Watchman of the Lake is an Amazing story written by famous Indian author, R.K Narayan. The story was originally published in 1956 in author’s famous collection, “Malgudi Days”.
Watchman of the Lake Summary By R.K Narayan
Summary of Watchman of the Lake By R.K Narayan
Watchman of the Lake Scene 1 Summary
In the scene 1, we see Road workers working in Head of village’s home. The Head of Village is very rude towards workers, he keep reminding them that road must be ready one day before King come. When Head of village saw few workers laughing, he asks them a reason of laughing, he gets very angry when he learns the reason of their laugh is Mara who is hiding behind cliff.
Thereafter, Headman orders his worker to catch Mara. When they bring Mara to headman, he scolds Mara for distracting workers from their work. He reminds Mara that he has asked him to stay away from workers and King. When Mara doesn’t listen to him, he order his strong and tall worker, Bhima, to catch Mara and lock him in basement.
Even that when Mara told Head man that he wants to inform King about a dream in which he saw a goddess. The Headman doesn’t listen to Mara and also ask his worker, Bhima not to listen to Mara.
Watchman of the Lake Scene 2 Summary
In the scene 2, we see King passing by road where Mara is captured. When Mara saw King passing, he jumps under a tree and comes in front of King and inform him about his dream’s Goddess’s vision. Mara believes that in the place where King was standing is a Holy place because Hanuman came there in quest of Sanjeevini for the cure of Lakshmana.
Where Sanjeevini used to grow in Dhara Veda, and it was an amusement for Goddess. Goddess kept it in shelter in summer. She kept the flow going in diverse seasons so that King’s people can use it. So if King will make an edge for it, then King’s people can use water on summer seasons as well. The King is impressed with Mara because he has seen Goddess in his dream. He ask Mara to walk with him.
Watchman of the Lake Scene 3 Summary
In the scene 3, we see a big tank has already built for River Veda. And Mara take care of River Veda with great loyalty. He keeps an eye on those people who come there for fishing. Mara opens water flows for the projects which are ordered by King. He also make sure that no one gets hurt in River Veda. Mara also take help from his son for the river whenever needed. Mara is troubled by water flow of river which is going up day after day.
Watchman of the Lake Scene 4 Summary
In the scene 4, we see Mara asking for the permission to talk to King at late night. Mara is wet and has mud stains on his body, he tells King that goddess appear into his dream again and warn him about the river flowing on the banks of its lake.
When Mara reminds King that this edge was built at his request only. He tells King that Goddess is in destructive mood, and if water flows goes up, whole kingdom will be destroyed.
Mara tells King that there is a way through which they can save kingdom. Mara tells King that Goddess promised him water won’t flow until he returns. So by killing him, King can make sure that he don’t come back. Mara sacrificed himself for King and for the welfare of his Kingdom. Mara’s only request is that King make his son next watchman of the river. And afterwards, his grandson and great grandson.
Watchman of the Lake Scene 5 Summary
In the scene 5, we see that Mara’s son, Ganga is watchman of river and he tells his son when he took his father’s duty. After the death of Mara, King immediately orders Ganga to took his father’s duty and responsibilities. The King also build a temple with two figurehead, one goddess statue on top and other below Mara. Thereafter, King ordered the people of his kingdom to worship them on every Tuesday and Friday.
Recommended Reading
A Tiger for Malgudi By R.K Narayan
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