Folktales from Maharashtra: The Mouse’s Share

The Adivasis say that protecting and conserving nature isn’t a selfless deed. It is instead the only way to protect our own future and well-being. This folk tale is narrated by Prof. Pradip Prabhu, former Dean, School of Rural Development, TISS, and founder member of Kashtakari Sanghatana, the voice of the millions of tribals in Maharashtra.

A young couple had cleared a part of the forest near their home just before the monsoon, so that they could grow some crops. After toiling on the land, it was ready for sowing. But they had no seeds. The wife said to the husband, “The rains will arrive soon and we cannot wait any longer. Why don’t you go to the gods and request them for some seeds? Tell them we’ve worked hard to get everything ready. Make haste!”

So the husband left for the land of the gods with a spring in his step. “What brings you here young man?” the gods asked as he appeared in front of them. “I am looking for seeds to plant in the clearing I have made in the forest,” said the man. The gods reminded him that they lived up in the heavens and had little to do with seeds. They apologised for not being able to help, but assured him that he had a better chance of finding seeds on Earth.

He returned to Earth, a worried man. As he walked around wondering what to do, he came across a monitor lizard. He asked the wizened old creature for advice. “Dada, since you are old and wise, you must know where I can find seeds to sow in the clearing I’ve made.” The lizard’s furrows turned deeper as he thought hard, but he replied, “Sorry young man. I live among the rocks and don’t know about seeds. Why don’t you ask my friend the crab who lives among plants?”

The man reached the water’s edge, and the crab looked up and asked what was troubling him. The man told the crab about his distress and asked if he had any seeds to spare. The crab replied that he had no seeds, but he supposed the inquisitive boar who loved to dig might have some.

The man walked away and soon heard the boar’s grunts. He told the boar of his need and asked if he had any seeds. The boar replied, “If you needed roots and tubers, I’d help you at once, but if it’s seeds you need, only the raja of the forest might know how to help you.”

The man began to feel despondent, and was more worried than ever as the rains would be upon them soon. He made his way to the tiger and told the raja of the favour he desperately needed. The tiger said, “I wish I could be of help, but I am a hunter. However, I know the squirrel carries many seeds to her burrow. She’s sure to know.”

The man finally felt hopeful.

Wearily he went in search of the sprightly squirrel. “Bai ga,” he called out to her. After he narrated his plight, she proudly said, “Of course I have plenty of seeds, and you are welcome to take any you need. Sag, shivan, sadad and many other trees—take your pick!” The man felt despondent. He explained to the squirrel that he needed seeds for crops, not trees. He thanked her and left.

He walked away with a heavy heart, wondering how he could let his wife down. Suddenly he was stopped by a mouse. The mouse said, “I couldn’t help but overhear you, brother. What are you saying about crop seeds?” The man explained his anxiety and she replied, “I can be of help. I have seeds of rice, wheat, maize, and millets that you can take from me.”

The man could hardly believe his luck. “You have made my day,” he exclaimed, “and my wife won’t be disappointed! You have given us a new start in life. Thank you, little mouse. I promise to keep a part of our harvest for you when the crop arrives. It’s yours by right, because you gave us the seeds.” And that’s the promise he made to the generous mouse.

He went home elated. His wife was delighted though she couldn’t make sense of his journey or his story. They wasted no time in sowing the seeds and before long the rains came and they were blessed with a bountiful harvest.

The mouse watched them work with bemused interest. As the threshing floor filled with golden grain, the little mouse went up to the couple. “Eek! What is this mouse doing here?” the lady exclaimed. The man saw the mouse and said, “Go away! We have worked hard and you’re here to steal.”

The little mouse was sad.

“How quickly humans forget their word,” she said to herself. “I didn’t ask him to promise anything. I only gave him seeds because he was tired and distressed. What a way to return a kind favour!”

Before she left, the mouse said, “Young man! Have you forgotten your word? I’m not here to collect a debt, but to enjoy the fulfilment of a promise and an offer freely made. This is no way to treat a friend. I will not remind you about your promise, but before you can harvest another crop, I will hold you to your word.” With that, she scurried away into the undergrowth.

As the Adivasis say, the little mouse has not forgotten the promise made by our ancestors. Before we can even harvest the grain, she comes and takes her share. If only we understood that we need to keep our word. A wild animal or bird is not stealing from us; we are just repaying what nature has given us. What we are asked to share is very little compared to what we receive from Mother Earth.