Dikshita Bhuyan
In the realm of Indian English literature, Jayanta Mahapatra’s name stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring poets, a testament to the enduring power of words, and a reminder of the beauty that can be found in the quiet contemplation of life’s intricacies.
Poetry, one of the most powerful art forms portraying human experiences and emotions, transcends geographical boundaries and linguistic diversity. In the realm of Indian English poetry, Jayanta Mahapatra stands as a major voice among the second generation of modern poets whose works have been read widely.
Life and Works
Jayanta Mahapatra born in Cuttack, Odisha in 1928 was originally a Professor of Physics at Ravenshaw College. His early education was in his hometown, and he later pursued a degree in science at the prestigious Ravenshaw College and this scientific background played a major role to lend a unique perspective to his poetry. His poetic journey was unconventional as it was a gradual progression from a scientist to a poet. Jayanta Mahapatra and his poetry are closely identified with Cuttack, an ancient city in Odisha, near which the new capital of the state, Bhubaneswar, has been built. Mahapatra was born there, was educated there, taught there and lived there for all his life. There were brief stints out of Cuttack, as at Science College, Patna, where he got his MSc and frequent trips out of Odisha, especially when he was invited to various seminars and conferences both in India and abroad, as one of our leading Indian English poets. But Cuttack continues to be the haunting presence behind most of his work. The rich mosaic of Odiya culture, its traditions, and the stark realities of rural life in the region found expression in his poetry. Jayanta Mahapatra started writing poetry when he was about forty but this late advent into the poetic world further enabled him to capture the beauty of his homeland as well as the harsh realities of poverty and suffering. Mahapatra’s poetic canvas was a reflection of the world he observed, a world that was both strikingly beautiful and heartbreakingly harsh.
Jayanta Mahapatra’s literary journey took a significant turn when he transitioned from writing in Odia to writing in English. It was a turning point that would eventually establish him as one of the most influential Indian English poets of his time. His choice of the English language was not merely a linguistic shift but a conscious decision to reach a broader, global audience with his poetry. He has published many volumes of poetry within short span. In 1971, Mahapatra published his first collection of poems in English, titled Close the Sky Ten by Ten. This collection marked a defining moment in Indian English poetry, as it brought forth the unique and distinctive voice of a poet who would go on to leave an indelible mark on the literary landscape. The poems in this collection were characterized by their stark, raw imagery and a deeply philosophical undertone. They explored themes of existentialism, isolation, and the human condition. That same year, another collection, Svayamvara and Other Poems appeared. After a gap of five years, Mahapatra published two collections of poetry namely A Father’s Hours (1976) and the much-acclaimed A Rain of Rites (1976). After these, several collections have followed including Waiting (1979), The False Start (1980), Selected Poems (1987), Burden of Waves and Fruit (1988), Temple (1989), A Whiteness of Bone (1992). He has earned the honour to be the first Indian English poet to receive the Sahitya Academy Award for Relationship (1981), an epic poem in twelve sections that meditates on Odisha’s mythology and monuments.
Themes in Jayanta Mahapatra’s Poetry
One of the most distinctive features of Mahapatra’s poetry is its exploration of existentialism and the inherent sense of isolation in the human experience. His verses often delve into the inner recesses of the human psyche, questioning the purpose of life, the inevitability of death, and the fragility of human existence. In ‘A Father’s Hours’, he writes:
“The petals are as quiet as sand. The light came, and the sheen of moonstones Glowed on the pillows.”
These lines capture the subtle, contemplative nature of his poetry, where even the most mundane moments are imbued with a sense of profundity. Another prominent theme in Mahapatra’s work is the exploration of suffering and human agony. He often portrayed the harsh realities of life in Odisha, especially in rural areas. His poems shed light on the plight of the marginalized, the downtrodden, and the dispossessed. A Rain of Rites is a collection that vividly illustrates this aspect of his poetry. The poem ‘Dawn at Puri’ paints a poignant picture:
“In Puri, where gods return to die There the low folks do the muck and water work, And they do not sleep at all. In the rain they cover themselves With large leaves, To keep themselves dry.”
