ବୋର୍ଡ ଅଫ୍ ସେକେଣ୍ଡାରୀ ଏଜୁକେସନ୍ (BSE Odisha) — ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ଅଧ୍ୟାୟ ମାଷ୍ଟର ନୋଟ୍ସ
ଶ୍ରେଣୀ: Class 9 | ବିଷୟ: English
ଅଧ୍ୟାୟ: Class9 Eng Ch12 The Trunk of Ganesh
୧. ଅଧ୍ୟାୟର ସାରାଂଶ ଓ ମାଇଣ୍ଡ ମ୍ୟାପ୍ (Mind Map & Conceptual Architecture)
Deep Summary:
"The Trunk of Ganesha" is a compelling story that explores the conflict between superstition and rational thought. The protagonist, Gobinda Maharana, is a sixty-one-year-old traditional idol-maker facing a perplexing problem: the trunk of a large Ganesha idol he is crafting keeps breaking every night for three consecutive days. This recurring incident plunges him into deep anxiety and fear, leading him to believe that supernatural forces, perhaps the anger of the gods, are at play. He attributes this to his perceived carelessness in his art, his slight modifications to traditional designs, or even his demand for a higher price for the idol.
His wife, Sulochana, while supportive, subtly suggests that his age might be affecting his craftsmanship. His youngest son, Ranju, is observant and practical. He notices a draught from the open window near the idol, hinting at a physical cause. However, Gobinda, deeply rooted in tradition and superstition, initially dismisses this possibility, convinced that only divine displeasure or a supernatural being could cause such a persistent problem.
Driven by desperation to uncover the truth, Gobinda decides to keep a vigil with Ranju in his workroom one night. They hide in a dark corner, observing the idol, the window, and the door. After hours of tense waiting, during which Ranju dozes off, Gobinda hears a distinct sound. To his astonishment and immense relief, he witnesses a cat leaping from the open window and landing directly on the Ganesha's trunk, causing it to break. This simple, natural explanation shatters his superstitious beliefs and brings a smile to his exhausted face. The story beautifully illustrates how fear and lack of understanding can lead to superstitious interpretations, which can be dispelled by careful observation and logical reasoning. It also subtly touches upon the challenges faced by traditional artisans and the importance of family support.
Core Objectives:
Conceptual Mind Map & Architecture:
Central Theme: Superstition vs. Rationality
I. Protagonist: Gobinda Maharana
II. Supporting Characters:
III. The Mystery & Its Resolution:
IV. Underlying Themes:
V. Plot Progression:
୨. ମୁଖ୍ୟ ବିଷୟବସ୍ତୁ, ସିଦ୍ଧାନ୍ତ ଓ ଗାଣିତିକ ସୂତ୍ରାବଳୀ (Comprehensive Theory & Formulas)
This section provides a detailed analysis of the story, exploring its narrative, character development, themes, and literary elements.
I. Introduction to the Problem (Part I)
II. Family, Changes, and Initial Investigation (Part II)
III. The Vigil and the Revelation (Part III)
Glossary (from the textbook):
୩. ପାଠ୍ୟପୁସ୍ତକ ଅଭ୍ୟାସ ପ୍ରଶ୍ନାବଳୀର ୧୦୦% ସମ୍ପୂର୍ଣ୍ଣ ସମାଧାନ (100% Complete Solved Exercises)
Answer the following questions (from page 103):
Q1. Soon after his bath, what did Gobinda Maharana do?
A1. Soon after his bath, Gobinda Maharana took a glass of tea from his wife's hand. However, his fingers suddenly slackened, and the glass slipped from his hand.
Q2. Why was he anxious in the morning?
A2. He was anxious in the morning because it was the third day in succession that an unhappy incident had happened with his work, specifically the breaking of the Ganesha idol's trunk. This recurring problem made him gloomy and tense.
Q3. What was Gobinda Maharana trade?
A3. Gobinda Maharana's trade was idol-making. He crafted images of Durga, Ganesha, and Shiva, a skill he had inherited from his father and grandfather.
Q4. What was bothering him since last three days?
A4. Since the last three days, the trunk of the large Ganesha idol he was making kept breaking every night, which was bothering him greatly.
Q5. Worried Gobinda Maharana gave reasons for the breaking of the trunk. What are they?
A5. Worried Gobinda Maharana gave several reasons for the breaking of the trunk:
1. He thought he might have no right to meddle with the private lives of gods, making them angry.
2. He felt he might have been using his powers too carelessly, and the icons he was making were not exactly like those his father would have made.
