CHUTKYACHYA GOSHTI

Book Details

• ISBN: 9788184982251

• Edition: 10

• Publishing Year: January 1976

• Pages: 128

• Language: Marathi

• Category: Short Stories

• Publisher: Mehta Publishing House

• Binding: Paperback

About The Book

The opening story of this collection, "Maharaj," sets the tone for an exploration of human nature, trust, and deception. The narrative delves into the innocence and simplicity of rural Indians, who often fall prey to charm and charisma without questioning the true intentions behind it.

In the story, a man named Shiva is captivated by a wandering "Maharaj" who arrives in his village. Impressed by the Maharaj’s demeanor and apparent wisdom, Shiva welcomes him into his home. Word spreads quickly, and soon, the entire village turns to the Maharaj for guidance, seeking solutions to their personal problems. As time goes by, the villagers begin to revere him, seeing him as a spiritual leader.

However, the illusion shatters when a wrestler, one of the villagers, loses a match despite the Maharaj's assurances of victory. This loss triggers a realization that the Maharaj holds no real powers. The villagers, who have been deceived into believing his false promises, are left furious, as they discover they have been exploited for their money.

The villagers, in a frenzy fueled by mob mentality, march to Shiva’s house, determined to expose the Maharaj for what he truly is—a fraud. As tensions escalate, the question remains: will they be successful in unmasking the Maharaj’s deceit?

This story is a poignant commentary on the power of belief, the susceptibility of people to manipulation, and the dangers of blind faith. The other stories in this collection also explore themes of human folly, relationships, and the complexities of life, capturing the essence of both the noble and flawed aspects of human nature.