The correct answer is 1. The Man-Eater of Malgudi because R.K. Narayan uses the myth of Bhasmasura as an allegory in this novel.
Explanation:
The myth of Bhasmasura comes from Hindu mythology, where he is a demon who gets a boon from Lord Shiva that allows him to burn anyone to ashes by placing his hand on their head. However, he is eventually tricked by Vishnu (in the form of Mohini) into placing his own hand on his head, leading to his self-destruction.
In The Man-Eater of Malgudi, the character Vasu, a taxidermist and a symbol of brute force and ego, mirrors Bhasmasura. He is powerful, destructive, and has no regard for tradition or morality. He threatens the peace of Malgudi and its people, just as Bhasmasura posed a danger to the world.
Just like the mythological demon, Vasu meets his downfall through his own arrogance and reckless behavior, effectively "burning himself" without any external intervention.
Thus, the novel uses the Bhasmasura myth as a thematic framework to depict the dangers of unchecked power and self-destruction, making option 1 the correct answer.
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