3. He also considered if the clay he was using was short of its adhesive quality or if the weight of the trunk was too heavy for the clay mould to support.
Q6. Sulochana did not want to question him for his work. What is the reason behind this?
A6. Sulochana did not want to question him for his work because she knew he was one of the best image makers in the whole valley. She had often heard townsfolk praise his work, saying, "Gobinda Maharana's images; it's hard to find better work than his!" She nursed her pride in his excellent craftsmanship.
Q7. What thoughts did come to Sulochana's mind when the trunk broke again on the third day?
A7. When the trunk broke again on the third day, Sulochana thought that perhaps Gobinda was right about the gods being angry. However, she also considered that he might be growing older, and his hands and eyesight might not be as strong as before, affecting his work. She also secretly wondered if his "exorbitant" price for the idol had angered "the Unknown."
Q8. Do you think Gobinda Maharana had become old and his hands and eyes were not strong enough to prepare the day for the idol? Is there some supernatural power playing the trick? Let's read to find out.
A8. (This is a prompt to encourage reading further, not a question to be answered directly at this point. The story eventually reveals that neither old age nor supernatural power was the cause.)
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Answer the following questions (from page 105-106):
Q1. How old was Gobinda Maharana? Who were there in his family?
A1. Gobinda Maharana was sixty-one years old. His family included his wife Sulochana, an eldest son who had a wife and two children, a second son who was an apprentice in a paper mill, and a youngest son named Ranju.
Q2. Was Gobinda happy with his eldest son? How did he spend his day?
A2. No, Gobinda was not happy with his eldest son. His eldest son had turned out to be an irresponsible drifter who spent his days away from the house fishing idly for shrimp and carp in the Mahanadi.
Q3. List the changes that had come in the designing of the day figures?
A3. The changes that had come in the designing of the clay figures were:
1. Subtle changes in the designing of the clay figures.
2. Use of eye-catching new apparel.
3. Use of shades of luminous paint.
4. Endowing goddesses with slim and curved bodies.
Q4. Who was Ranju? What was his contribution to Gobinda's family?
A4. Ranju was Gobinda Maharana's youngest son, a mere thirteen-year-old. His contribution to Gobinda's family was that he alone among his three sons showed promise of taking up the ancestral profession of idol-making, thus restoring a measure of calm to his father's mind. He also actively helped his father in his work and observed things keenly.
Q5. Where was the idol placed? Why did Gobinda keep the idol there?
A5. The idol was placed to one side of the room, facing the grilled window set into the northern wall. Gobinda kept the idol there deliberately so that more light would be available for his work and the wet clay would dry up sooner, facing the draught of wind.
Q6. Why did Ranju request Gobinda to close the window?
A6. Ranju requested Gobinda to close the window because he noticed a draught coming from it. He implicitly suggested that the draught might be responsible for the trunk breaking.
Q7. Did Gobinda think that the wind was responsible for the breaking of the trunk?
A7. No, Gobinda did not think that the wind was responsible for the breaking of the trunk. He considered the possibility but decided, "Not the wind. It seems impossible," still leaning towards a supernatural explanation.
Q8. Who could be the destroyer – the wind, or the anger of the God? or the hands of the supernatural element? Section-I will solve the mystery.
A8. (This is another prompt to encourage reading. The mystery is solved in Section III, revealing the destroyer to be neither wind nor God's anger nor supernatural element, but a cat.)
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Answer the following questions (from page 108):
Q1. Why did Govinda tell his son to sit in the workroom?
A1. Gobinda told his son Ranju to sit in the workroom because he wanted to keep a vigil that night. He believed that sitting up and watching was the only way they would ever learn what was happening to the Ganesha idol's trunk.
Q2. Why did he choose that particular place to sit?
A2. He chose a dark corner about three metres from the window to sit because it would be the right spot for them to keep watch unnoticed. From there, they could observe the door, the window, and the image at the same time.
Q3. Was Ranju awake all through the night?
A3. No, Ranju was not awake all through the night. His initial excitement gave way to a cold weariness as the night progressed, and he eventually dozed off and slumped to the floor.
Q4. What was Gobinda thinking in darkness?
A4. In the darkness, Gobinda was thinking about the intruder they had imagined. He wondered where it was and if it was more likely an act of the supernatural, as nothing seemed to disturb the silence except a few mosquitoes. He was keen to any sound filtering into the room.
Q5. Who was the intruder? How was it coming into the room?
