trees on the left. Rattan orders the destruction of the huts and bricks to prevent anyone from returning.

      Rattan finds a hen and her chicks, which brings him a sense of happiness and hope. Rattan discovers a woman hiding in a haystack, naked and terrified. Rattan covers the woman with straw to protect her and keeps her hidden. Rattan pretends to inspect his shoes to avoid suspicion. Rattan hears the sound of chicks and rushes back to the haystack to find the hen being captured.

      Rattan Deb Barman, a man filled with rage, confronts a man who is about to take a chicken. Rattan orders his men to prevent anything from being taken and threatens disciplinary action. Rattan is filled with fear and has a hidden fear that he cannot share with anyone.

        Rattan gives the order to set fire to the huts, despite some objections from his men. Rattan saves a haystack from catching fire and reflects on his actions. Rattan contemplates the value of a chicken and the risks involved. Rattan and his men leave the area, feeling relieved but still fearful. Rattan reflects on the potential dangers they faced and the luck they had. Rattan looks forward to returning home and thinks of his wife and a comforting meal.

        Rattan Deb Barman buys roe, a rooster, and a black hen on his way home, thinking they will bring him luck. Rattan feels proud of the armed police personnel he was with, comparing them to his sons returning home after a battle. Rattan arrives home to find his wife worried about his safety and upset that he went despite her fears. His wife reveals that someone had warned them about the underground knowing about their eviction and that they would be waiting.

        Rattan’s wife is upset that he went despite the warning and blames herself for not informing him. Rattan reassures his wife that he wouldn’t punish her and that he only wanted to come back home. They hold each other, unaware of their surroundings, as they find comfort in each other’s presence.

        Dhruba Hazarika Ghostie Summary

        Posted on

        Dhruba Hazarika The Leopard Summary

        The narrator and his friends, Bahadur and Dilip, take a day off from school to search for a missing cow in the Hengerabari hills. The hills are dense with trees and wildlife, including foxes, porcupines, and snakes.

        They climb the tallest hill, named Blue Mountain, in search of the cow. They eventually find the cow dead, with its stomach slit open, and a leopard emerges from its stomach. They are terrified and run down the hill, encountering Bahadur on their way.

        Bahadur informs them that the villagers had killed a leopard that had entered their cattle shed. Later, two starving leopard cubs are found beyond Blue Mountain.

        Key insights

        • The narrator and their friends experience the thrill and danger of exploring the hills and encountering wildlife.
        • The presence of a leopard in the hills is both awe-inspiring and terrifying.
        • The villagers take action to protect their livestock by killing a leopard that poses a threat.
        • The discovery of starving leopard cubs suggests the presence of a leopard family in the area.

        Overall, the story highlights the beauty and danger of nature, as well as the complex relationship between humans and wildlife in the hills.

        Posted on

        Temsula Ao A New Chapter Summary

        The story describes a period of upheaval and change in Nagaland during the mid-sixties. After a period of violent storms, life in the village begins to regain some normality. People are focused on rebuilding their homes, planting crops, and resuming their daily activities. School buildings are being repaired, and children are searching for salvageable books. Women are retrieving their weaving tools, and men are preparing to clear the forest for the next jhum. However, the core of the earth has changed, and the land’s resources are depleted.

        In this uneasy calm, new alliances and political spaces emerge. The underground forces retreat into jungle hideouts, while the occupying army establishes itself in towns and villages. Rumors of sophisticated weaponry being brought in during night curfews circulate, but life appears normal in the army enclaves. The presence of the armed forces is justified through encounters with rebel groups, although the truth behind these encounters is often questionable.

        A new class of people called army contractors emerges, acting as intermediaries between the opposing factions. They have access to the army high command and enjoy privileges not available to ordinary civilians. These contractors become a third force in the power equation, recognized and used by both sides. The contractors with more money secure headquarters contracts, while others settle for outpost contracts. They travel to army outposts to deliver supplies, sometimes sourcing from nearby villages when supplies from the plains are delayed.

        Among the contractors is a man named Bendangnungsang, who borrowed capital from his father to start his business. He travels in a jeep, towing a trailer of supplies. During his business trips, he reconnects with a distant cousin named Merenla, who has a vegetable farm and later starts a piggery. Nungsang becomes a market for Merenla’s produce, but he realizes that his contract rates often match or exceed what he pays his suppliers, leaving him with no profit. He seeks advice from a successful contractor named Bhandari, who started as a handyman and eventually secured a prestigious headquarters contract.

        Nungsang visits his friend Bhandari, who is doing well in his new business. Nungsang is restless and troubled, so Bhandari offers to help him. Bhandari suggests substituting approved items with cheaper alternatives to make a profit. They convince the N.C.O. in-charge to accept the substitutions for a fee. Nungsang’s business expands, and he starts manipulating contracts and delaying payments to suppliers. Nungsang’s brother-in-law’s position gives him power over the local traders. Hidden eyes in the jungle monitor the contractors for potential revenue. Nungsang meets his old classmate, who is now an area commander, to negotiate a deal. Nungsang provides information about his siblings to gain favor with the underground outfit. The commander suggests getting his boss’s son a government job in exchange for protection from the underground outfit.

