The document is a paper presented by Pooja Bhuva that explores the cultural context and universal themes in the works of Indian poet Jayanta Mahapatra. It highlights Mahapatra's reflections on personal identity, mythology, and societal issues such as poverty and caste discrimination, emphasizing the deep connections individuals have with their heritage. Additionally, it notes his notable awards and contributions to Indian English literature, showcasing his distinctive poetic diction and imagery.

1. Cultural Context and
Universal Themes in Jayanta
Mahapatra's Works
Paper 202: Indian English Literature – Post-Independence
Presented at:- Smt. Sujata Binoy Gardi, Department of
English, MKBU, Bhavnagar

2. Pooja Bhuva
Personal Information
● Presented by:- Pooja Anilbhai Bhuva
● Enrollment Number:- 4069206420220005
● Email:- poojabhuva2002@gmail.com
● Batch:- 2022 - 2024 (M.A. Sem 3)
● Date:- 17 October, 2023
● Subject Code:- 22407
● Roll Number:- 15

3. Jayanta Mahapatra
● Born:-October 22, 1928
● Died:- August 27, 2023
Awards:-
● Sahitya Akademi Award for English Poetry (Routray)
● He won Padma Shri in 2009 but return it to the government as
noted in the letter wrote to President Pranab Mukherjee,
“Mine is a small, insignificant step. But it is my personal way of showing
protest to the growing asymmetry that is evident in the country. I
express my desire to return the award…My act should not be considered
as any kind of dishonour to the country.” (Singha)

4. ● In his autobiography, ‘Pahini Rati’, he reflects on his journey as a
"mere teacher of physics" who embarks on a poetic journey
during his tenure at B.J.B. College in Bhubaneswar. (Routray)
● Odia poet
➔ Close the Sky Ten by Ten (1971)
➔ Swayamvara and Other Poems (1971)
➔ A Father's Hours (1976)
➔ A Rain of Rites (1976)
➔ Waiting (1979)
➔ The False Start (1980)
➔ Relationship (1980)
(Mitra)

5. Cultural Context and Universal Themes
Cultural Identity
Mythology and Tradition
Other Themes

6. Cultural Identity
● His works reflect the complex interplay between personal identity and the
broader cultural contexts in which individuals find themselves.
● One notable poem that delves into this theme is "Hunger," according to him
this poem is an expression of his own feelings and solitude. (Kunhi)
● The poem's title, "Hunger," might show that the poet wants closeness and a
deep connection as this poem includes the point of child sex trade. He talks
about having a strange relationship with his mom. So, what he really craves is
the love he missed from his mom. He's looking for a replacement because he
didn't get enough care and attention. (Kunhi)
“I heard him say: My daughter, she’s just turned fifteen…
Feel her. I’ll be back soon, your bus leaves at nine.” (Mahapatra)

7. ● Mahapatra stresses that a person's identity is linked to where their ancestors came from
and where they were born.
● He believes that leaving one's homeland and embracing foreign customs and cultures
doesn't lead to lasting happiness because such pleasures are only temporary.
● He also thinks there's a strong, unbreakable connection between people and the places
they come from.
“A man does not mean anything
But the place
Sitting on the riverbank throwing pebbles
Into the muddy current,
A man becomes the place.” (Mahapatra)

8. Mythology and Tradition
● In Jayanta Mahapatra's book of poems called "Svayamvara and Other
Poems," he mainly talks about two things: love and the strong desire for
something. (Ganduri)
● He's really good at looking deeply into these feelings and figuring out what
makes them complicated. He's like a detective of human relationships,
trying to understand why we want to connect with others so much.
(Ganduri)
● Another great example of Myth can be considered a Short Story by him
named ‘The Trunk of Ganesha’.
● It narrates the tale of an artist who encounters difficulties while crafting a
Ganesha idol. Oddly, the trunk of the idol keeps breaking no matter what he
does. The story concludes with the resolution of this mysterious problem.

9. Other Themes
● Jayanta Mahapatra's poems talk about big problems in India like being
very poor, people treating each other unfairly because of their caste,
and when there's a lot of trouble in politics. Ex. "Dawn at Puri”
● He also writes about different religions and how people practice
them. People from all around the world like his poems because they
are really good at showing what it's like to be human and feel
different things. Ex. "Indian Summer"
● Sometimes, he asks deep questions about life, death, and what it all
means, which can make you think about important stuff. Ex. “The
Grandfather”

10. Poetic Diction
● Poetic Diction in Jayanta Mahapatra’s works divided into several
elements.
● Mahapatra uses vivid and powerful imagery in his poetry, his poems are
often rich in visual and sensory details, which help convey complex
emotions and themes.
● He uses objects, places, and events as symbols to represent ideas and
emotions.
● He draws on Indian mythology and literature, including allusions to
mythological figures, stories, and texts in his poetry.
● He is known for his skillful use of language. He often experiments with
wordplay, rhythm, and sound patterns to create a distinctive musical
quality in his poems. His diction is both lyrical and expressive.

11. References
● Ganduri, Srikanth, and Ravi Kumar. “"SVAYAMVARA AND OTHER
POEMS: A TAPESTRY OF EMOTIONS AND REFLECTIONS BY JAYANTA
MAHAPATRA."” International Journal of Creative Research Thought,
vol. 11, 2023. IJCRT, https://ijcrt.org/papers/IJCRT2306182.pdf.
● Kunhi, Rukhaya Mohammad. “Poetry Analysis: Jayanta Mahapatra’s
“Hunger.”” Rukhaya M.K, 18 September 2014,
http://rukhaya.com/poetry-analysis-jayanta-mahapatras-hunger/.
● Mahapatra, Jayanta. “A Rain of Rites.” Poetry, vol. 125, no. 3, 1974,
pp. 141–141. JSTOR, http://www.jstor.org/stable/20596614.
● Mahapatra, Jayanta. “Hunger.” Lyrikline,
https://www.lyrikline.org/en/poems/hunger-4849.

12. ● Mitra, Zinia. Poetry of Jayanta Mahapatra: Imagery and Experimental
Identity. Authorspress, 2012.
● Routray, Sailen, and Vaishna Roy. “Jayanta Mahapatra: A master
litterateur who created a language uniquely his own.” Frontline, 1
September 2023,
https://frontline.thehindu.com/other/obituary/tribute-jayanta-
mahapatra-1928-2023-a-master-litterateur-who-created-a-language-
uniquely-his-own/article67259140.ece.
● Singha, Minati. “Noted poet Jayanta Mahapatra returns Padma Shri |
India News - Times of India.” The Times of India, 22 November 2015,
https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Noted-poet-Jayanta-
Mahapatra-returns-Padma-Shri/articleshow/49883386.cms.

13. Thanks!
Do you have any questions?
Contact: poojabhuva2002@gmail.com