MAMONI RAISOM GOSWAMI'S THE MOTH EATEN HOWDAH OF A TUSKER (DONTAL HATIR WUYE KHOWA HOWDA): A DISCUSSION PDF

Preview

Summary

International Journal of Management (IJM) Volume 12, Issue 2, February 2021, pp.684-688, Article ID: IJM_12_02_068 Available online at http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/issues.asp?JType=IJM&VType=12&IType=2 ISSN Print: 0976-6502 and ISSN Online: 0976-6510 DOI: 10.34218/IJM.12.2.2021.068 © IAEME Publi...

Description

International Journal of Management (IJM) Volume 12, Issue 2, February 2021, pp.684-688, Article ID: IJM_12_02_068 Available online at http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/issues.asp?JType=IJM&VType=12&IType=2 ISSN Print: 0976-6502 and ISSN Online: 0976-6510 DOI: 10.34218/IJM.12.2.2021.068 © IAEME Publication

Scopus Indexed

MAMONI RAISOM GOSWAMI'S THE MOTH EATEN HOWDAH OF A TUSKER (DONTAL HATIR WUYE KHOWA HOWDA): A DISCUSSION Rudrakshi Saikia Assistant Professor, Department of Assamese, Darrang College, Tezpur, Assam, India ABSTRACT 'The Moth Eaten Howdah of a Tusker' is a famous masterpice of Mamoni Raisom Goswami and a milestone in Assamese literature. It is a special mixture of several stories. It is a wonderful novel based on the real experiences of the author. Every page of her novel silently speaks to the reader the temporary happiness and unbearable harrassment of human life. Goswami has an unique position in Assamese literature, which is partly due to her witty presentation of her characters. The novel gives a naked description of the Indian independence, the society that was destroyed by drug addiction, the harsh rules imposed on Brahmin widows, bodily lust and desires, the emergence of communism, the status of women in a patriarchal society, love etc. Key words: Independence struggle, drugs, Brahmin widows, socio political, status of women Cite this Article: Rudrakshi Saikia, Mamoni Raisom Goswami's The Moth Eaten Howdah of a Tusker (Dontal Hatir Wuye Khowa Howda): A Discussion, International Journal of Management (IJM), 12(2), 2021, pp. 684-688. http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/issues.asp?JType=IJM&VType=12&IType=2

1. INTRODUCTION "The continuous attempts of developing her intelligence cannot be regarded as the biggest asset of her endless praises. Her senses; heart and soul seem to dance like an orchestral instrument when she expresses the emotions, moans and sorrows and also the most unique spheres of human life. This often resulted in the deep realisation and introspection of truths that are beyond the grasp of human intelligence which embraced the hearts of her readers."1 These words of famous Assamese critic and writer, Hiren Gohain are themselves a distinct display of Mamoni Raisom Goswami's wounderful ability to analyse the characters of her novels and short-stories. Her own way of story-telling, rich vocabulary and a strong hold in language has undoubtedly

http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp

684

[email protected]

Mamoni Raisom Goswami's The Moth Eaten Howdah of a Tusker (Dontal Hatir Wuye Khowa Howda): A Discussion

given her a special position in Assamese literature. All her works murmur to the readers, the naked showcase of the complex human relationships, the hidden pain and sorrow in the human heart, love and betrayal, social chains and silent protests. 'The moth Eaten Howdah of a Tusker' is not a simple story consisting of dead words which started and ended with the first and last pages of the book. In fact, it is a story that breathes and is the result of the blissful and sad experiences that Goswami collected in her childhood. The story revolves around the historic period of world history, when India earned its independence. Goswami speaks about her book which is a milestone in Assamese literature. "The Aamranga Satra of south Kamrupa district motivated me to write this novel. Many days of my childhood were spent in this satra. Those days were the most memorable moments of my life. Although I have come far apart from the satra, still the memories are alive in my heart. I have adopted the characters of this book from my favourite persons whom I have met in the Satra. They were and still are a part of my life. I have made all these characters alive by colouring them in imagination. In some places, only the mere skeletons of the characters are left. Most of the characters here are imaginary. The story is also a complete imagination."2 The novel excellently describes the dark-side of the post independence years, the bonechilling description of the conditions of Brahman widows, bodily pleasures, communism in India, socio-political scenario, the position of women in the prevailing patriarchal society, human love and other bright and dark spheres of individual as well as social life.

2. IMPORTANCE OF THE STUDY Women has always been considered as the 'backward' gender and they have always been, from ancient times seen as inferior by the patriarchal society especially in a conservative country like India. This sense of neglect and ignorance of the society increases when the woman is a widow. The horrendous practice of sati is itself a remembrall of it. Thousands of books are being written everyday on the plights of woman; however very less books, especially Assamese books, are written on widows. The animalistic life that the widows are forced to live is hardly believable, until it is seen by the two eyes. For many years, girls were married off when they had their menarchy, and in most cases the husband was much older than her. If, unfortunately, the husband die of old age or of accidents, often the young wife is blamed. Also the unspoken 'One-child per year' practice also cannot be ignored. So when the husband dies, the young wife is already robbed of her budding beauty as a result of bone-breaking work in the day and fulfilling the sexual desires of the husband in the night. Even the death of her husband brings to her unjustified blames and mental harrassment. She is forcefully forbidden from consuming meat and live the life inside an invisible shell. Mamoni Raisom Goswami's novel sheds light on this topic and points out the sorrows of the widows who are often ignored in history books. For these afore mentioned reasons, the proposed study can be considered as important.

