BCA SEMESTER III
BASIC ENGLISH
UNIT-1. TEXT AND MEDIA TEXT
1. THE LIVING
MOUNTAIN – AMITAV GHOSH
1-Mark Questions and Answers
1.
Who is the author of “The Living Mountain”?
Ans: Amitav Ghosh.
2.
Who narrates the story “The Living Mountain”?
Ans: Maansi, a woman from a Himalayan village.
3.
What is the central symbol in the story?
Ans: The sacred mountain.
4.
What do the villagers call the mountain?
Ans: The Living Mountain.
5.
What do the villagers believe about the
mountain?
Ans: That it breathes, sleeps, and must not be climbed.
6.
Who are the ‘Dreamers’ in the story?
Ans: Outsiders like scientists and officials who want to climb the
mountain.
7.
What was the Dreamers’ plan?
Ans: To build a health resort on top of the mountain.
8.
Why did the villagers oppose the Dreamers?
Ans: They believed the mountain must not be disturbed.
9.
What natural disaster occurs in the story?
Ans: Storms, landslides, floods, and earthquakes.
10.
What does the mountain symbolize?
Ans: Nature’s power and response to human disrespect.
11.
What happened when the Dreamers climbed the
mountain?
Ans: The mountain ‘woke up’ and caused destruction.
12.
Name one outsider mentioned in the story.
Ans: Dr. Upen Debraj.
13.
What is the tone of the story?
Ans: Cautionary and serious.
14.
What is the setting of the story?
Ans: A Himalayan village.
15.
What is Maansi’s role in the story?
Ans: Narrator and survivor.
16.
Who built roads and brought machines to the
mountain?
Ans: The Dreamers.
17.
Why is the mountain called ‘living’?
Ans: Because it breathes and reacts like a living being.
18.
What is the main theme of the story?
Ans: Climate and environmental destruction.
19.
What happens to Maansi’s village in the end?
Ans: It is destroyed.
20.
What does Maansi want future generations to
do?
Ans: Respect and protect the mountain.
21.
What is an allegory?
Ans: A story with a hidden meaning. This story is an allegory for
climate change.
22.
What does Maansi warn the listeners about?
Ans: Not to disturb the mountain again.
23.
What did the Dreamers think of the villagers?
Ans: That they were superstitious and backward.
24.
How did nature warn the people?
Ans: Through changes in weather and environment.
25.
What genre is “The Living Mountain”?
Ans: Climate fiction (Cli-fi).
26.
What does the mountain provide to the
villagers?
Ans: Water, air, peace, and balance.
27.
Why did the Dreamers ignore the villagers?
Ans: They believed only in science and profit.
28.
What happens to the Dreamers?
Ans: Most of them die or disappear in the disaster.
29.
What role does tradition play in the story?
Ans: It protects the environment.
30.
What message does Ghosh give through the
story?
Ans: Respect nature or face destruction.
31.
Why did animals disappear before the
disaster?
Ans: It was a sign that nature was disturbed.
32.
What caused the disaster in the story?
Ans: Disrespect and destruction of the mountain.
33.
Who is Dr. Upen Debraj?
Ans: A scientist and leader
of the Dreamers.
34. What is the belief of
the villagers about the mountain?
Ans: That it is alive and must not be climbed.
35. What do the Dreamers
bring with them?
Ans: Roads, machines, and plans for development.
36. What is the reaction of
nature when the mountain is disturbed?
Ans: It causes natural disasters.
37. What does the story
warn us about?
Ans: The dangers of harming nature.
38. What is the story
mainly about?
Ans: The relationship between humans and nature.
39. Why is the mountain
important to the villagers?
Ans: It gives them life and peace.
40. What is the villagers'
belief based on?
Ans: Tradition and respect for nature.
41. Who survives the disaster?
Ans: Very few, including Maansi.
42. What happens to the
Dreamers' project?
Ans: It fails and is destroyed.
43. How does the mountain
show it is alive?
Ans: By reacting to human actions.
44. What kind of machines
did the Dreamers bring?
Ans: Bulldozers and equipment for building.
45. How did the villagers
warn the Dreamers?
Ans: By telling them the mountain should not be climbed.
46. What did the Dreamers
call the villagers' belief?
Ans: Superstition.
47. What is the first sign
of trouble in the story?
Ans: Changes in the weather.
48. How long had the
villagers lived in harmony with the mountain?
Ans: For many generations.
49. What does the
destruction in the story represent?
Ans: Nature’s revenge.
50. What happened to the
new buildings made by the Dreamers?
Ans: They were destroyed by the disaster.
51. What is the source of
water for the village?
Ans: The mountain.
52. What does Maansi say
about science?
Ans: It should work with nature, not against it.
53. What does the story
compare the mountain to?
Ans: A living being.
54. What does the story
teach us?
Ans: To protect and respect nature.
55. Why is the story called
“The Living Mountain”?
Ans: Because the mountain is treated as alive.
56. Who are the main
victims of the disaster?
Ans: The Dreamers and villagers.
57. How does the mountain
punish the intruders?
Ans: Through earthquakes, landslides, and floods.
58. What happens when
humans ignore traditional wisdom?
Ans: They face danger and loss.
59. What is the role of
greed in the story?
Ans: It leads to destruction.
60. What did the Dreamers
want to build?
Ans: A health resort.
61. Did the villagers
welcome the Dreamers?
Ans: No, they opposed them.
62. Why did the villagers
believe the mountain sleeps?
Ans: They felt it had a life force and rhythm.
63. Who warns the future
generations?