A5. The intruder was a cat. It was coming into the room by leaping from the open window, between two vertical bars, and landing on top of Ganesha's trunk.
Q6. Why did Govinda Maharana smile at the end?
A6. Gobinda Maharana smiled at the end because the mystery of the breaking trunk was finally solved. He realized that it was not due to God's anger or any supernatural power, but a simple, natural cause – a cat jumping on the trunk. This realization brought him immense relief and dispelled his fears.
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D. Let's write: Answer the following questions in about 50 words each.
Q1. Why was Govinda Maharana worried? What thought came to his mind?
A1. Gobinda Maharana was worried because the trunk of the large Ganesha idol he was making kept breaking every night for three consecutive days. This recurring incident made him gloomy and tense. He thought that perhaps he had no right to meddle with the private lives of gods, or that he was using his powers carelessly, leading to divine anger. He also considered if his clay was faulty or the trunk too heavy.
Q2. What were Sulochana's reaction to the breaking of the trunk?
A2. Sulochana looked at her husband with frightened eyes, sharing his distress. She thought he might be right about the gods' anger, but also considered that he was growing older and his hands and eyesight were weakening. She tried to comfort him by suggesting he was tired. Secretly, she wondered if his high price for the idol had angered some unknown power.
Q3. Why was she proud of her husband? How did she value her husband's work?
A3. Sulochana was proud of her husband because she knew he was one of the best image makers in the entire valley. She had often heard the townsfolk praise his work, considering it superior to others. She valued his work immensely, recognizing his exceptional craftsmanship and the respect he commanded in his profession.
Q4. Was Govinda Maharana superstitious? What proof do you get from the story?
A4. Yes, Gobinda Maharana was superstitious. Proof includes his belief that the glass slipping from his hand was a bad omen. He attributed the breaking trunk to gods' anger for his perceived meddling or carelessness, or to some "Unknown" power angered by his price. He initially dismissed Ranju's logical suggestion of wind, convinced it was supernatural.
Q5. Who helped Govinda in repairing the trunk? How did they differ in their point of view regarding the breaking of the trunk?
A5. Gobinda's youngest son, Ranju, helped him in repairing the trunk by clearing debris and bringing fresh clay. They differed in their point of view: Gobinda believed the breakage was due to supernatural anger or divine displeasure. Ranju, on the other hand, was more practical and suggested that the draught from the open window might be the cause.
Q6. Govinda Maharana thought of many reasons for the broken trunk. What are they?
A6. Gobinda Maharana thought of several reasons for the broken trunk:
1. He believed the gods were angry because he might have meddled with their private lives or used his powers carelessly.
2. He considered that the icons he was making were not as traditional as his father's.
3. He wondered if the clay lacked adhesive quality or if the trunk's weight was too much for the mould.
4. He also suspected that his "exorbitant" price for the idol might have angered "the Unknown."
Q7. How did Govinda solve the mystery? What did he find?
A7. Gobinda solved the mystery by deciding to keep a vigil with his son Ranju in the workroom one night. They hid in a dark corner and watched the idol, window, and door. During the vigil, he found that the "intruder" was a cat. He saw the cat leap from the open window and land directly on the Ganesha's trunk, causing it to break.
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E. Activity:
Q1. Discuss how the superstitions created problems in Govinda Maharana's life?
A1. Superstitions created significant problems in Gobinda Maharana's life. Firstly, they caused him immense mental distress, anxiety, and fear, making him gloomy and tense for three consecutive days. He blamed himself, believing he had angered the gods or was being punished for his perceived carelessness or greed. This self-blame affected his peace of mind and confidence in his craft. His superstitious beliefs prevented him from considering simple, logical explanations, such as the draught from the window, prolonging his suffering. It also led him to attribute a natural event to supernatural causes, highlighting how superstitions can cloud rational judgment and create unnecessary worry and confusion.
Q2. The traditional art of idol-making is dying. Discuss in the class and note down the reasons for the near extinction of this art.
A2. The traditional art of idol-making is indeed facing challenges and is on the verge of extinction in many places. Several reasons contribute to this:
1. Lack of Patronage and Demand: Modern tastes and changing religious practices sometimes lead to a decreased demand for traditionally crafted idols, especially when cheaper, mass-produced alternatives are available.
2. Economic Viability: Artisans often struggle to earn a sustainable livelihood from this art. The time, skill, and effort involved do not always translate into fair compensation, making it difficult to compete with cheaper, factory-made idols.