3. OBJECTIVES • • • •

Referencing and depicting the status and condition of Brahmin widows immediately after the post independence period. Portraying the picture of narrow mindset of the then - prevailing Brahmin system. Discussing the impact of the Brahmin system on the socio-political lives of common men and women. To go into the depths of the most mysterious corners of human heart and mind.

http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp

685

[email protected]

Rudrakshi Saikia

4. DATABASE AND METHODOLOGY A descriptive and analytical method has been adopted in the analysis of the study. Representation of the subject matter has been done in the numbering method. Quotation, reference, bibliography, etc have been prepared following the journal guidelines. Research has been carried through the help of library research.

5. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION 5.1 The Moth Eaten Howdah of a Tusker's story and characters The novel starts with the character 'Indra nath'. He is the leading character and is the future satradhikar of Aamranga Satra. Indranath plays an active role from the first to end of the novel. He is an educated man and has no desires for the position of the satra. He worked for human welfare and strived to free the local people from the grasp of drug addiction. Giribala, Indranath's sister is a strong voice of protest. She lives in her paternal house after she was widowed by fate at a very young age. She is revolting character as she doesnot want to obey the widow-rules prevailing in the society, for her characterless husband. The conservatism that prevailed in the society killed the dreams and hopes of innumerable women like Gliribala. She broke all the laws of the society when she fell in love with Mark Sahab. But Mark was not positive which disheartened Giribala. Later, she committed suicide. Durga, Indranath's father's sister was the exactly opposite replica of Giribala. She followed all the rules of the widows after her husband died. Financial crisis stopped her from performing the last rites of her husband in the River Ganga. Her sorrow saddens Indranath. Unlike the revolting Giribala, Durga silently accepts what have been imposed on her. Saru Gushani, Indranath's aunt, has been used by Goswami to show the complex character that forms under the pressure of social bandages and regulations. She seemed to be attracted to Mahidhar. But at last, Mahidhar betrayed her. Illimon, is an intelligent character who has the capability to take right decisions at the right time. Illimon and Indranath seemed to be attracted to each other but their love didnot reach its peak in the story. Jagannath the elephant also plays an important role in the story. The tusker and the howdah on his back is the symbol of ancient authority and pride. The story ends with the death of the tusker, Giribala's suicide and at last Indranath's tragic death. Thus 'The moth eaten howdah of a tusker' is the mixture of many stories.

5.2 Strong drug addiction The horrific spread of drug addiction and the effective measures to prevent has been beautifully shown in the novel. The author has shown strong writing skills when she describes the drug addiction in the Aamronga Satra during independence. Many of the addicts inhaled drugs in Jokram Bhagavati's house which weakened the people and made them sick. The author says, "The smell of paan frying is in the air, yes, yes three-four addicts have perhaps sat in a circle." The brave attempts of the volunteers to stop drug addiction is also described in the novel.

5.3 Expression of the conservatist tradition of the satras The novel makes a lively description of the conservatism in the independence era. Goswami's pen tells us how conservatism destroyed all the emotions and feelings of a Brahmin widow. The burning examples of the victims of this system are Durga, Giribala, Shoru Goswami etc. The rules and regulations of the Brahmin class were too harsh, and their violation was forgiven only often a penance. Giribala was also put through a penance as she could not suppress her greed of consuming the forbideen meat in a yearly funeral of Burha Gossain. Such blind-beliefs. clearly show the narrow mindset of the old Brahmin system.

http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp

686

[email protected]

Mamoni Raisom Goswami's The Moth Eaten Howdah of a Tusker (Dontal Hatir Wuye Khowa Howda): A Discussion

5.4 The status of women in Brahmin society We also come to know about the position of women in Brahmin Society in Goswami's masterpiece 'The Moth Eaten Howdah of a Tusker'. The Brahmin society suppressed women and all their feelings, emotions and thoughts were ignored. The character Durga is the symbol of tragic oppression. Durga was forced to live a painful and ignored life after her husband's death. The author writes "It has become a habit for her to sit near the fire in her father-in law's house.... The smoke consumes her entire body .... In the early hours of the morning, the woman sitting near the fire really seemed into a ghost." Likewise, Giribala lived the life of a widow. In contrast to Durga, Giribala does not want to burn all her feelings, and thoughts. She tries to free herself from the unseen chaines of conservatism. Her suicide was itself a strong form of protest. Shoru Goshani tries to live the life of a widow not through fear and protest, but by courage. After her husband's death, She spent her life by offering 'Sharan' to the students of the Damodariya Satra. She had unexpressed feelings for Mahidhar Bapu At last, Mahidhar's betrayal shocks her. Furthermore, girls were required to marry before her menarchy in the Brahmin system. If she was not married before it, she was considered unworthy of marriage. The novelist excellently describes this sensitive topic through the character Illimon.