Ans: Maansi.
64. How does Amitav Ghosh
deliver the message?
Ans: Through a fictional, cautionary tale.
65. What happens to the
balance of nature in the story?
Ans: It is broken.
66. What caused the
mountain to "wake up"?
Ans: The Dreamers’ actions.
67. What happens to animals
in the story?
Ans: They vanish before the disaster.
68. What is the villagers'
way of life?
Ans: Simple, respectful, and nature-loving.
69. What is the narrator's tone
at the end?
Ans: Sad but full of warning.
70. Why is the story
important today?
Ans: Because it relates to climate change.
71. What literary device is
used in calling the mountain ‘alive’?
Ans: Personification.
72. What do the villagers
depend on?
Ans: The mountain and natural resources.
73. What do the machines
represent in the story?
Ans: Human interference.
74. Who is responsible for
the disaster?
Ans: The Dreamers.
75. What happens to the
trees on the mountain?
Ans: They are cut down.
76. How do villagers react
when disasters start?
Ans: With fear and sorrow.
77. What role does memory
play in the story?
Ans: Maansi remembers and tells the past.
78. What is the theme of
survival?
Ans: Only those who respect nature survive.
79. What was the Dreamers’
main goal?
Ans: Profit and development.
80. What does the narrator
hope people will learn?
Ans: To care for nature.
81. Why did the mountain
become angry?
Ans: Because it was disrespected.
82. What does the story
show about modern progress?
Ans: It can be harmful if not respectful.
83. What does Maansi think
of the past?
Ans: It was peaceful and safe.
84. What does the health
resort symbolize?
Ans: Greed and exploitation.
85. What did Maansi lose in
the disaster?
Ans: Her home and people.
86. What does Amitav Ghosh
criticize in the story?
Ans: Blind faith in development and science.
87. What is the lesson
about balance?
Ans: We must keep balance with nature.
88. What kind of weather is
described in the disaster?
Ans: Storms, heavy rain, and lightning.
89. Why is Maansi’s story
important?
Ans: It is a warning to others.
90. What are the two worlds
in conflict in the story?
Ans: Traditional vs. modern.
91. How does the story
describe nature?
Ans: As powerful and conscious.
92. How do villagers treat
the mountain?
Ans: With respect and devotion.
93. What does the story
connect nature with?
Ans: Spirituality and life.
94. What did the Dreamers
fail to understand?
Ans: The sacredness of the mountain.
95. What do the villagers’
beliefs protect?
Ans: The environment.
96. What kind of story is
this?
Ans: A warning tale.
97. How does Amitav Ghosh
use fiction?
Ans: To teach real-world climate lessons.
98. What was lost in the
disaster?
Ans: Lives, homes, and harmony.
99. What should humans
learn from the story?
Ans: To live in harmony with nature.
100. Why is “The Living
Mountain” relevant today?
Ans: Because it speaks about current environmental issues.
SHORT NOTES
1. Maansi – The Narrator
Maansi is the narrator of
the story “The Living Mountain.” She is an old woman from a Himalayan village.
She tells her story to a group of visitors who come from the plains. She grew
up in a peaceful village that lived close to nature. The villagers believed that
the mountain near them was alive—it breathed, slept, and should never be
disturbed. Maansi learned to respect the mountain and its powers. But one day,
a group of outsiders (called Dreamers) came to the village. They wanted to
climb the mountain and build a health resort. Maansi and the villagers tried to
stop them, but they were ignored. The Dreamers disturbed the mountain, and then
disaster followed—floods, landslides, and storms. Maansi survived, but most
others did not. She now tells her story to warn others. She wants future
generations to respect nature and never disturb the mountain again. Maansi
represents wisdom, tradition, and nature’s voice.
2. Symbolism of the
Mountain
The mountain in the story
is not just a large hill. It is a symbol of nature, power, and balance. The
villagers believe the mountain is alive. It breathes, and its sleep keeps the
environment peaceful. They call it the “Living Mountain” because they feel it
has feelings and life. The mountain gives them water, air, and protection. But
they also believe it should never be climbed or disturbed. This belief shows
their respect for nature. When outsiders come and try to build on the mountain,
they disturb its peace. In response, the mountain “wakes up” and creates
destruction—storms, floods, and earthquakes. The mountain symbolizes how nature
reacts when humans cross the limits. It is a warning that we should not treat
nature as lifeless. If we hurt it, we will suffer the consequences. The
mountain reminds us to live in harmony with the environment and not be greedy
or careless.
3. The Role of the Dreamers
The Dreamers in the story
are outsiders like scientists, planners, and officials. They come from the
plains with a plan to climb the mountain and build a health resort. They
believe that the air at the top of the mountain can cure diseases. They think
of themselves as educated and modern. But they do not respect the traditions or
beliefs of the villagers. The villagers warn them that the mountain must not be
disturbed, but the Dreamers laugh at them and call them superstitious. They
build roads and bring heavy machines. In doing so, they break the natural
balance of the mountain. The result is a terrible disaster—earthquakes, floods,
and landslides. Most of the Dreamers are killed. Their actions show the danger
of ignoring traditional knowledge and the environment. The Dreamers represent
modern people who are greedy and selfish. They only think about profit, not
about nature. The story teaches us to think before we act and to respect nature’s
limits.
4. Conflict Between
Tradition and Modernity
The story clearly shows a
conflict between tradition and modern thinking. The villagers follow old
customs. They respect the mountain, believing it is alive. They do not climb it
or cut its trees. This shows how traditional people live in balance with
nature. On the other hand, the Dreamers are modern thinkers. They come with
machines, plans, and science. They think they know better than the villagers.
