Toru Dutt or Tarulatha Dutt was an Indian poet born in the Bengal province in 1856 to the well-known Rambagan Dutt family. As the youngest child of Govin Chandra Dutt and Kshetramoni Mitter, Toru belonged to a family of writers. Her father Govind Chunder Dutt, who was an employee of the Government of India, was a linguist and also published some poems. Her mother, Kshetramoni Mitter, was a woman who loved Hindu mythology and translated the book The Blood of Christ into Bengali. Because of her father’s governmental employment, the family traveled frequently.
In 1862, her family embraced Christianity and was baptized. Toru was only six at the time, and this was a major event in her life. Though she remained a devout Christian all her life, the Hindu system of belief never lost its sheen with her, and its influence can be seen in most of her works. After being met with social rejection and isolation as a result of their conversion to Christianity, Toru Dutt's family moved to Mumbai for a year. Upon returning in 1864 to their home of Calcutta, Toru's brother Abju died of consumption.
Works of Toru Dutt:
Toru started publishing her work when she was only 18 years old. Her first published works, essays on Henry Derozio and Leconte de Lisle, appeared in Bengal Magazine in 1874, and in this same year, Toru's sister Aru passed away from consumption.
Toru produced her first volume of poetry, A Sheaf, in 1876: it held 165 translations from French writers, eight by her sister Aru and the rest by herself, including "My Vocation" by Jean-Pierre de Béranger.
Toru Dutt's approach to Indian myths is unique and innovative in several ways. First, she was one of the first Indian writers to write about Indian mythology in English in a sustained and systematic manner. Her collection of poems, Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan (1882), retells nine classic Indian myths, including the stories of Savitri, Bharata, and Dhruva.
Second, Dutt's approach to Indian myths is characterized by a deep understanding of their cultural and religious significance. She was not content to simply retell the stories in a straightforward manner; rather, she sought to explore their deeper meanings and implications. For example, in her poem "Savitri," Dutt uses the story of Savitri's love and sacrifice for her husband to explore the themes of marital fidelity, wifely devotion, and the power of love to overcome death.
Third, Dutt's approach to Indian myths is also influenced by her Christian faith. She was a devout Christian, and she saw many parallels between the stories of Indian mythology and the stories of the Bible. For example, she saw Savitri as a Christ-like figure who sacrificed herself to save her husband.
Finally, Dutt's approach to Indian myths is also notable for its literary sophistication. She was a skilled poet, and her poems are beautifully written and full of vivid imagery and powerful emotions.
One of the most striking aspects of Dutt's approach to Indian myths is her focus on the female characters. In her poems, Dutt gives voice to female characters who are often overlooked or marginalized in traditional retellings of these stories. For example, in her poem "Sindhu," Dutt tells the story of the Indus River from the perspective of the river itself. She gives the river a female voice and allows her to express her own thoughts and feelings.
Dutt's approach to Indian myths has been praised by critics for its originality, sensitivity, and literary merit. She has been credited with helping to popularize Indian mythology in the West and with inspiring subsequent generations of Indian writers.
Here are some specific examples of Dutt's innovative approach to Indian myths:
In her poem "Savitri," Dutt gives a more nuanced and complex portrayal of the character of Savitri than is found in traditional retellings of the story. Dutt's Savitri is not simply a passive victim but a strong and courageous woman who is willing to fight for what she believes in.
In her poem "The Legend of Prahlad," Dutt explores the theme of religious tolerance and pluralism. She shows how Prahlad's devotion to Vishnu is ultimately accepted by his father, Hiranyakashipu, despite the latter's hatred of the god.
In her poem "Sindhu," Dutt gives voice to a female character who is often overlooked in traditional retellings of Indian mythology. The river Indus is given a female voice and is allowed to express her own thoughts and feelings.
Overall, Toru Dutt's approach to Indian myths is innovative and groundbreaking in several ways. She was one of the first Indian writers to write about Indian mythology in English in a sustained and systematic manner, and she brought a deep understanding of Indian culture and religion to her retellings of these stories. Dutt's approach to Indian myths has been praised by critics for its originality, sensitivity, and literary merit.
Toru Dutt's poem "Lakshman" is a dramatic monologue in which Sita pleads with Lakshman to go and find her husband Rama, who she believes is in danger. The poem is set in the Dandaka forest, where Rama, Sita, and Lakshman are living in exile.
The poem begins with Sita hearing a cry for help in the forest. She believes that it is Rama's voice, and she begs Lakshman to go and find him. Lakshman, however, is reluctant to leave Sita alone. He knows that the forest is full of dangers, and he is worried about her safety.
Finally, in order to appease Sita, Lakshman agrees to go and find Rama. He draws a line in the sand and tells Sita that she must not cross it while he is away. Sita reluctantly agrees, and Lakshman sets off into the forest.
1) Write a critical note on Lakshman by Toru Dutt.
Critical analysis
Dutt's poem is a powerful and moving portrayal of the relationship between Sita and Lakshman. It is also a complex and nuanced exploration of the themes of loyalty, duty, and love.
One of the most striking aspects of Dutt's poem is its portrayal of Sita. In traditional retellings of the Ramayana, Sita is often portrayed as a passive and submissive figure. However, in Dutt's poem, Sita is a strong and independent woman who is not afraid to stand up for what she believes in. She is also deeply devoted to her husband, Rama.
Dutt's portrayal of Lakshman is also noteworthy. In traditional retellings of the Ramayana, Lakshman is often portrayed as a one-dimensional figure who is simply Rama's loyal servant. However, in Dutt's poem, Lakshman is a complex and well-developed character. He is torn between his duty to protect Sita and his desire to go and find Rama. He is also deeply hurt by Sita's accusations, but he remains steadfast in his loyalty to her and to Rama.
Another notable aspect of Dutt's poem is its use of language. Dutt's language is rich and evocative, and she uses a variety of poetic devices to create a vivid and atmospheric setting. For example, she uses similes and metaphors to describe the forest as a place of both beauty and danger. She also uses personification to give the forest a human-like voice.
Conversation between Sita and Lakshman(Click here to read the conversation between Sita and Lakshman from the Valmiki Ramayana)
Overall, Toru Dutt's poem "Lakshman" is a powerful and moving retelling of a classic Indian myth. It is a poem that is both rich in cultural and religious significance and beautifully written.
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