Poems By Toru Dutt's 'Lakshman', and Rabindranath Tagore's 'Deeno Daan'
Poems By Toru Dutt's 'Lakshman', and Rabindranath Tagore's 'Deeno Daan'
Introduction :-
‘Lakshman’ is a mythological poem written by Toru Dutt and published in 1882. It is a ballad in the form of a dialogue between Sita and Lakshman, based on a scene from the Ramayana. In the poem, Sita is determined to save her husband, Rama, who may be in danger. The poem focuses on a small section of the dialogue between Sita and Lakshman, and Dutt uses her diction to highlight Sita's latent fears and anxieties. The poem's background is as follows: Sita is fascinated by the beauty of a golden deer and wants to get its skin to decorate her hut.
'Deeno Daan' is the Imprisonment Gift by Rabindranath Tagore is a captivating narrative that delves into the profound complexities of human nature, societal hierarchies, and the interplay of power and compassion. The poem presents a confrontation between a king and a hermit about true piety and worship. The king believes that his lavish temple is a testament to his devotion. The hermit, however, represents Tagore's belief that true spirituality is about helping the needy, not building monuments of pride.
Q-1. Write a critical note on Lakshman by Toru Dutt.
A-1.
Introduction :-
Lakshman, directed by Toru Dutt, is a brilliant retelling of a crucial scene from the Indian epic Ramayana, in which Lakshman is entrusted to watch after Lord Rama's wife Sita as Rama chases after a golden deer. The poem draws attention to the heated conversation between Sita and Lakshman, illuminating deeper cultural, philosophical, and emotional levels beneath this age-old story. Dutt examines the complexity of responsibility, loyalty, gender dynamics, and personal sacrifice through rich dialogue, moral quandaries, and striking imagery. As a result, the poem is a subtle reflection on human nature and ethical issues.
About Toru Dutt :-
Toru Dutt was a poet, novelist, essayist, translator and polyglot. She was an outstanding pioneer in the history of Indian literature. In the sphere of Indo-English poetry the era of Renaissance may be termed as the ‘Age of Dutts’ because the age was dominated by the two sisters Toru and Aru and renowned poetical man Romesh Chandra Dutt. Toru Dutt's work connects Indo-Anglian literature to that of France, highlighting the importance of considering cultural contexts when exploring 19th-century women's poetry. “When the history of the literature of our country comes to be written, there is sure to be a page in it dedicated to this fragile exotic blossom of song” (Dutt xxvii). This sentence is Edmund Gosse's famous final flourish to his memoir of Toru Dutt, which introduced her posthumous volume Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan, published in 1882.
Themes :-
Loyalty and Duty:-
The concept of loyalty is essential to Lakshman. The poem emphasises Lakshman's undying devotion to his brother Rama throughout. He battles his obligation to protect Sita and his commitment to following Rama's advice to stay at her side. This dispute intensifies when Sita, fearing for her husband's safety, harshly challenges Lakshman's loyalty and accuses him of having hidden agendas. Toru Dutt skilfully conveys the intricacy of duty and loyalty by having Lakshman uphold his protector role despite Sita's angry words.
Feminine Vulnerability and Strength :-
The poem delves into Sita's inner power and vulnerability as well. Despite being depicted as upset, her emotional outburst is motivated by her love and care for Rama, proving her courage in expressing her emotions. By deftly contrasting Sita's impassioned cries with Lakshman's composed but strong replies, Toru Dutt creates a dynamic interaction that lends humanity to both characters.
Cultural and Emotional Depth :-
Dutt gives the poem a deep cultural flavour, encapsulating Indian ideals like moral rectitude, familial honour, and obedience. Deep emotional depth is also conveyed through the conversation, as both characters struggle with love, fear, and a sense of obligation. While Sita's desperation displays her human fragility and love, Lakshman's mental battle and his measured reactions demonstrate the restraint and wisdom expected of him.