They call the villagers backward and superstitious. They ignore all warnings
and disturb the mountain. As a result, nature reacts with disaster. The story
shows that tradition is not useless. It carries wisdom that protects both
humans and nature. Modern science is useful, but if it does not respect nature,
it can be dangerous. Amitav Ghosh gives a powerful message: We must respect
both tradition and science. If we ignore the wisdom of those who understand
nature, we will face destruction. Balance between old and new is important.
5. Environmental Message in
the Story
“The Living Mountain” gives
a strong environmental message. It warns us that if we disturb nature, we will
suffer. The mountain in the story is a symbol of nature. When the villagers
leave it alone, everything is peaceful. But when outsiders try to build on it,
disaster follows. The story shows how greedy humans destroy forests, rivers,
and land in the name of development. This story is not just about one
village—it is about the whole world. Today, we face many climate problems like
floods, droughts, and rising temperatures. This story tells us that nature has
limits. If we cross those limits, nature will fight back. It also teaches us to
listen to the people who know nature best—villagers, tribal people, and forest
dwellers. They have lived with nature for centuries and understand how to care
for it. Amitav Ghosh uses this story to ask us to change our ways before it is
too late.
6. Role of Nature in the
Story
In “The Living Mountain,”
nature plays the most powerful role. Nature is not silent or weak. It is alive,
strong, and watches everything. The mountain is shown as breathing and
sleeping. When the villagers respect it, the environment stays calm. But when
the Dreamers disturb the mountain by cutting trees and digging roads, nature gets
angry. At first, small signs appear—animals vanish, air becomes strange. Later,
bigger disasters happen—earthquakes, landslides, and floods. This shows that
nature warns before it acts. Nature protects us, gives us food and water, but
it also punishes us when we become greedy. The story teaches that nature must
be treated like a living being. It is not there to be used as we like. If we
disturb the balance of nature, we invite disaster. The story is a warning: live
with nature, not against it. Otherwise, we may not survive the destruction.
7. The Mountain’s
Destruction and Aftermath
When the Dreamers climb the
mountain and begin building, the peaceful balance is broken. Despite warnings
from the villagers, they dig roads and bring machines. This disturbs the
mountain’s “sleep.” Soon, strange things happen—birds fly away, weather
changes, and animals vanish. Then, the destruction begins. The mountain seems
to “wake up.” Earthquakes, floods, and landslides follow. Whole villages
disappear. Even the Dreamers who thought they were powerful are killed. Only a
few survive. Maansi, the narrator, loses almost everything but lives to tell
the story. The destruction is not just physical—it also breaks the spirit of
the people. The story reminds us that once nature is destroyed, it cannot be
easily restored. The villagers respected the mountain, but others did not. That
caused disaster. The story teaches us that ignoring nature’s warning signs
leads to great loss. We must protect natural places before they are gone forever.
8. Importance of Listening
to Local People
In the story, the villagers
know the mountain well. They have lived beside it for centuries. They know when
the wind changes, when the animals act strangely, and what signs mean danger.
But when the Dreamers come, they ignore the villagers’ knowledge. They say it
is foolish or unscientific. They trust only their machines and research. But in
the end, the villagers were right. The mountain did react. Disaster followed.
This shows the importance of listening to local and traditional knowledge.
People who live close to nature understand it deeply. Scientists and outsiders
must respect their views. Often, traditional beliefs have a reason behind them.
They protect the land and keep life balanced. The story warns us that if we
ignore such wisdom, we will face destruction. We must learn to listen and
include local people in planning and development. They are not backward—they
are wise.
9. The Story as a Warning
for the Future
Maansi tells her story as a
warning to future generations. She says the mountain is still there and still
breathing. It is calm now, but if disturbed again, it will destroy again. She
does not just talk about her past. She wants her story to stop people from
repeating the same mistake. This is a message for all of us. Around the world,
people are cutting forests, building on mountains, and polluting rivers. The
story is a signal that we must stop. Maansi’s words are full of sadness, but
also of hope. She hopes people will learn. The story shows that even when
disaster happens, we can still choose to change. The warning is clear: respect
nature, or nature will fight back. We must remember the story of Maansi and her
mountain whenever we plan something new. The future depends on the lessons we learn
today.
10. The Story’s Relevance
Today
“The Living Mountain” is
very relevant today. In the world, we are seeing the same events that happen in
the story—floods, earthquakes, and forest loss. Just like the Dreamers, people
today are rushing to develop land without thinking. Forests are being cut for
roads, hills are being blasted for buildings, and mountains are being mined.
All this leads to natural disasters. The story reminds us that nature is not
just a resource—it is alive. We must live with it, not above it. The villagers
in the story teach us how to live in harmony. Their wisdom is simple but
powerful. If we follow their example, we can save our planet. Amitav Ghosh uses
this story to open our eyes. It is not just a tale—it is a call to action. He
wants us to change our thinking and behavior. That makes the story very
important in today’s world.
LONG ANSWERS
1.
Explain the character of Maansi in the story.
Ans:
Maansi is the narrator and central character in The Living Mountain. She belongs
to a Himalayan village where the people live in harmony with nature. From
childhood, she is taught to respect the mountain, which they believe is alive.
