A Different History, Sujata Bhatt, Analysis, Summary & Themes
A Different History, Sujata Bhatt, Analysis, Summary & Themes Sujata Bhatt’s poem "A Different History" explores the intricate interplay between
culture , language , and colonization , delving into themes of reverence, identity,
and historical trauma. Through evocative imagery, Bhatt portrays India as a land where the
sacred and the everyday coexist, emphasizing the deep respect for nature , knowledge ,
and spirituality . The poem juxtaposes this sanctity with the violent legacy of
colonialism , reflecting on the paradox of embracing a foreign language born out of oppression.
Bhatt’s work prompts readers to question how languages, once tools of conquest, can transform into
vessels of belonging and love for future generations, weaving together themes of survival, adaptation,
and cultural hybridity.
A Different History Poem Text
Great Pan is not dead;
he simply emigrated
to India.
Here, the gods roam freely,
disguised as snakes or monkeys;
every tree is sacred
and it is a sin
to be rude to a book.
It is a sin to sho…