5.5 The Moth Eaten Howdah of The Tusker's Linguistic Beauty and Style The novel 'The moth Eaten Howdah of a Tusker', that is set on the plot of Aamronga satra of south kamrupa is a mile stone in Assamese literature. The language that the author uses is a dialect of south Kamrupa. Goswami uses the language according to the environment of the plot that it is set on. This feature of the novel not only makes it realistic but also adds beauty and flavour to it. The following examples make it clear "Send Giri back (Ullte) after few days, the tomb (Bhithai) is heaven. The women who places her bone in her husband's tomb reaches heaven. There is no difference (Farak) between a Woman who has left her husbnd's tomb and a woman who roams around the streets with no clothes. It is very horrible for a woman wearing clothes to become naked."3 The novel has became poetic for the use of simile and symbols. Some simile and symbols that are used in the novels are • "The parts of Illimon's body were like goldfish who played hide and seek in the waters of Jogolia."4 • "The smell of their body was like the smell of old jaggery."5 An important feature of the style of the novel is - emotionalism and picturism. These features add a special taste to her description. For example. "The golden lines of the waters of Jogolia can be seen there. It seems as if the blood-stains dropping from the bosom of the sun has redden the Jogolia. As if the dew and smoke have covered every tree with silk... The sun seems like it is wearing the skin of a donkey. After some time, it seemed as if the golden light has form the silk dress that covered the body of the trees and bushes."6 Even the nomenclature of the novel involves the use of symbols. The name of the novel points to the downfall and ruins that came along with social and political conditions. The 'tusker' is the symbol of power and strength. The 'howdah' is the symbol of domination of the master. on the other hand, the 'moth eaten howdah' is the symbol of the down fall of an aristocratic

http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp

687

[email protected]

Rudrakshi Saikia

family. The author uses such symbols to analyse the psychological spheres of society and individual. The use of such words which are so suitable for the social life makes the subject of the novel more realistic and attractive. On the other hand, the sketch of her characters, their feelings and thoughts etc that are expressed by idioms, phrases, curses etc have also helped.

6. FINDINGS We often tend to think that widows burn their desires and hopes with the dead body of her husband, that widows do not revolt against the unjustified social traditions that are imposed upon them, that widows silently accept the orders of the patriarchal society. But the character 'Giribala' of Goswami's novel proves us wrong. She is a symbol of constant revolt, and is not ready to sacrifice everything for someone who is dead. She also consumes meat in a funeral ceremony, which is against norms. She is a contrast to the typical widow who doesnot revolt to any injustice. Thus, we find that there were widows who stood for themselves and dared to protest against society itself.

7. CONCLUSION The novel expresses the ugly rules of the Brahmin system that presided over Assam in the early years of independence through the pain, sorow and protests of freedom hungry men and women. Goswami's strong hold of language and skillful portrayal of characters makes the novel a heart touching work of literature. In the end, we can quote critic Shailen Bharali, "the novel, The Moth Eaten Howdah of a Tusker, centred around the society that grew up around the Aamronga Satra of South Kamrup due to the Brahmin system is a classic novel of Indian literature and in my opinion, is the best novel of Mamoni Raisom Goswami.”7

FOOTNOTE 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

Bora, lakshminandan (ed): Gariyoshi, 5th issue, february, 2012. Goswami, Mamoni Raisom: Dontal Hatir Wuye Khowa Howdah, my opinion. Goswami, Mamoni Roisom: Dontal Hatir Wuye Khowa Howdah, page 25 Goswami Mamoni Roisom, Dontal hatir wuye khowa Howdah, pg - 31. Goswami, Mamoni Roisom: Dontal Hatir wuye khowa Howdah, pg - 20 Goswami, Mamoni Roisom : Dontal Hatir wuye khowa Howdah, pg-17 Bora, lakshminandan (ed): Gariyoshi, 5th issue, February 2012.

REFERENCES [1]

Bharali, Hemanta kumar (ed.) Mamoni Roisom Goswamir Upanyas Samagrah, first edition, July 2011.

[2]

Das, Amal chandra, Asomiya Upanyas Parikrama, first edition, May 2012

[3]

Sarmah, Govinda Prasad, Upanyas Aru Asomiya Upanyas, first Banalata edition, June, 2015.

[4]

Thakur, Nagen, Esha Basarar Asomiya Upanyas, second Edition, July 2012.

[5]

Bora, laksminandan (ed.) Gariyoshi, 5th issue, february, 2012.

http://www.iaeme.com/IJM/index.asp

688

[email protected]...