She grows up understanding that the mountain must never be climbed or
disturbed. When outsiders arrive and begin to explore and plan to build a
health resort, Maansi and the villagers try to stop them. However, the
outsiders ignore their warnings. When the mountain is disturbed, disaster
follows—earthquakes, floods, and destruction. Maansi survives but sees her
village and people destroyed. Now old, she shares her story with others to warn
them never to disrespect nature again. She symbolizes wisdom, tradition, and
the voice of nature. Through her, Amitav Ghosh gives a strong environmental message.
Maansi’s role is vital as she helps readers understand the sacredness of nature
and the dangers of modern greed.
2. Describe the
significance of the Living Mountain.
Ans: The Living Mountain is
the central symbol in the story. It is not just a piece of land; it is treated
as a living being by the villagers. They believe the mountain breathes, sleeps,
and watches over them. Its breath brings the wind, and its sleep maintains the
balance of the natural world. The villagers call it sacred and say it must not
be disturbed or climbed.
This belief shows the deep
respect the people have for nature. To them, nature is alive and powerful. But
when the Dreamers — outsiders like scientists and officials — arrive, they
ignore this wisdom. They treat the mountain like a project, something to be
explored and built upon. They do not understand that disturbing the mountain
means waking it from its sleep.
When the Dreamers build on
the mountain, nature responds with disaster — landslides, floods, and
destruction. The mountain, as a symbol of nature, punishes those who
disrespected it. The story teaches us that nature is not passive. If it is
harmed, it will react. The Living Mountain reminds us that the Earth is alive,
and we must treat it with care and humility.
3. Write a character sketch
of the Dreamers.
Ans: The Dreamers are the
group of outsiders who come to the village from the plains. They include
scientists, government officials, and researchers. Their main goal is to climb
the sacred mountain and build a health resort on top of it. They believe that
the mountain air can cure diseases and help people in polluted cities.
The Dreamers are educated
and modern. However, they lack respect for nature and for the traditional
knowledge of the villagers. They call the villagers “superstitious” and believe
that their own science is more advanced. They are driven by ambition, fame, and
the idea of progress. Some of them include Dr. Upen Debraj, Devjani
Dutt, and Shri Marwa.
Even though the villagers
warn them not to climb the mountain, the Dreamers ignore all warnings. They
disturb the natural balance and face disaster. In the end, most of them are
destroyed by the very force they thought they could control.
The Dreamers symbolize
modern society’s greed and ignorance toward nature.
4. What role does nature
play in the story?
Ans: In The Living Mountain, nature is not
just the background—it is the most powerful force in the story. Nature is shown
as a living entity, especially through the sacred mountain. The mountain is
believed to breathe and sleep, and its presence ensures balance in the
environment.
Nature is peaceful when
respected. The villagers live in harmony with it. They never climb the mountain
or disturb it. However, when outsiders arrive and try to use nature for their
benefit, the situation changes. As the Dreamers climb the mountain and build
roads, nature begins to react.
First, animals disappear.
The weather becomes strange. Finally, nature responds with full force —
earthquakes, storms, landslides, and floods. This shows that nature has limits.
It can stay calm for years, but if disturbed, it will strike back.
The story teaches us that
nature has the power to protect but also the power to destroy. It must be
respected and protected.
5. What is the central
message of the story “The Living Mountain”?
Ans: The central message of
The Living Mountain is that nature is powerful, sacred, and must be
respected. Amitav Ghosh warns readers about the dangers of greed, blind
development, and ignoring traditional wisdom.
The story shows a village
where people live peacefully with nature. They treat the mountain as a living
being. But when modern outsiders arrive, they disrespect the local beliefs and
disturb the mountain for their own profit. This leads to destruction.
The story is also a climate warning. It tells us that the
Earth is reacting to human actions — like deforestation, pollution, and
overbuilding. Disasters like floods, earthquakes, and storms are signs that
nature is fighting back.
Another message is the
value of indigenous knowledge.
The villagers knew the land deeply and tried to protect it. But they were
ignored. The story urges us to listen to such voices before it’s too late.
6. Describe the conflict
between traditional knowledge and modern science.
Ans: In The Living Mountain, there is a
strong conflict between traditional knowledge and modern science.
The villagers, like Maansi’s family, believe the mountain is alive. They have
lived with this belief for generations. They know the forest, the river, and
the air. Their wisdom is based on experience and respect for nature.
On the other side, the
Dreamers represent modern science and technology. They believe in measurement,
construction, and development. They think the villagers are backward and
superstitious. They plan to climb the mountain and build a resort to help city
people.
The conflict becomes serious
when the Dreamers ignore the villagers’ warnings and begin disturbing the
mountain. This results in natural disaster. The story shows that ignoring
traditional knowledge can lead to danger. Both science and tradition are
important, but if science does not respect nature, it becomes harmful.
7. How does the story warn
us about climate change?
Ans:
The Living Mountain is
a strong warning about climate change and environmental destruction. The
mountain in the story is a symbol of nature. When left alone, it keeps the
environment balanced. But when disturbed, it becomes dangerous.
The Dreamers in the story
represent modern development — industries, buildings, and pollution. They want
to use the mountain for profit. They ignore the signs that nature gives and do
not listen to the people who know the land.
As a result, the mountain
responds with violent weather, floods, landslides, and deaths. This is similar
to how Earth is reacting today — with rising temperatures, melting glaciers,
extreme storms, and wildfires. The story warns us that nature has limits. If we
continue to destroy it, we will not survive the consequences.
Ghosh uses storytelling to
give a serious climate message: Respect
the planet or face disaster.
8. How is the story an
allegory? Explain with examples.
Ans: An allegory is
a story where characters, events, and settings have deeper meanings. The Living Mountain is an allegory
for climate change and environmental destruction.
