Sujata Bhatt – A Different History
Sujata Bhatt’s “A Different History” is a powerful postcolonial poem from her collection Brunizem (1988). The poem explores the relationship between language, culture, colonialism, identity, and history. It reflects India’s ancient respect for knowledge while questioning how English — once a tool of oppression — has now become a language of Indian expression.
About the Poet – Sujata Bhatt
- Sujata Bhatt (b. 1956) – Indian poet, born in Ahmedabad, now living abroad.
- Known for postcolonial themes, identity, memory, migration, and multilingual heritage.
- Major works include Brunizem, The One Who Goes Away, Monkey Shadows.
Stanza-wise / Idea-wise Summary
Section 1 – Reverence for Books (Lines 1–12)
The poem begins by emphasizing India’s cultural respect for books and learning. In Indian tradition, a book is sacred; touching it with the foot or treating it casually is considered disrespectful. The poet mentions ancient Indian gods like **Saraswati**, the goddess of knowledge, implying that knowledge is holy. This shows how deeply Indian culture honours education and language.
Section 2 – Freedom of Thought (Lines 13–18)
The poet says India is a land where people can think freely. There is no restriction on imagination, beliefs, or intellectual exploration. The poem celebrates India’s spiritual openness and acceptance of ideas.
Section 3 – Entry of English Language (Lines 19–34)
Suddenly, the tone shifts. Bhatt questions how English — once the language of British colonisers — has now become widely spoken in India. She asks: How can the language of the oppressor become the mother tongue of the oppressed? She reflects on the pain of colonisation and linguistic domination. Yet, paradoxically, English is now internalized by Indians, used with fluency and authenticity.
Section 4 – Language as Survivor (Ending Lines)
The poem ends with the idea that languages travel, change, and survive. Even though English came with violence, it has now become a part of India’s cultural identity. Bhatt suggests that language itself is innocent — the misuse was done by people, not by words. She concludes that India can reclaim English and make it its own.
Main Themes
- Colonialism & Cultural Loss – English entered India through oppression.
- Language & Identity – Language shapes culture, memory, and selfhood.
- Respect for Knowledge – Indian traditions show deep reverence for books and learning.
- Irony of Language – The coloniser’s language becomes the colonised people’s voice.
- Multilingualism – Indian identity is layered with multiple languages.
Symbols
- Books – Knowledge, culture, sacredness.
- Goddess Saraswati – Divine protection of learning.
- English Language – Colonisation, transformation, and cultural change.
- Mother Tongue – Identity, belonging, emotional attachment.
Poetic Devices
- Free verse – No rhyme; natural speech flow.
- Imagery – Sacred book, goddesses, library scenes.
- Irony – Coloniser’s language becoming the native voice.
- Enjambment – Lines flow into one another, showing continuous thought.
- Rhetorical questions – “How can you forget…?” to provoke reflection.
Critical Analysis
- The poem blends Indian tradition with modern postcolonial issues.
- It questions whether language carries guilt for colonial crimes.
- Bhatt suggests India has transformed English into a new cultural tool.
- The poem shows the emotional conflict of bilingual identity.
- It raises larger questions about belonging, migration, and cultural memory.
Important Lines Explained
- “Great Pan is not dead; he simply emigrated to India.”
Indian culture embraces many gods and ideas — openness of traditions. - “Which language has not been the oppressor’s tool?”
Suggests that history is full of domination through language. - “The unborn grandchildren grow to love that strange language.”
English becomes natural for future generations. - “It is time to value the language for itself.”
Language is innocent; people misuse it.
Quick Revision Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Poet | Sujata Bhatt |
| Poem | A Different History |
| Collection | Brunizem (1988) |
| Genre | Postcolonial / Cultural Identity |
| Main Themes | Language, oppression, colonisation, identity |
| Symbols | Books, gods, mother tongue, English |
| Form | Free verse, reflective, rhetorical |
| Message | Language is shaped by history but can be reclaimed and made one’s own. |
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