Summary of The Man-Eater of Malgudi by R.K. Narayan By PKG SIR

 Summary of The Man-Eater of Malgudi by R.K. Narayan 

By PKG SIR

R.K. Narayan’s novel The Man-Eater of Malgudi  opens with Nataraj, the central figure of the story, who leads a simple and peaceful life in the small South Indian town of Malgudi. He owns a printing press and is well respected by everyone in the community. His business runs smoothly, and he is quite satisfied with his modest success.

Nataraj is known for his gentle nature and helpful attitude. He lives with his wife and his little son, Chota Babu. A disciplined man by habit, he gets up at four in the morning every day to welcome the sunrise and begin his daily routine with energy and peace.

Among his close friends is Shastri, an intelligent and religious man. One day, Shastri needs to go home for a religious ceremony, so he entrusts Nataraj with his printing assignments before leaving. Around this time, a new man named Vasu steps into Nataraj’s life. Vasu, a taxidermist by profession, comes to Nataraj’s press to get his visiting cards printed.

Nataraj is immediately uncomfortable with Vasu’s arrogant and rude behaviour, but being polite, he agrees to take his printing order. Soon, both Nataraj and his friends begin to regret this decision, realizing that allowing Vasu into their circle was a mistake.

A few days later, Vasu asks Nataraj for a place to stay, claiming it would be only for a short while. Out of kindness, Nataraj lets him stay in the attic above his press. However, Vasu begins to misuse his hospitality. He spends most of his time outside, and whenever he returns, he disturbs Nataraj and his friends with his loud and offensive talk.

One day, Vasu brings a forest officer from Mempi Forest to Nataraj’s shop and insists that Nataraj take the officer’s printing order. Although Nataraj dislikes Vasu, he reluctantly agrees. Through this connection, Vasu manages to get permission from the officer to hunt animals in the Mempi forest—but only small birds. Disappointed, Vasu becomes furious because he wants to hunt large animals like elephants and tigers.

Soon, Vasu begins his reckless hunting spree. He starts killing animals daily and stores their carcasses in Nataraj’s attic without his permission. The foul smell and Vasu’s behaviour make Nataraj miserable. Unable to tolerate it any longer, Nataraj tricks Vasu by saying that some relatives are coming to stay, and requests him to vacate the place.

Vasu reacts angrily, insults Nataraj, and storms out. However, a few days later, Nataraj receives a notice from the Rent Controller’s office, which confirms his suspicion that Vasu is behind it. Meanwhile, Vasu continues his cruel hunting, ignoring all laws and ethics. When the forest officer warns him to stop, Vasu becomes more aggressive and begins inviting prostitutes to the attic.

Around this time, a popular elephant from the Mempi forest, named Kumar, falls ill. Nataraj and the townspeople bring Kumar to Malgudi for treatment. Hearing about this, Vasu plans to shoot the elephant for his own gain. When Nataraj discovers his plan, he tries to prevent it.

The next morning, Thanappa, the postman, comes running to inform Nataraj that Vasu has been found dead in his room. Nataraj, shocked, asks Thanappa not to spread the news. But soon, the police arrive and start an investigation. The post-mortem report shows that Vasu died of a head injury.

The townspeople begin to suspect Nataraj of killing Vasu, though he is innocent. Later, Rangi, a dancer and Vasu’s companion, reveals the truth — Vasu had accidentally killed himself. She explains that Vasu was irritated by mosquitoes buzzing near his head. While trying to slap one away with an iron weight, he struck his own head and died instantly.

The novel concludes with a moral message: evil and arrogance ultimately lead to one’s downfall. Vasu, the “man-eater” of Malgudi, destroys himself through his own violent nature, while Nataraj’s patience and goodness are finally rewarded with peace.