The mountain represents Mother Nature. The villagers represent
indigenous communities who live
in harmony with nature. The Dreamers represent modern society, driven by ambition, science, and greed.
When the Dreamers try to
climb the mountain and build a health resort, they are not just disturbing a
place — they are disrupting the balance
of nature. The disaster that follows — earthquakes, floods, and
landslides — represents how nature punishes those who abuse it.
The story is not just about
one village. It is a message for the whole world. It shows how ignoring warnings
and damaging the environment leads to destruction. It teaches that nature is
alive, powerful, and must be respected.
So, the entire story works
as an allegory for today’s environmental crisis.
9. How does Amitav Ghosh
use storytelling to deliver an environmental message?
Ans: Amitav Ghosh uses the
format of a folk tale or oral story to give a strong environmental warning.
Instead of using statistics or reports, he creates a story that is easy to
understand and emotionally powerful.
The story is told by Maansi, an old woman from a Himalayan
village. She tells her personal story to visitors from the plains. Through her
words, we learn how her peaceful land was destroyed by outsiders who did not
respect nature.
This style of storytelling
is effective because it uses emotions, characters, and imagery. Readers can
imagine the beautiful mountain, feel the warnings, and understand the disaster.
The use of traditional beliefs and folk knowledge helps readers connect with
the story.
Ghosh shows that storytelling is a powerful way to teach.
He does not preach; instead, he shows what happens when people ignore nature.
This makes his environmental message clear and strong.
10. What is the relevance
of “The Living Mountain” in today’s world?
Ans:
The Living Mountain is
very relevant in today’s world. All over the globe, we are seeing the effects
of climate change — floods,
fires, melting glaciers, and extreme weather. The story shows exactly what
happens when people disrespect nature
and act only out of greed.
In many places, big
projects are built without thinking about their impact on the environment. Just
like the Dreamers in the story, many people today believe that science and
progress are more important than tradition and nature.
The story reminds us that
nature is not lifeless. It is alive and has the power to destroy when it is
harmed. Maansi’s voice speaks not just for her village, but for the entire
world. Her warning is a call to action.
The story urges us to
listen to the wisdom of people who understand nature, protect forests and
rivers, and think before we build. Its message is more important today than
ever.
BOOK REVIEW: THE LIVING
MOUNTAIN BY AMITAV GHOSH
Author: Amitav Ghosh
Genre: Fiction (with environmental and philosophical themes)
Published in: 2022
Main Theme: Climate change, environmental destruction, and human greed
The
Living Mountain by
Amitav Ghosh is a short but
powerful story that teaches us an important lesson about nature. The story is
told like a fable (a moral story), and it carries a strong message about the
relationship between humans and the environment. Ghosh uses a fictional
Himalayan village and a wise narrator to speak about real-world problems like
climate change and human greed.
The main character is an
old woman named Maansi, who
tells the story from her memory. She belonged to a peaceful village near a tall
mountain. The people in the village believed that the mountain was alive—they
called it the “Living Mountain.” It breathed, slept, and gave them clean air,
water, and balance. The villagers lived simply and never disturbed the
mountain. They treated it with great respect and believed it should never be
climbed or built on.
However, one day, a group
of outsiders arrived. Maansi calls them the Dreamers. These Dreamers were scientists, officials, and modern
planners who believed that the air on top of the mountain could cure diseases.
They planned to build a health resort at the top. The villagers warned them not
to disturb the mountain, but the Dreamers laughed at their beliefs. They
brought machines, cut trees, and dug roads into the mountain. This woke up the
mountain. After that, terrible disasters followed—floods, landslides,
earthquakes, and storms. Most people, including the Dreamers, were killed.
Maansi survived and now tells her story as a warning.
The story is very short but
filled with deep meaning. Ghosh uses simple language and a strong message to
show the dangers of ignoring nature. The mountain in the story represents nature itself. It shows how human
activities like deforestation, overdevelopment, and pollution can disturb the
balance of the environment. Nature is not weak—if disturbed too much, it reacts
with powerful destruction. The story also shows the importance of traditional knowledge. The villagers may not be
educated in science, but they understand nature much better than outsiders.
Ghosh’s writing style is
poetic, meaningful, and clear. Though the story is fictional, it is deeply
connected to real problems faced by people around the world today—especially
climate change. The story can be read by students, teachers, and anyone who
cares about the future of the Earth.
In conclusion, The Living Mountain is a strong
reminder that we must respect nature.
If we treat the Earth as a machine or a resource to be used, we will face
serious consequences. The story teaches that nature is alive, and we must live
in harmony with it. Amitav Ghosh has given us a meaningful and urgent message
through this short tale.
Rating: ★★★★★ (5/5)
Best for: Students, environmentalists, teachers, and thoughtful readers
The Living Mountain -
Summary
“The Living Mountain” is a short and
powerful story written by Amitav Ghosh, an Indian author known for writing about
nature, climate change, and the relationship between humans and the
environment. This story is a work of climate fiction, which means it
talks about the impact of human activities on nature in the form of a fictional
tale. Through this story, Ghosh sends a clear warning to humanity: if we do not
respect nature, it will rise against us. The story is deeply symbolic and
carries strong messages about greed, colonization, modernization, and the
destruction of the environment.
The
story is written in the form of a first-person narrative, told by an old woman from a Himalayan
village. She shares the events from her childhood to a group of
visitors. Her story revolves around a mighty mountain near her village,
which the villagers call “The Living Mountain.” The mountain is considered sacred,
powerful, and alive. It is not an ordinary rock; instead, it is believed to
breathe, rest, and watch over the people. For generations, no one has dared to
climb it. It is respected, loved, and feared. The people of the village have
always lived peacefully under its shadow, following the traditional ways of
their ancestors.
