Poems by Toru Dutt (Lakshman), Sri Aurobindo (To a Hero-Worshipper), R. Tagore (Dino Daan)
This blog is the part of thinking activity task of the paper no. 201 Indian English Literature – Pre-Independence, unit-3. In this blog the I have addressed the questions.
Lakshman by Toru Dutt
Laxman poem is written by Toru Dutt, a reknowned Indian English poet of pre-independence era in work ncient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan (1882, published posthumously). It is a ballad, in the form of a dialogue between Sita and Lakshman. Here, Sita shows determination to save her husband, Rama, who might be in danger.
The rewriting of the mythology is the one of the discipline throughwhich the unsung and marganalised characters stratred having voices. Indian epics are source of so many retellings. Ramayan in welknown epic which is woven in our everyday life. In one or another way the incidents of Ramayan reflects in the everyday life.
# Background of the poem :
This poem is set in the Dandkaranaya. Ram along with Sita and Laxman is in the exile of 14 years. The promise of the Kaikayi to Dashratha to send Ram into the jungle is the wellknown incident. Laxman decided to devote his life to his brother and joins him in this exile. Meanwhile the constant threat on their lives is hanging in this jungle.
Additionally, while this Sita attracted towards the "Marich-a golden deer". In a way it is illusion created for abducting the Sita. Sita insisted Ram to bring the deer, meanwhile the cry of Marich in the voice of the Ram heard to them. From this point poem started as the conversation between Sita and Laxman.
[ Through this videos one can get the exact background of the poem. ]
Sita’s Allegations on helpless Lakshman:
The golden deer is a symbol of temptation and illusion. It lures Rama away from his duty and leads to the abduction of Sita. Rama is portrayed as a brave and selfless hero, while Lakshman is shown to be loyal but also hesitant and fearful. This contrast highlights the complexity of their relationship and the challenges they face.
“…one brother takes
His kingdom,-one would take his wife!
A fair partition!”
The poem subverts traditional gender roles. Sita is depicted as a strong and independent woman who is willing to risk her own safety to save her husband. Lakshman, on the other hand, is shown to be hesitant and fearful. This challenges the stereotypical portrayal of women as passive and dependent on men.
Lakshman's argument is a crucial element in the poem. He tries to reassure Sita by emphasizing the fear that even divine and evil creatures have for Ram's mightiness. He compares Ram's presence to that of a powerful force that can subdue even the most venomous creatures.
By highlighting Ram's strength and the fear he inspires, Lakshman attempts to convince Sita that the cries she hears are likely illusions or tricks created by their enemies. He wants her to believe that Ram is safe and that there is no need for immediate action.
Sita's initial accusations against Lakshman are driven by her fear and desperation. Her belief that Lakshman is betraying Rama stems from her love and loyalty to her husband.Despite Sita's harsh words, Lakshman remains loyal to his brother and Sita. His decision to leave the bower is motivated by his desire to protect Sita and his sense of duty to Rama.
The vulture's scream serves as a foreshadowing of the challenges Sita will face in the future. It hints at the dangers that await her in Lanka.Themes such as pleading and help,questioning, pessimism, confidence, bravery,suspicion, blame, inversion of gender roles, and approching dangers are incorporated in it.
#Do you think the character of Sita portrayed by Toru Dutt in her poem Lakshman differs from the ideal image of Sita presented in The Ramayana?
" She said and proudly from him turned, —
Was this the gentle Sita? No.
Flames from her eyes shot forth and burned,
The tears therein had ceased to flow."
Yes definetly the character of Sita expresses herheightened anxiety as a woman who is scared that her husband and her master is in danger. Sita's portrayal in "Lakshman" departs from the idealized depiction in the Ramayana. While she is initially presented as a virtuous and devoted wife, her behavior in the poem reveals her human vulnerabilities. Her impulsive actions and susceptibility to deception highlight her emotional state and the challenges she faces.
Sita's initial instructions to Lakshman to protect Rama are driven by her love and concern for her husband. However, when Lakshman hesitates, her anxiety turns into doubt, leading her to accuse him of treachery. These accusations reveal a darker side of Sita's character, demonstrating her capacity for suspicion and jealousy.
