2.3.2 - A Different History by Sujata Bhatt

Book Back Questions

1. What are the main themes that run throughout the poem ‘A Different History’?

The main themes in the poem “A Different History” by Sujata Bhatt are the loss of language, culture, and identity after colonization. The poet feels bitter and sad because her mother tongue and Indian culture were affected by foreign rule. The poem shows how language can become the oppressor’s tool. Bhatt also speaks about the importance of books, which represent culture and knowledge. She explains Indian traditions of respecting books and Sarasvati, the goddess of learning. Another theme is cultural change, where new generations begin to love the “strange language” of the conquerors. Overall, the poem highlights cultural consequences and the pain of losing one’s roots.

2. Write your feelings as you read the poem ‘A Different History’.

As I read the poem “A Different History”, I felt sadness and bitterness. The poem shows how colonization caused the loss of Indian language and culture. The poet expresses pain because people slowly forgot their mother tongue. I also felt shocked when she asks rhetorical questions about language being an oppressor’s tongue. The poem made me think about how cultures are taken away by conquerors. At the same time, Bhatt shows respect for Indian traditions like treating books carefully and not disturbing Sarasvati. The ending lines about unborn grandchildren loving a strange language create a deep sense of uncertainty. The poem made me reflect on history and the importance of protecting our language and culture.

3. Write a critical appreciation of the poem.

The poem “A Different History” is written by Sujata Bhatt. It describes the sadness of losing language and culture after colonization in India. The poet uses enjambment to show the flow of ideas, and the tone changes from respectful to aggressive when she talks about oppression. There is no rhyme, which reflects the seriousness of the issue. Bhatt uses irony because she writes in English while crying for the loss of her mother tongue. Symbols like Sarasvati and Pan highlight religion and cultural transmission. Rhetorical questions express anger and confusion about history. The poem ends sadly with grandchildren loving the conqueror’s language, showing cultural change.

4. What is the poet’s attitude towards the grandchildren who learn to love the language of the oppressors?

The poet’s attitude towards the unborn grandchildren is sad and uncertain. She realizes that colonization has created a new generation who will grow up loving the “strange language” of the conquerors. This makes her feel bitter because it shows the loss of mother tongue and cultural identity. However, she also understands that no one can be fully blamed, as history forces such changes. The poet feels pain that even she writes in English, becoming part of this cultural shift. Her tone shows regret and sorrow, as the grandchildren represent the inevitable consequences of colonization and the beginning of a new era.

5. Explore the ideas in the poem ‘A Different History’ by Sujata Bhatt.

The poem explores ideas of history, culture, language, and colonization. Bhatt shows how foreign conquerors took away Indian language and traditions, causing deep sadness. She uses books as symbols of culture and knowledge and explains Indian customs of respecting books and Sarasvati. The poem also discusses how cultures move across the world, shown through Pan emigrating to India. Bhatt questions how language becomes the oppressor’s tongue through rhetorical questions. She describes colonization as cutting the soul of Indians, taking away their self-esteem. The final idea is cultural change, where unborn grandchildren accept and love the strange language, showing the lasting impact of colonization.