The
villagers live a simple life, deeply connected with nature. They believe in old
customs, treat the mountain with reverence, and consider themselves its
children. The narrator, as a child, grows up hearing that the mountain must
never be climbed. She feels a strong connection to it. Her people believe that
disturbing the mountain would awaken it in anger. For them, the mountain gives
life—it gives water, fresh air, and balance to the land. They also believe that
if the mountain’s rest is disturbed, disaster will come.
One
day, the peaceful life of the village is disturbed when strangers from the plains
arrive. These strangers are scientists, anthropologists, officials, and planners.
They are curious about the village and surprised to learn that no one has ever
climbed the mountain. The villagers try to explain that it is a sacred place and
must be left alone, but the outsiders do not understand. They laugh at the
villagers’ beliefs and call them superstitious and ignorant.
The scientists begin studying the area and planning to explore and climb the
mountain. They call themselves “Dreamers”, believing they
are on a mission to bring modern progress and benefit to the region.
Soon,
the Dreamers have a new idea—they want to build a health resort
on top of the mountain. They believe the clean air and peaceful environment
will help people from the cities recover from illness. To them, the mountain is
not sacred; it is a place full of economic opportunities. The narrator
explains how all these outsiders started having the same dream—climbing
the mountain and building something there. The villagers continue to resist,
but their voices are ignored. The officials begin bringing equipment, workers,
and plans to start the climb and the construction.
As
soon as the project begins, nature starts sending signs. Strange things happen. The
animals begin disappearing from the forests. The river’s flow becomes
unpredictable. The air feels heavy. The narrator, still a child, feels the
difference. The mountain, which was always peaceful, now feels disturbed and
angry. But the Dreamers do not stop. They go ahead with climbing the mountain
and even start blasting and digging the rocks. The narrator’s father tells her
not to speak against them, warning that they are powerful people. She is filled
with fear and sadness.
Finally,
when the Dreamers reach the top of the mountain and begin building, disaster strikes.
The mountain begins to breathe heavily—symbolizing nature’s anger. This
breathing takes the form of violent storms, earthquakes, floods, and landslides. The
river changes course, swallowing houses and fields. The land cracks. The air
becomes unbearable. Many people, including the Dreamers, are killed or
disappear. The narrator survives, but her village is destroyed. She sees
firsthand how the mountain, once a protector, has now become a destroyer
because it was disrespected.
After
the disaster, only a few people remain. The narrator understands that her
elders were right all along. The mountain was alive and had punished those who
had disturbed its rest. She now tells her story to anyone who will listen, especially
those from the plains, to warn them not to repeat the same mistake. She becomes the
voice of wisdom, trying to protect what little is left.
Through
this powerful story, Ghosh uses allegory and symbolism to send a
message about today’s environmental crisis. The Living Mountain represents
not just one mountain but the whole Earth. The Dreamers
represent modern industries, corporations, colonizers, and governments that
ignore traditional knowledge and destroy the environment in the name of development and progress.
The villagers
stand for indigenous people and traditional communities who live in harmony
with nature and understand its rhythms. The story shows how ancient beliefs and
traditions, often dismissed as superstitions, actually carry
deep ecological wisdom.
One
of the central themes of the story is the conflict between traditional ecological
knowledge and modern scientific arrogance. The Dreamers think
they know better, even though they are outsiders with little understanding of
the local culture or environment. They believe they are improving the world,
but in truth, they are bringing destruction. This mirrors how today’s
development projects, such as dam constructions, mining, and deforestation, are
carried out without caring for the land or its people.
Another
important theme is the danger of human greed. The Dreamers want to build a
health resort not because the local people need it, but because they see profit and fame.
Their greed blinds them to the warnings of nature. Ghosh warns that unless
humanity learns to limit its desires, the earth will eventually strike back.
This is exactly what is happening in the real world today—with rising
temperatures, floods, wildfires, and other climate disasters.
The
story also highlights the idea that nature is not dead or silent. In the
tale, the mountain breathes, feels, and reacts. Ghosh presents nature as a living force,
with its own rights and powers. He challenges the idea that humans are the
masters of nature and suggests that we are only a small part of a much larger
and more powerful system.
In
conclusion, The
Living Mountain is a moving and thought-provoking story. It
combines simple storytelling with deep messages about climate change, respect
for nature, and the need to listen to traditional wisdom. Amitav Ghosh uses the
story to remind us that if we continue to treat nature as a lifeless object, we
will face destruction. The mountain is both a warning and a symbol of hope—if
we respect it, it will protect us; if we harm it, it will punish us. The story
is a call to action for all of us to live in balance with nature, before
it is too late.
THE LIVING MOUNTAIN –
DETAILED EXPLANATION
Author: Amitav Ghosh
Genre: Allegorical short story / climate fiction
Theme: Environmental destruction, greed, colonialism, and ecological
wisdom
Introduction
The
Living Mountain by
Amitav Ghosh is a short but
powerful story that presents a strong message about human greed and the consequences
of destroying nature. It is written in the form of a first-person narrative, told by an old
woman from a Himalayan village. She tells the story to visitors from the
plains, warning them about a sacred mountain and the disasters that followed
when people ignored its sanctity.
The story is symbolic,
meaning the characters and events represent bigger ideas. It is an allegory that talks about climate change, environmental destruction, and the
loss of traditional ecological
knowledge due to modern development and exploitation.