        Nungsang engages in negotiations with an underground group to find a job for his boss’s son. He suggests sending the son to Assam where his brothers could help find him a placement. Nungsang continues his business of supplying vegetables instead of meat, but faces resistance from the Subedar Major. There is no news from his classmate for weeks, and stories of forced tax collections increase. Nungsang helps a distressed villager by buying her pumpkins and pays her in cash. He meets his classmate in a secluded spot and receives a gift of a special fish. Nungsang prepares a parcel for his classmate and sends it with scouts. He faces resistance from his father regarding the deal with the underground group but convinces his mother. The son is sent to Nungsang’s brother and eventually gets a job as a clerk. Nungsang dreams of a better future and becomes dissatisfied with his current work. He builds a decent house for his family but becomes more irritable and belligerent. Nungsang continues to maintain his outward swaggering persona at parties.

        Nungsang seizes the opportunity to run for a vacant seat in the Legislative Assembly. Initially, his friend Bhandari is dismissive of Nungsang’s political ambitions, but after a long debate, Bhandari agrees to convene a meeting of contractors to garner support and funds for Nungsang’s campaign. Despite owing money to some of the contractors, they are compelled to contribute towards his campaign. Nungsang’s family is initially skeptical but eventually supports him due to the growing support from disgruntled sections of the ruling party. The campaign gains momentum, with activities such as a rock band pledging support, a makeshift kitchen, and canvassing efforts led by Bhandari and other contractors. However, a rival candidate’s procession dampens the spirits of Nungsang’s camp. To counter this, Bhandari organizes their own procession, and a young contractor named Imrong suggests painting symbols and slogans on white cloth to decorate the trucks. Imrong and his friends work tirelessly throughout the night, creating beautiful banners and flags featuring Nungsang’s election symbol, a hornbill. The sight of these vibrant decorations rejuvenates the campaigners and instills a sense of hope for their cause.

          Bhandari, a campaign organizer, is impressed by Imrong and his friends’ accomplishments and decides to make the proposed procession a grand statement for the voting public. Bhandari ensures that the procession projects a sober and civilized image by instructing supporters to remain sober and behave orderly. The procession includes mixed groups of old and young people, with elders wearing traditional dress and headgear as the centerpiece. The procession starts on time and gains attention from townspeople who are impressed by the disciplined behavior and the sight of magnificent birds fluttering from the banners and flags. The ancestral symbol of the birds sways some voters in favor of Nungsang, the candidate. On election day, truckloads of casual laborers are brought in as “additional” voters and instructed to put their signs on the hornbill symbol. The Polling Officer leaves abruptly, allowing the laborers to vote without proper scrutiny. Nungsang wins the election by a decent margin, leading to celebrations and rewards for those involved in the campaign. Imrong receives praise but only receives a vague promise of future rewards from Nungsang. Nungsang’s sub-contractors fear they won’t receive full payments if he gets elected, and their fears are confirmed after the results are declared. Merenla, a pumpkin supplier, worries about her future as Nungsang aims for higher positions, as she has relied on supplying him with pumpkins for income. Nungsang gives power-of-attorney to Bhandari to wind up his business as his term as a contractor comes to an end.

          Merenla’s pumpkins were maturing, but she had no buyer and had to harvest them with the help of her sons. She hoped that her cousin Nungsang would help her with the surplus crop, but he and his friend did not respond. Merenla felt betrayed and realized that people who leave villages think and act differently. Her pumpkins started rotting, causing a stench in her house, and she became irritable. Merenla’s sister-in-law took some pumpkins to feed her pigs, but many remained. Merenla decided to get rid of the remaining pumpkins by throwing them off a platform, symbolizing her resolve to reorganize her life. The villagers witnessed her performance and were moved by her situation. Merenla cleared the platform and destroyed all the remaining pumpkins. She cleaned the house, took a bath, and appeared cheerful when her sons returned. The villagers stopped calling her “pumpkin Merenla” and she merged back into village life. Her rejection of the pumpkin identity symbolized her cleansing and healing process. Life in the village continued unaffected by political events elsewhere.

          Posted on

          Temsula Ao An Old Man Remembers Summary

          The old man, Sashi, is in a lot of pain due to his bad leg, but he decides to attend his friend Imlikokba’s funeral despite the discomfort. Sashi and Imlikokba had a close bond and shared many experiences together, including being involved in the underground movement. Sashi’s leg pain becomes unbearable, and he leaves the funeral before the body is taken for burial to avoid being carried home in pain.

          Sashi returns home and tends to his leg by fomenting it with hot saline water. His grandson visits him and asks about his involvement in killing people during his time in the jungle. Sashi is taken aback by the question and reflects on whether he should share the painful memories of his past with the younger generation. He realizes that it may be important to tell the world about the atrocities they witnessed and the sacrifices made for their land.

