The purpose of mythology and folklore is to convey valuable lessons couched in fascinating stories. And those striding the corridors of power in Washington would do well to familiarise themselves with the ancient Indian story of Bhasmasur. He was a demon who acquired a boon to burn anything he touched. The boon turned into a curse when he destroyed himself in the arrogance begotten by the sense of invincibility that it bestowed upon him.
The 21st Century Bhasmasur is armed, not with ash producing hands, but executive orders and tariff walls. The backdrop of the modern version is not Himalayan forests but the global geopolitical-economic stage. But the curse is once again entirely self inflicted.
In the story, Lord Shiva granted a powerful boon to Bhasmasur, to reward the arduous penances he performed. In the modern version, the boon was granted by the US policymakers to themselves. Instead of “whatever you touch will turn to ashes” the modern day boon was “whatever I tariff will protect my people and punish my rivals”. This was the doctrine of Bhasma-nomics.
When Bhasmasur received the boon, he was delighted like a child with a shiny new toy, and ran around touching things to try it out. Rocks, trees, animals – whatever came in his way he touched and burnt to ashes. The Washington avatar tried something similar – trying it out on Chinese semiconductors, European steel, and Indian goods and H1B visas.
Expectations were that the enemy would burn down, and its own industry would rise from the ashes. But strangely, ashes began piling up on its own doorstep. Prices rose, supply chains broke. Farmers, manufacturers and retailers groaned. Yet, intoxicated with power the modern avatar of Bhasmasur smiled to himself and said, “Let me try one more tariff for good measure.”
In the ancient myth, the demon Bhasmasur was so delighted by the sense of power that it began dancing, one hand poised precariously over his own head. The Washington version did the same. Waltzing with Pakistani Generals, doing the Mambo with Syrian Warlords with eyes firmly fixed on that alluring jewel – the Nobel Peace Prize. And while we all know the end of the ancient tale, outcome of the modern day version is open to speculation.
In the original tale, Lord Vishnu took the form of Mohini to save the world from Bhasmasur’s destruction—enticing him into a dance where he ultimately placed his own hand on his head and turned to ash.
Who, then, is Mohini today?
Perhaps it is the global marketplace—calm, elegant, and indifferent—seducing every protectionist demon into dancing to her tune. No nation, however mighty, can resist her rhythm.
And already, supply chains re-route, trade blocs re-form, and countries once sidelined quietly take centre stage. India, Vietnam, and others smile politely as the new Bhasmasur dances faster and faster.
To his own downfall?