Language and Imagery :-
The language of the poem is characterised by emotional depth and clarity. Dutt uses striking visuals to evoke the mood of the forest and the characters' conflicting emotions. A sense of approaching disaster is created by the tension between Sita and Lakshman, which is highlighted by her accusations and his impassive reactions.
Sita: An Intricate Figure of Weakness and Power :-
In Dutt's Lakshman, Sita embodies both inner strength and sensitivity, revealing her complexity as a person beyond the stereotype of the obedient wife. Her intense love for Rama fuels her concern for his safety, which is the basis of her passionate outburst against Lakshman. Due to Sita's weakness in the forest when she is alone and apart from Rama, Dutt is able to show her as both an epic and a very personal character. Even though her charges against Lakshman are severe, they reflect her desperate situation, and Dutt's portrayal helps readers identify with her predicament.
But Sita's strength is in her steadfast belief and her bravery in expressing her frustrations and worries. She displays a strong inner resolve by confronting Lakshman head-on and demanding answers and action. Because of this duality vulnerability entwined with strength Sita's character transcends the typical stereotypes that are frequently assigned to women in epic literature. The way that Dutt handles this moment highlights Sita as a multifaceted person who, in spite of her worries, is unwavering in her love and care for Rama.
Philosophical Foundations and Cultural Reflections :-
Not only is Lakshman a retelling of a famous tale, but it also reflects Indian cultural values, especially those related to morality, duty, and family. Concepts like dharma (responsibility) and familial loyalty are highly valued in traditional Indian society. Dutt use Lakshman's predicament to highlight the difficulties of upholding these ideals under trying circumstances. Lakshman's dedication to Sita's protection in the face of her accusations and cries is a reflection of the deeply held Indian conviction that one should obey elders and carry out one's assigned tasks regardless of the personal cost.
Dutt's poetry also reflects the intellectual foundations of the Ramayana, whose protagonists are frequently forced to make moral decisions that put their devotion to dharma to the test. Even in situations where it goes against one's own wishes or emotional inclinations, Lakshman exemplifies the principle of selfless responsibility. By doing this, the poem also asks readers to consider the larger human experience, in which people are usually caught between their own commitments and the more general expectations of society or moral standards.
Hindu mythology :-
This poem is a part of Hindu mythology because it is based on the story of Ravan's kidnapping of Sita. Sita sends Lakshman, who is meant to be yelling, to help Ram, but it was actually Ravan's ally, not Ram. Hindu mythology is the basis for the entire poem.
Feminism :-
The issues that Sita expressed in this poem, particularly in her language and ideas towards Lakshman, are not reflected in well-known Hindu mythological epics like as "Ramcharitmanas." Here, she accuses Lakshman of harbouring malice towards both her and his brother. This is an illustration of the poet's feminist viewpoint, which she reflects in Sita, a typical woman who would be concerned about her future if her husband were to pass away. She believes that her brother, her spouse, is going to seize her, endangering her rights.
Key Symbols :-
Lakshman's vigilance :-
His constant watchfulness over Sita represents the protective instinct of a devoted brother, even when his actions are misconstrued.
Sita's doubt :-
Her suspicion towards Lakshman symbolizes the potential for misunderstanding and the vulnerability of a woman in a challenging situation.
The forest setting :-
The wild, untamed environment represents the dangers and uncertainties faced by the characters during their exile.
Lakshman's unwavering loyalty :-
Despite Sita's doubts, his resolute commitment to Ram underscores the strength of his brotherly bond.
Conclusion :-
Lakshman by Toru Dutt is a comprehensive examination of human emotion, loyalty, and obligation. Modern readers can relate to this age-old tale because Dutt gives it psychological depth by emphasising Lakshman's personal problems and Sita's emotional agony. The poem offers ageless insights about the nature of human relationships and the moral complexity that define them, transcending its mythological origins. Lakshman's rich imagery, conversation, and intense emotional content make it one of the most potent and timeless works of literature that still has an impact on readers today.
Q-2. What type of social mentality does Rabindranath Tagore present in the poem Deeno Daan?
A-2.