Mahapatra’s craftsmanship lies in his capacity to draw a sharp contrast between the sacred and the profane, the divine and the mundane. Mahapatra’s poetry often addresses the intricate relationship between humans and nature. He found inspiration in the natural world, and his verses frequently incorporated elements of nature to convey deeper emotions and philosophical insights. In ‘Hunger in the Air’, he writes:
“The snake lies coiled in the smallish, Nearly lost, garden. The leaves, in the dust, appear muddied.”
Here, nature is not merely a backdrop but an integral part of the narrative, presenting the emotional landscape of the human experience.
The Style of Jayanta Mahapatra’s Poetry
Jayanta Mahapatra was a very careful artist. He took the utmost pains in revising and polishing his poems. The beauty of his phrases, the subtleties of rhythm in the combination of the words and their evocative power compel the imagination of the reader to the mood which the poet seeks to produce. He wields words with precision and care, creating verses that are not only thought-provoking but also aesthetically pleasing. He often conveys profound ideas and emotions with a brevity and simplicity that is both remarkable and accessible. This economy of language allows readers to connect with the essence of his poetry, making it relatable and impactful. His use of imagery is both vivid and evocative. The interplay of light and shadow, the mingling of the temporal and the philosophical and the combing of science and spirituality are recurring motifs in his poetry.
Recognition and Influence
Jayanta Mahapatra’s contribution to the world of Indian English literature has been widely recognized and celebrated. He has received numerous accolades and awards, both in India and internationally. In 1981, he became the first Indian poet to receive the prestigious Jacob Glatstein Memorial Award from the Poetry Society of America. He has also been honored with the Sahitya Akademi Award, the highest literary recognition in India, for his outstanding contribution to Indian English poetry.
His poetry has been translated into multiple languages, allowing readers from diverse linguistic backgrounds to engage with his work. His global appeal is a testament to the universal themes he explores in his poetry, making it accessible and relevant to a broad spectrum of readers.
Jayanta Mahapatra’s influence on Indian English poetry is immeasurable. His work has paved the way for subsequent generations of poets, inspiring them to explore the intricacies of the human condition and the world around them. He is considered a pioneer in the field of Indian English literature, and his contributions have enriched the literary landscape of India.
The universality of his themes, combined with the lyrical beauty of his verses, has made Jayanta Mahapatra’s poetry a bridge between cultures. His ability to capture the essence of the human experience has allowed his work to transcend borders and appeal to a global audience. In a world where literature often reflects the unique cultural experiences of its creators, Mahapatra’s poetry manages to connect with readers from diverse backgrounds, serving as a testament to the common threads of humanity that bind us all.
Jayanta Mahapatra’s influence on contemporary Indian English poetry cannot be overstated. His introspective and contemplative style has inspired countless poets to delve deeper into the complexities of life, to question the nature of existence, and to express their insights through the art of words. He has set a high standard for poetic expression, encouraging aspiring poets to craft their verses with precision, depth, and an unwavering commitment to truth.
His dedication to both science and literature has contributed to a unique blend of rationality and emotion in his work. This synthesis of two apparently different worlds adds a layer of complexity to his poetry, allowing readers to engage with the intersection of the rational and the emotional in the human experience.
Conclusion
Jayanta Mahapatra has carved a niche for himself in the world of poetry through his poetic expression. His verses are profound reflections on life, death, suffering, and the human condition. His ability to transcend linguistic and cultural boundaries has made him an iconic figure in the realm of Indian English poetry. Mahapatra’s poetry is a journey into the heart of human existence. His poetry encourages us to delve into the profound questions that define our existence and to seek the extraordinary in the ordinary moments of life. In doing so, Jayanta Mahapatra’s work ensures that his voice resonates, not just across borders, but across the passage of the human soul.
In the realm of Indian English literature, Jayanta Mahapatra’s name stands as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring poets, a testament to the enduring power of words, and a reminder of the beauty that can be found in the quiet contemplation of life’s intricacies. His legacy continues to flourish, his verses continue to inspire, and his presence endures in the hearts and minds of those who have been touched by the profound beauty of his poetry.
Dr Dikshita Bhuyan is a young critic and poet and an Assistant Professor of English, Madhabdev University, North Lakhimpur, Assam.