Sita's transformation from a revered goddess to a fallible woman is a significant aspect of the poem. Her actions and emotions are presented in a relatable and human way, allowing readers to connect with her on a personal level. This departure from the idealized portrayal of Sita in the Ramayana adds depth and complexity to her character.
Sita's actions may not always align with her idealized image in the Ramayana, they are consistent with human nature and offer a more realistic perspective on her character.
#Can it be said that the dialogues between Sita and Lakshman in the poem Lakshman through light upon the perspective of gender? Explain.
"Here with an arrow, lo, I trace A magic circle ere I leave, No evil thing within this space May come to harm thee or to grieve. Step not, for aught, across the line, Whatever thou mayst see or hear, So shalt thou balk the bad design Of every enemy I fear."
The magic circle drawn by Lakshman serves as a protective barrier against evil forces. It symbolizes his love and devotion to Sita and his determination to keep her safe. The lakshmanrekha, the supreme metaphor for women’s restricted movement.
Toru Dutt has skillfully adapted the Ramayana story into a poem. While she has retained the core elements of the original text, she has also added her own unique perspective and interpretations.
# Classroom activity :
Under the title 'Reimagining Sita: The Myth and Retailing of the Ramayana,' we had a classroom discussion focusing on Toru Dutt's poem 'Lakshman.' Semester 3 students contributed with intriguing insights and information.
I discussed 'Sita: Warrior of Mithila' by Amish Tripathi and shared her views on the Gujarati Bhajan 'મારા રામ તમે સીતાજી ની તોલે ન આવો.' Bhumiba Gohil presented a detailed overview of various mythological books that she has read, focusing on marginalized characters from the Ramayana. The books discussed were:
1. Asura by Anand Neelkanthan
2. Raavanputr Meghnad by Kevin Missal
3. Lanka’s Princess by Kavita Kane
4. Vanara by Anand Neelkanthan
5. Ahalya’s Awakening by Kavita Kane
Kusum Sarvaiya introduced the Gujarati geet 'સીતાજીની કાંચળી' by કૃષ્ણાબાઈ, highlighting its similarities with Toru Dutt’s poem Lakshman. Yashraj Sodha offered his views on poem 'मुझे रावण जैसा भाई चाहिए,' and Pallavi Parmar presented one poem in Hindi that 'Na badli nari ki kahani' and her voice-over recording of Sita with a video, depicting how Sita persuades Ram to bring the golden deer and her arguments with Lakshman and the Sitaharana scene.
To a Hero-Worshipper by Sri Aurobindo
"My life is then a wasted ereme, My song but idle wind Because you merely find In all this woven wealth of rhyme Harsh figures with harsh music wound"
According to Aurbindo, all beings are united in one spirit or self, but seprated by their consciousness. In the poem there is comparision between British Romaticism and Indian Romaticism. Aurbindo mentioned Wordswoth, Byron, Shelley and Keats. However, Indians have disticnt sense of freedom than that of Western.
Moreover, the lucidity of Wordsworth, and Shelley's atheism is not affecting the poet. He traces the beginning of the Renaissance. Here, the nature is the part of the life like a book. He goes on and talks about his role in the nature and emphasasing the individuality which even the British Romantics advocats.
"I studied Nature like a book
Men rack for meanings: yet I find
No rubric in the scarlet rose,"
Aurbindo just like romantics talks about the flowers and its simplicity.
"For me the daisy shines a star,
The crocus flames a spire,
A horn of golden fire,
Narcissus glows a silver bar:
Cowslips, the golden breath of God,
I deem the poet’s heritage,
And lilies silvering the sod
Breathe fragrance from his page."
Deeno Daan by Tagore
"Deeno Daan" is a poem by Rabindranath Tagore that translates to "The Impoverished Gift" or "Destitute Donation".The poem is about a king who builds a grand temple and claims it is full of God, but a saint tells him that the temple is actually full of royal pride and that God has left it. The saint tells the king that God left the temple and joined the poor because the king could not provide shelter to his own subjects. The saint then tells the king to banish the devout from the temple as well.
“खाली नहीं यह मंदिर, इसमे भरा पड़ा है
राजसी दंभ।
बीस लाख सिक्के सोने के
बरसाए हमने उस महान कृति पर गगनचुंबी है जो
, “उसी साल जब,
दो करोड़ तुम्हारी प्रजा
पीड़ित थी भयंकर सूखे से;
रोटी और छत विहीन विपन्न लोग!
