Mahesh – Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay
Today, a fitting story for these times. Written by the eminent 19th Century novelist Sharat Chandra Chattopadhyay, Mahesh narrates the tale of a rural Muslim family which, perhaps contrary to what prevalent stereotypes in the subcontinent would suggest, very much cares for its emaciated and weak ox, Mahesh. To the village landlord and his pious stooges, however, Mahesh is only a hungry menace which must be contained. As the story progresses against the background of a drought, things take a cruel and tragic turn, but as you read the story, ask yourself, who is the real villain here?
One might argue that the story is a rather one-sided depiction of reality, and perhaps they are right. But even so, it is a side that exists, and one that we must consider – if anything, that is what religion teaches us.