          Sashi struggles with where to begin and contemplates the nightmares and inner turmoil he has experienced since returning from the jungle. He regrets not opening up to his wife about his struggles and wishes she was still alive to support him. Sashi feels challenged by his grandson’s question and the need to confront his past.

          Sashi recalls his memories of his youth. Sashi reminisces about his childhood adventures with his friend Imli, including fishing and making catapults. The story then shifts to a more serious tone as Sashi reflects on the time when he and Imli had to hide from a group of women and witnesses a shocking sight. The story then delves into the hardships faced by Sashi’s generation during a period of conflict and how it affected their lives. Sashi contemplates how to explain these experiences to his young grandson and eventually decides to share his stories. Sashi falls ill and finally opening up to his grandson about the traumatic events of his past.

          The narrator and Imli find themselves in a terrifying situation. They are forced to flee their village due to violence and end up in the hands of underground soldiers. They are taken to a training camp where they are recruited into the Naga National Army and undergo intense training. Despite their desire to escape and return to their village, their dream is shattered when the camp is attacked. In a moment of chaos, they manage to escape and make their way back to their village, only to find it burnt and abandoned. They scavenge for food and eventually locate the other villagers who have taken refuge in a jungle hideout. Using birdcalls, they alert the villagers to their presence and are rescued. They are taken to the headman’s lodge, where they are cared for and given food and shelter. The narrator and Imli collapses from exhaustion and finally gets some much-needed rest.

          The narrator and Imli, reunite with their families after being displaced by violence. They receive news that a convoy is approaching their hiding place, prompting them to flee deeper into the jungle. The narrator suggests a plan to lay a trap for the army patrols, which Imli initially opposes but eventually agrees to.

          They gather materials and food to prepare for their plan. As they hide in an abandoned farmhouse, they are approached by soldiers, whom they successfully trap and kill. The narrator and Imli return to the farmhouse the next day and witness the aftermath of their actions, feeling shock and guilt. They collect the soldiers’ weapons and ammunition before leaving the area.

            The old man and his grandson are discussing their past as enemy soldiers. They were captured by the underground army and taken to a camp in the jungle. They became rebels and went on ambush missions, sometimes intimidating villagers for supplies. They were involved in a failed mission to attack a convoy of Naga leaders negotiating with the Indian government.

            The old man was injured and his friend, Imli, helped him to safety. Imli negotiated their surrender and the old man received medical treatment for his leg. They returned to their village, but many of their comrades had died or suffered trauma. The old man reflects on the violence they committed and wonders if he has become a monster.

            He shares a secret about seeing a woman walking naked in his youth. He realizes the importance of telling their story and facing the truth about history. The old man and his grandson watch the sunrise together, symbolizing a new beginning.

            Temsula Ao A New Chapter Summary

            Posted on

            Dhruba Hazarika Luck Summary

            The narrator recalls his childhood home where animals and birds would come and go, never staying for long. The narrator reminisces about a dog named Dusty that he briefly cared for before it ran away. Years later, the narrator impulsively buys two pigeons from a vendor and brings them home.

            One of the pigeons quickly flies away, but the other, named Luck, stays with the narrator. The narrator gets more pigeons and builds a larger cage for them. The narrator goes on a trip and leaves Luck and the other birds in the care of a fisherman. When the narrator returns, the other birds are missing, but Luck is found safe in the bedroom.

            The narrator brings home a pair of pigeons and becomes attached to them, particularly to a male pigeon named Luck. Luck becomes a father and the narrator buys more pigeons to introduce genetic diversity. The narrator’s neighbor and his wife come over for lunch and the wife accidentally scares Luck, causing him to fly into a fan and become severely injured.

            The narrator tries to save Luck’s life but ultimately fails, despite the efforts of his neighbor. The narrator mourns Luck’s death and eventually finds solace in the fact that Luck had a strong will to survive. Luck eventually recovers and becomes stronger, but one day he disappears and the narrator is unable to find him.

            The narrator expresses his sadness and frustration at Luck’s disappearance and hopes that whoever harmed Luck will face consequences. The narrator is living in a town with good, sociable people and enjoying his time there.

            One day, they find a pigeon named Luck with a contorted body and take it to a vet. The vet assures him that Luck can be cured and gives him a bottle of Ambiplex. The narrator takes care of Luck for five days, feeding it the liquid and watching its recovery. Luck eventually flies away but returns the next morning to be fed again.

            Luck shows unusual affection towards the narrator, pecking at his hand and fluttering around him. Luck eventually flies away and is never seen again. Luck’s descendants now inhabit the narrator’s house, with the nests in the veranda always full. The narrator reflects on Luck’s poise, nobility, and intelligence, considering it their lucky charm.

            error

            Enjoy this blog? Please spread the word :)