आए तुम्हारे दर पर मांगने सहारा,
मिली बस दुत्कार,
जब त्याग दिया प्रभु ने तुम्हारा वह मंदिर।
और जा मिले पथ किनारे कंगालों से,
पेड़ों के नीचे। "
# Why does the poet say that God does not live in the Temple? Give reasons.
[This video is talking about Tagore and his views on the Nationalism.]
Tagore's "Deena Daan" is a powerful critique of materialism and the abuse of power. The story's central theme is the contrast between the king's extravagant temple and the sage's simple worship. This juxtaposition highlights the emptiness of material possessions and the true meaning of spirituality.
The king's actions are a reflection of his arrogance and ignorance. His focus on building a magnificent temple demonstrates his preoccupation with worldly status and prestige. By neglecting the suffering of his people, he reveals his disregard for their well-being and his lack of empathy.
The sage's choice to worship God in a simple and humble manner is a deliberate act of defiance against the king's materialism. His actions represent a rejection of the superficiality of religious rituals and a commitment to the true spirit of devotion.
The story's message is particularly relevant in today's world, where the pursuit of wealth and material possessions often takes precedence over the needs of the most vulnerable. The contrast between the king's extravagance and the sage's humility serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, social justice, and a more equitable distribution of resources.
The story's enduring relevance lies in its ability to inspire and challenge us to rethink our priorities and values in a world that often prioritizes material wealth over human well-being.
#What type of social mentality does Rabindranath Tagore present in the poem Deeno Daan?
Rabindranath Tagore's "Deena Daan" is a story that criticizes the rich for being too focused on material things and not caring enough about the poor.
Imagine a rich king who spends a lot of money building a beautiful temple. At the same time, many people in his kingdom are very poor because a big fire destroyed their homes and belongings. The king doesn't help these poor people, but instead spends money on something that doesn't help them.
A wise man sees this and says that it's wrong for the king to spend so much money on the temple while people are suffering. He believes that it's more important to help people in need than to build fancy things. We have glaring example of making of Ram Mandir at Ayodhya.
The demolitions to remake Ayodhya started in July 2022. But residents claim that they were undertaken without a clear policy of compensation by the state government. Some, like Kishor, have not received a paisa for their losses. Others have been given land and money that they complain is severely inadequate.(Tiwari)
Tarawati is one the many residents of Ayodhya who claim that while the land which they used for housing or agricultural purposes was acquired for several 'beautifying' projects ahead of the inauguration of the Ram Temple, they weren't rightfully compensated.(Dahiya and Dahiya)
This story teaches us that it's important to be kind and compassionate to others, especially those who are less fortunate than ourselves. It's also a reminder that material things are not as important as helping people and making the world a better place.
Thank You.
Words: 1864
Images: 3
Videos: 5
References :
Dahiya, Himanshi, and Himanshi Dahiya. “‘Can’t Pray on Empty Stomach’: Human Cost of Ayodhya’s Mega Facelift Projects.” TheQuint, 16 Jan. 2024, www.thequint.com/news/politics/the-real-cost-of-ayodhya-multi-crore-development-projects-ram-temple-consecration-demolitions.
MEENAKSHI, T. and KY PUBLICATIONS. “SITA- THE PROTECTED THREAT: A READING OF TORU DUTTS’S POEM ‘LAKSHMAN.’” Research Journal of English Language and Literature (RJELAL), vol. Vol.4, no. Issue 2, season-01 2016, pp. 900–01. www.rjelal.com/4.2.16C/900-903%20MEENAKSHI%20T.pdf.
RESEARCH JOURNAL OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE AND LITERATURE. www.rjelal.com.
Sri Aurobindo. To a Hero-Worshipper. auromaa.org/sri-aurobindo-ru/workings/sa/37_02/0024_e.htm.
Tiwari, Ayush. “‘Did Ram Say Kick Out the Poor?’ the Discontent of the Displaced in New Ayodhya.” Scroll.in, 5 June 2024, scroll.in/article/1060122/did-ram-say-kick-out-the-poor-the-discontent-of-the-displaced-in-new-ayodhya.
To A Hero-Worshipper CLASS. www.scribd.com/document/608562719/To-a-Hero-Worshipper-CLASS.