3. Loss of Traditional Skills: The younger generation is often reluctant to take up this demanding profession due to its low economic returns and the long, arduous apprenticeship required. This leads to a break in the generational transfer of skills and knowledge.
4. Availability of Raw Materials: Access to traditional, high-quality raw materials (like specific types of clay, natural paints) can become difficult or expensive.
5. Competition from Modern Materials and Techniques: The advent of plaster of Paris, synthetic paints, and machine-made molds allows for faster and cheaper production, though often at the cost of artistic integrity and environmental impact.
6. Changing Lifestyles and Urbanization: As societies urbanize, traditional crafts often lose their community support systems and market access.
7. Environmental Regulations: While necessary, some environmental regulations regarding the use of certain materials or disposal methods can also pose challenges for traditional artisans who might lack resources to adapt.
To preserve this art, there is a need for government support, promotion of traditional crafts, fair trade practices, and educational initiatives.
୪. ବୋର୍ଡ ପରୀକ୍ଷା ମାଷ୍ଟ୍ରି ଟିପ୍ସ ଓ ସାଧାରଣ ଭୁଲ୍ (Board Exam Tips & Pitfalls)
Board Exam Mastery Tips:
୧. Understand the Central Theme: The core message of the story is the triumph of rationality over superstition. Ensure you can articulate this theme clearly in your answers.
୨. Character Analysis: Pay close attention to the characters of Gobinda, Sulochana, and Ranju. Understand their motivations, perspectives, and how they contribute to the plot. Gobinda's transformation is key.
୩. Plot Sequence and Key Events: Remember the sequence of events: the recurring problem, Gobinda's initial theories, Sulochana's and Ranju's observations, the decision to keep vigil, and the final revelation.
୪. Vocabulary: Familiarize yourself with the words in the glossary and other important terms from the story. This will help in understanding questions and framing precise answers.
୫. Practice Short and Long Answers: The exercise section includes both short (1-2 sentences) and descriptive (around 50 words) questions. Practice writing concise and comprehensive answers for both types.
୬. Focus on Cause and Effect: Understand why Gobinda was worried, what caused the trunk to break, and how the mystery was solved.
୭. Read Between the Lines: The story subtly conveys messages about traditional art, family values, and the human tendency to fear the unknown. Try to grasp these underlying messages.
100/100 Scoring Secrets:
୧. Clarity and Precision: Write answers that are clear, to the point, and directly address the question asked. Avoid vague language.
୨. Textual Evidence: Where appropriate, support your answers with specific details or phrases from the story. For example, when discussing Gobinda's superstition, mention his fear of "meddling with gods" or his dismissal of "wind."
୩. Grammar and Spelling: Maintain excellent grammar, punctuation, and spelling. These are crucial for conveying your understanding effectively.
୪. Complete Answers: Ensure you answer all parts of a multi-part question.
୫. Demonstrate Understanding: Show that you have not just memorized facts but have understood the story's deeper meaning and its implications. For instance, explain why Gobinda smiled at the end, connecting it to his relief from superstition.
୬. Structured Responses: For longer answers, organize your thoughts logically with a clear introduction, body, and conclusion (if applicable).
Common Student Errors and Pitfalls:
୧. Misinterpreting Gobinda's Initial Beliefs: Some students might not fully grasp the depth of Gobinda's superstitious fear and might simplify his initial reactions. Emphasize his genuine belief in divine anger.
୨. Confusing Characters' Roles: Mixing up Sulochana's practical suggestions with Ranju's direct observation of the draught. Remember Sulochana's concern for his age and Ranju's specific observation about the window.
୩. Incomplete Explanation of the Resolution: Simply stating "a cat broke it" is not enough. Explain how the cat broke it (jumping from the window) and why this brought Gobinda relief (dispelling superstition).
୪. Ignoring the Theme: Failing to connect the story's events to the overarching theme of superstition versus rationality. This is a critical aspect of the story.
୫. Grammatical and Spelling Mistakes: Careless errors can lead to loss of marks, even if the content is correct. Proofread your answers.
୬. Not Answering "Why": Many questions ask "why." Students often describe what happened but fail to explain why it happened. Always address the "why" aspect.
୭. Overlooking Details: Missing small but significant details, like the fact that the Ganesha was "large" or that the incident happened for "three consecutive days," which adds to Gobinda's distress.
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(ନୋଟ୍ସ ପ୍ରସ୍ତୁତି: ଉତ୍କଳ ସ୍କିଲ୍ ସେଣ୍ଟର - BSE Odisha 100% Full Textbook Master Edition)
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