Setting
of the Story
The story takes place in a remote Himalayan village surrounded by
a tall, mysterious mountain. The villagers live peacefully in harmony with
nature. The mountain is treated with respect
and devotion—it is considered a sacred,
living being, and the people follow age-old traditions to protect it.
Main
Characters
1. The Narrator (Old Woman):
She tells the story from her own childhood experience. She represents the wisdom of indigenous people who live
close to nature and understand its language.
2. The Living Mountain:
Not just a geographical feature, but a conscious being in the story. It
breathes, feels, and warns humans when its balance is disturbed.
3. The Anthropologists
(Scientists from the Plains):
Outsiders who come to study the mountain and villagers. They represent modern science, which often ignores
traditional beliefs and causes harm while trying to control nature.
4. The Dreamers:
The scientists or officials who had a dream to climb the mountain and turn it
into a health resort. They represent the greedy developers or corporate
planners.
The
Storyline
1.
A Peaceful Life in the Shadow of the Mountain
The narrator begins by
describing the simple and happy life
in her childhood village. The villagers had a deep connection with the
mountain. It was not climbed, not touched, and was considered holy. People
believed the mountain was alive—it was The
Living Mountain. They said it breathed, and when it exhaled, clouds
would form around its peak. The mountain gave them water, clean air, and good
weather. Everyone respected it and lived by the rules passed down for
generations.
2.
Arrival of Outsiders
One day, people from the plains came to the village. They were
scientists, anthropologists, and officials. They were curious and surprised to
see that the mountain had never been climbed. They could not understand why the
villagers were afraid to go near it. To them, it was just another mountain to
explore and study.
They began asking questions
and taking notes. They dismissed the villagers' beliefs as superstitions. The villagers warned
them that the mountain should be left alone, but the scientists didn’t listen.
3.
The Dream to Climb the Mountain
After some time, the
scientists and planners had a dream:
to build a health resort on top
of the mountain. They believed that the air was pure, and it would be perfect
for people from polluted cities. They called themselves "Dreamers"
and said they were working for the benefit of humanity.
The narrator refers to this
as a “shared dream” among them.
They believed they were improving the world by developing untouched nature.
4.
The Mountain’s Warning
As soon as preparations to
climb the mountain began, strange things started happening. Animals disappeared
from the forest. The air felt heavy. The weather changed. The mountain, in its
way, was sending warnings to
stop. But the outsiders ignored all signs. They brought machines, started
building roads, and began climbing the sacred peak.
The villagers were
helpless. Their protests were mocked. They were told they were backward and
afraid of progress. The narrator’s own parents told her to keep quiet and not
speak against powerful people.
5.
The Disaster
The
moment the people reached the top of the mountain and began construction, disaster struck. The mountain breathed heavily, causing strong
winds, storms, and earthquakes. The river changed its path. The land cracked
open. The village was destroyed. Many people, including the Dreamers, were
killed or disappeared. The mountain had responded to the disrespect shown to it.
The
narrator was one of the few survivors. She had always felt a connection to the
mountain. After the disaster, she realized that everything the elders had said
was true. The mountain was indeed alive and had punished those who tried to
harm it.
Themes
and Messages
1.
Nature is Sacred
The main message of the
story is that nature is not just a
resource to use. It is alive, conscious,
and must be respected. The villagers understood this, but the outsiders, with
their modern mindset, only saw the mountain as a place to develop and profit
from.
2.
Traditional Knowledge vs Modern Science
The story shows the conflict between traditional wisdom
(folk beliefs, stories, respect for nature) and modern science and development. While the scientists had education
and equipment, they lacked respect for local knowledge and beliefs. This led to
destruction.
3.
The Dangers of Greed
The desire to exploit the
mountain for a health resort symbolizes corporate
greed and unchecked development.
In their hunger for profit, the Dreamers ignored all warnings, causing a major
ecological disaster.
4.
Environmental Destruction
Ghosh uses the story to send
a climate warning. Just like the
mountain reacted to harm, our planet is reacting to human actions today—through
floods, heat waves, forest fires, and
rising sea levels. If humans don’t stop exploiting nature, more such
disasters will follow.
Symbolism
in the Story
- The Living Mountain: Nature itself, or the Earth as a living being.
- The Dreamers: Modern developers, corporate powers, or colonial
explorers.
- The Disaster: A metaphor for climate change and natural disasters
caused by human actions.
- The Villagers: Indigenous people and their traditional wisdom.
Conclusion
The
Living Mountain is
not just a story—it is a warning.
Amitav Ghosh uses a simple tale to highlight a deep truth: If we do not respect nature, it will not
forgive us. The mountain is symbolic of Earth itself—powerful, generous,
but also capable of destruction when crossed.
The story urges readers to
reflect on the choices humanity is making. Should we continue building over
forests, rivers, and sacred lands? Or should we listen to the wisdom of the
past and live in harmony with nature?
In the end, the narrator’s
voice is a call to all of us—to remember
the price of greed and to treat
nature with love, respect, and care before it is too late.
SUMMARY WITH CHARACTER
NAMES
“The
Living Mountain” is
a short story by Amitav Ghosh,
written during the COVID-19 pandemic and published in 2021. It is a work of climate fiction (cli-fi) that
highlights the urgent need to respect and preserve nature. Through a powerful
and symbolic tale, Ghosh warns us about the consequences of human greed,
ignorance, and disrespect toward the environment.
The story is narrated by a
woman named Maansi, who comes
from a remote Himalayan village.