Rabindranath Tagore tackles topics of authority, compassion, and human dignity in his poem 'Deeno Daan', also known as The Alms of the Poor. It is a comprehensive examination of societal dynamics. Tagore draws attention to the moral dilemmas surrounding power and charity as well as the deeply embedded social inequalities through the conversation between a monarch and a lowly hermit. In addition to honouring each person's innate dignity independent of material belongings, the poem offers a nuanced critique of the social mindset that supports power structures based on wealth and rank.
About Rabindranath Tagore :-
Rabindranath Tagore(Gurudev) was a prominent Indian poet, philosopher, musician, and writer. (May 7, 1861 -August 7, 1941). Belonged to a distinguished Bengali Brahmin family and was the youngest of thirteen children. From an early age, he showed a keen interest in literature, music, and the arts. In 1883, he married Mrinalini Devi, and together they had five children. His family provided crucial support and inspired many themes in his literary works, making them an integral part of his creative journey.
Religion :-
The poem depicts a conversation between a priest and a monarch in which the priest contends that God lives among the impoverished and that there is no god in the temple. Because he thought institutionalised religion was haughty and talked of authority, Tagore was opposed to it.
Division :-
The verses in the poem describe how, while money was being spent on constructing a magnificent temple, the impoverished were turned away when they came pleading for aid during a drought.
Unity :-
The poem implies that there is only one God, and that God left the temple to live among the underprivileged. This God is the God of faith, love, and belief in each of us.
"Deenodaan" saved a nation in need, helping those who were struggling to understand the bitter division and rejection of pluralistic beliefs. In the poem, the wise man informs the king that although his temple was constructed with two million gold coins, the poor and the afflicted are not welcome there, and hence there is no God. Rather, God is with the underprivileged by the streets and by the trees.
A Reassessment of Social Structures :-
Deeno Daan by Tagore is a critique of the inflexible social structures that characterise traditional Indian society. The poem illustrates how the social mindset surrounding compassion and charity, in addition to political and economic power, maintains these systems. The king's presumption that only he is able to give is representative of a larger cultural notion that people in positions of power are fundamentally better than the underprivileged or marginalised.
Social Equality and Human Dignity :-
The concept of human dignity is one of Deeno Daan's main themes. Through the beggar's charitable deed, Tagore highlights the idea that dignity is independent of social standing or material prosperity. The monarch, with all his luxury, is unable to comprehend the beggar's feeling of self-respect despite his poverty. While the beggar's modest donation is rich in its statement of human equality, the king's charity, while materially enormous, lacks this deeper awareness of shared humanity.
Through this exchange, Tagore challenges the prevailing social mindset that views material prosperity as the only true indicator of an individual's value. The poem makes the argument that petty deeds of kindness that uphold current power structures can never lead to true equality.
Conclusion :-
In conclusion, Both poems provide insightful analyses of the difficulties in forming meaningful relationships, whether it is through the ethical conundrums of loyalty and obligation in Lakshman or the social hierarchy and nature of charity in Deeno Daan. The poem 'Lakshman' highlights the dilemma that arises when people have to choose between their unflinching duty and their own emotions. Tagore questions the accepted notion of charity as a tool of dominance and superiority through the exchange between a monarch and a hermit.
Presentation on it :-
References :-
A. Chapman et al. "INTERNATIONALISING THE SONNET: TORU DUTT'S “SONNET – BAUGMAREE”." Victorian Literature and Culture, 42 (2014): 595 - 608. https://doi.org/10.1017/S1060150314000163.
Sharma, Dr. Ambika. “Reflections of the Indian Epic The Ramayana and its Impact on Indian English Literature.”https://www.allstudyjournal.com/article/1082/5-12-4-777.pdf.
T. Meenakshi. SITA- THE PROTECTED THREAT: A READING OF TORU DUTTS’S POEM “LAKSHMAN”. Published in 2016. 2395-2636. Accessed 17 August 2024. http://www.rjelal.com/4.2.16C/900-903%20MEENAKSHI%20T.pdf
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