Ajamil and the Tigers

Felling of the Banyan Tree

The poem 'Felling of the Banyan Tree' by Dilip Chitre narrates the painful experience of witnessing the destruction of a large banyan tree near the poet's home. The poem begins with the poet recounting how his father ordered the tenants living in the houses surrounding their home on the hill to leave, and how these houses were demolished one by one. Only their own house and the trees remained. The grandmother's belief that trees are sacred and that felling them is a crime is introduced early, setting a tone of reverence towards nature. However, the father disregards this sentiment and orders the cutting down of all the trees around, including the sheoga, oudumber, and neem. The banyan tree, however, stands out as a significant problem due to its massive size and deep roots, symbolizing a connection deeper than human lives themselves. The poem vividly describes the physical attributes of the banyan tree: it was three times as tall as the house, with a trunk circumference of fifty feet, and scraggy aerial roots falling to the ground from heights of thirty feet or more. The process of cutting the tree is detailed, with branches being sawed off for seven days, creating a huge heap, and the disturbance causing insects and birds to abandon the tree. The climax is the chopping of the massive trunk by fifty men wielding axes, revealing the tree's age through its rings, which are described as a 'raw mythology' unfolding before the observers. The poem ends on a somber note with the family leaving Baroda for Bombay, a place with no trees except the one that 'grows and seethes in one's dreams,' symbolizing the lasting impact of the loss and the haunting memory of the tree. The poem is a powerful critique of environmental destruction and the loss of cultural and natural heritage, highlighting the conflict between modern development and nature. It uses vivid imagery and emotive language to evoke a sense of loss and mourning for the natural world.

• The poem narrates the destruction of a large banyan tree near the poet's home.
• Grandmother's belief that trees are sacred contrasts with the father's actions.
• The banyan tree symbolizes deep-rooted connections beyond human life.
• Detailed imagery of the tree's size and the process of its felling.
• The tree's rings reveal its age, described as 'raw mythology'.
• The poem ends with the family moving to a tree-less city, symbolizing loss.
• 📌 Banyan Tree: A large fig tree native to India, known for its extensive aerial roots and longevity.
• 📌 Scraggy: Thin, uneven, and rough in appearance, used to describe the aerial roots.
• 📌 Raw Mythology: The natural history and age of the tree revealed through its rings, symbolizing ancient stories.

About the Poet

Dilip Chitre (1938–2009) was a distinguished Indian poet, writer, and translator born in Baroda. He wrote poetry in both Marathi and English, bridging regional and national literary traditions. His notable work, 'Travelling in a Cage,' published in 1980, includes the poem 'Felling of the Banyan Tree.' Besides poetry, Chitre contributed significantly to short stories and critical essays. One of his important contributions is 'An Anthology of Marathi Poetry 1945–1965,' which showcases his translation skills and dedication to Marathi literature. Chitre viewed poetry as an expression of the human spirit, reflecting deep emotions and cultural identity. He lived and worked in Mumbai, where his literary influence extended across languages and genres. Understanding the poet's background helps readers appreciate the themes of loss, environmental concern, and cultural change in his poetry. His bilingual literary presence highlights the fusion of local and global perspectives, making his work relevant to diverse audiences.

• Born in Baroda in 1938, passed away in 2009.
• Wrote poetry in Marathi and English.
• 'Travelling in a Cage' (1980) includes 'Felling of the Banyan Tree'.
• Also wrote short stories and critical essays.
• Translated important Marathi poetry anthologies.
• Viewed poetry as an expression of the spirit.
• 📌 Translation: The process of rendering text from one language into another.
• 📌 Anthology: A collection of literary works chosen by the compiler.