She is an old woman now, but she shares her memories from childhood to warn the
listeners — mostly visitors from the plains — about the destruction of her once
peaceful homeland. Her account is both a personal story and a broader warning about how modern development
can destroy nature.
Maansi
(Narrator and Survivor)
Maansi is the central
character and narrator. She was born in a quiet Himalayan village where the
people lived in complete harmony with nature. The village was surrounded by
forests, rivers, and most importantly, a towering sacred mountain that the
villagers called The Living Mountain.
For Maansi and her people, the mountain was not just a piece of rock. It was
alive — it breathed, it rested, and it watched over the land. They believed the
mountain must never be climbed,
disturbed, or disrespected.
Maansi describes how the mountain's breathing created the wind,
and its sleep ensured the balance of nature. The elders believed that if the
mountain was awakened from its rest, it would unleash its wrath. These beliefs
formed the core of their relationship with nature.
The
Dreamers (Outsiders from the Plains)
One day, a group of
outsiders arrived from the plains. These included scientists, anthropologists, officials, and planners. They were
amazed to learn that the tall mountain had never been climbed. They thought this was absurd and believed the
villagers were backward and superstitious. These outsiders referred to
themselves as “The Dreamers.”
They thought they were visionaries who could bring progress, science, and
development to the region.
The Dreamers were fascinated
by the idea of exploring and climbing the mountain. They ignored the villagers’
warnings and believed that building modern facilities on top of the mountain
would benefit people from polluted cities. They planned to construct a health resort on the summit, believing
that the pure air and peaceful environment would heal sick people. Some
important Dreamers mentioned in the story include:
- Dr. Upen Debraj – A scientist and leader among the Dreamers.
- Shri Marwa – A government officer who supports the idea of
building the resort.
- Devjani Dutt – An anthropologist who studies the villagers but
ignores their warnings.
Conflict
Between the Villagers and Dreamers
The villagers, including
Maansi’s family and elders, were strongly against the plan. They tried to
explain that the mountain was sacred and alive. They said it should be left
untouched. But the Dreamers dismissed these beliefs as old-fashioned. They
considered their modern ideas more important than the villagers’ traditions.
They started bringing construction
materials, building roads, and making preparations to climb the
mountain.
Maansi, who was still a
child at that time, observed all of this. Her father warned her not to argue
with the outsiders because they had power and influence. However, she sensed
that the mountain was angry and
restless. Strange changes started happening in the environment — the air
felt heavier, animals started disappearing, and the river’s flow became
strange. These were nature’s warnings,
but the Dreamers were too arrogant to notice.
The
Ascent and the Disaster
Eventually, the Dreamers
climbed the mountain and began their construction project. As soon as they
disturbed the mountain’s peak, nature
struck back. The mountain, which had been silent for centuries, awoke with fury. There were earthquakes, violent storms, landslides, and
floods. The river changed its course, drowning homes and crops. People
began to die — villagers and outsiders alike. Maansi survived, but many others
did not. Her village was destroyed.
She explains that the
mountain began to breathe heavily,
and this “breathing” shook the earth and destroyed everything. It was not an
accident; it was the mountain’s response to being disrespected and wounded.
Aftermath
and Maansi’s Message
After the disaster, very
few people were left. The Dreamers were gone, and the land was never the same
again. Maansi, now an old woman, shares this story with deep pain but also with
purpose. She tells this tale to visitors from the plains, hoping they will
learn from her experience. Her message is clear: do not climb the mountain, do not awaken its wrath again.
She says that The Living Mountain is still there,
still watching. It breathes, it listens, and it remembers. If people try again
to disturb it, the disaster will repeat. She hopes her voice — and the voice of
her people — will finally be heard.
Themes
in the Story
1.
Nature as a Living Entity
The mountain in the story
is not just a setting; it is a character. It breathes, sleeps, and reacts. Ghosh uses this idea to show that
nature is alive and powerful. It must be respected like a living being, not
treated like an object for profit.
2.
Conflict Between Traditional Wisdom and Modern Science
The villagers represent ancient ecological knowledge, while
the Dreamers represent modern science
and development. The story shows how ignoring traditional wisdom can
lead to disaster. The villagers understood the land deeply, but they were not
listened to.
3. Greed
and Development
The Dreamers believed they
were helping people by building a resort, but they were really driven by greed, ego, and the desire for fame.
Their actions show how unchecked development can destroy the very environment
it claims to improve.
4.
Climate Change and Environmental Destruction
The story is an allegory for climate change. Just as
the mountain reacted with disasters, today our Earth is responding to human
activity with floods, wildfires, heat waves, and rising seas. If we continue to
exploit nature, we will face worse disasters.
Conclusion
The
Living Mountain is
a powerful story that uses simple storytelling and rich symbolism to send a
strong message. Through the voice of Maansi,
Amitav Ghosh reminds us that nature is
not weak or silent. It has the power to protect, but also the power to
destroy if disrespected. The story warns us against the blind pursuit of
development without understanding the consequences. It urges us to listen to indigenous voices, respect ancient wisdom,
and live in harmony with nature.
In today’s world, where
climate change and environmental destruction are increasing, this story becomes
even more important. Maansi’s voice is
not just from the mountains—it is a voice for the whole planet. It is a voice
that says: Stop, listen, respect, and
protect — before it is too late.
 - BASIC ENGLISH - UNIT-1. TEXT AND MEDIA TEXT - 1. THE LIVING MOUNTAIN – AMITAV GHOSH - NOTES - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS - SUMMARY - REVIEW){kind=link}
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