Authors: Dr. Dipti Ranjan Maharana, Ms. Saraswati Murmu
Abstract: Arun Kolatkar, a prominent author in Indian English Poetry and a chief bi-lingual poet from Maharashtra, explores themes of faith and cultural identity in his work. The paper explores Arun Kolatkar’s literary contributions, focusing on his unique perspective of modernity through the interplay of myth, urbanization and cultural identity in works like ‘Jejuri’ and ‘Sarpa Satra’. It analyzes the tension between traditional mythological narratives and contemporary reality, highlighting Kolatkar’s critiques of religious authority and societal norms. By employing humour and irony, Kolatkar challenges ancient views and offers a nuanced understanding of spirituality in a rapidly changing world, thereby affirming his relevance in modern Indian Literature. His poetry ‘Jejuri’, reflects rich religious and cultural significance centered on the temple of Lord Khandoba. Through satire, Kolatkar critiques blind faith and the materialism of priests while articulating the collective devotion of diverse worshippers. His juxtaposition of modern skepticism against traditional belief highlights the complexities of belief in contemporary society. The paper also revisits myths from The Mahabharata in ‘Sarpa Satra’ to critique societal hypocrisy and the moral failings of rulers. It examines the use of poetry as a form of resistance, highlighting themes of identity, history and ecological loss. Kolatkar’s work serves as a poignant satire on the corrupt systems that undermine voices, drawing parallels between historical myth and contemporary issues such as violence and environmental degradation. Through this lens, the paper shows that Kolatkar’s reimagining of myth exposes the moral absence of power and existential threats posed by governance’s irrationalities
DOI: http://doi.org/
