'Lakshman' by Toru Dutt

Hello Readers! I'm writing this blog in response to a thinking activity assigned by Megha Trivedi ma'am of the English Department at MKBU. In this blog post, I will delve into the poem 'Lakshman' written by Toru Dutt. 

Toru Dutt was one of the greatest writers of English Literature who will be remembered for ages for the eternal charm in her works. She was a poet, novelist, and a translator. She died at a very young age of 21 years, she had left behind an immense collection of prose and poetry. She was well versed not only in English but also in French, German and Sanskrit.

Tarulatta Datta, popularly known as Toru Dutt was an Indian Bengali poet & translator from British India. She is among the founding figures of Indo-Anglian literature. She is known for her volumes of poetry in English, Sita, A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields and Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan, and for a novel in French, Le Journal de Mademoiselle d'Arvers. Her poems explore themes of loneliness, longing, patriotism and nostalgia. She died at the age of 21 of tuberculosis. 

Dutt began writing poetry at a young age. Her first poem was published in a local magazine in 1872. In 1876, she published her first collection of poems, A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields. This collection was a translation of French poems into English. In 1877, Dutt published her second collection of poems, Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan. This collection was a translation of Hindu epics and legends into English. Dutt's translations were praised by critics for their accuracy and beauty.

Dutt also wrote novels. Her first novel, Bianca, or the Young Spanish Maiden, was published in 1878. Her second novel, Le Journal de Mademoiselle d'Arvers, was published in 1879. Le Journal de Mademoiselle d'Arvers was the first novel written by an Indian woman in French. Dutt's work is characterized by its lyricism, its use of imagery, and its exploration of Indian themes. She was influenced by both English and Indian literature, and her work bridges the gap between the two cultures.

Her Contribution to Indo-Anglian Literature:

Toru Dutt’s literary sensibility was informed by her vast and encyclopedic erudition of European classics which she was able to read from her family library, along with the intellectually enriching atmosphere of her home, which reflected thoroughly the larger reformist discourse produced as a part of the nineteenth-century Renaissance in Bengal. Her letters, primarily those written to her friend Mary Martin, shed light on her quotidian reading habits, her knowledge of the literary and cultural journals in circulation at that time. Dutt’s poetic craftsmanship reflects a remarkable cross-cultural and trans-discursive dialogue which was being generated as a part of the transmogrification of intellectual paradigms during the nineteenth century. Her remarkably articulate poetry captures a seamless blending of not only ancient Indian classical and European categories of thought, but also a wider coalescence of modernity and tradition. 

Dutt was prolific in the field of music and had considerable interest in paintings. Her letters shed light on her knowledge of eighteenth and nineteenth century art, for instance, Thomas Gainsborough’s ‘Blue Boy’ and Jacques-Louis David’s "Napoleon Crossing the Alps”. Dutt was interested in art criticism too, as she wrote: “I like the Art Journal very much. There are beautiful steel engravings in it.”

Introduction of poem 'Lakshman':

'Lakshman’ by Toru Dutt is a poem on a Hindu mythological theme. The subject matter of the poem is taken from the ‘Ramayana’, a Sanskrit epic by Valmiki. Lakshman was a younger brother of Sri Ram. The poem, a part of her collection "A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields," reflects her deep connection with Indian culture and mythology. 

In the realm of Indian poetry, certain works stand out not only for their literary prowess but also for their ability to delve into the depths of human emotions and moral complexities. Toru Dutt skillfully delves into themes of duty, loyalty, and the inner turmoil of a devoted brother. 'Lakshman' narrates a critical episode from the life of Lakshman, the dedicated younger brother of Lord Rama, an incarnation of the god Vishnu. In the poem, Toru Dutt presents the readers with a poignant dilemma. It revolves around Lakshman's conflicting duties to safeguard his brother and his sister-in-law, Sita, and to heed Sita's anxious pleas for help.

Background Information of poem:

To truly appreciate the depth and significance of "Lakshman," we must first delve into the historical and cultural context that underlies this narrative. The poem finds its roots in the Ramayana, one of the most revered epics in Indian mythology. The Ramayana chronicles the life and adventures of Lord Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, who embarks on a journey fraught with trials and tribulations. Lakshman, our central character, is Rama's devoted brother and constant companion on this epic journey.

This poem Lakshman carries the one line story of Sita’s argument with Lakshman in the absence of Ram. The poem has 22 stanzas, each with eight lines, and it follows a ballad form, which typically has four lines. In this poem, you'll find some Sanskrit terms like "Succour" and "Videhan Queen" directly used.

Believing the delusive cry of Maricha (a golden deer, magical form of Maricha); Sita urges Lakshman to move from the bower for the rescue of their hero, Ram. But Lakshman is in a dilemma because Rama has ordered him to protect Sita in the midst of a dangerous forest. Understanding the gravity of the situation, he refuses to follow Sita's words. Understanding the seriousness of the situation, he refuses to obey her words. At the peak of wrath, Sita utters some allegations against Lakshman and his loyalty towards her and her husband. Lakshman becomes helpless. He is stuck between the words of his brother as well as the bitter allegations of Sita.

The poem captures a moment during Rama's exile when he goes hunting, leaving Sita in Lakshman's care. Sita hears a cry for help and implores Lakshman to rush to Rama's aid. What ensues is a powerful exploration of human emotions and the complexity of relationships, all set against the backdrop of the grand narrative of the Ramayana.

Critical Analysis of poem:

The poem 'Lakshman' is a tense conversation between Lakshman and his sister-in-law Sita from the Hindu epic Ramayana. Sita asks Lakshman to listen to the cries echoing, they are her husband’s cry. She asks Lakshman to go and look for her husband but Lakshman says that his brother is the mightiest and no one can harm him. Sita, being worried about her husband, asks Lakshman to go anyway and bring her husband back to her. Lakshman refuses to leave her alone in the woods but Sita is adamant. Lakshman then takes his arrow and carves a magical circle around Sita on the ground which no evil force can penetrate. He takes her blessings and follows the cries of her husband.

Lakshman: Historical religious character:

Lakshman is a historical character. He was a prince of king Dashrath. In the great epic, 'The Ramayana' he is almost a shadow of Lord Rama. He is known for his brotherly love, faith and bravery. Lakshman's sacrifice, choosing to accompany Rama into exile and serve him in the forest for fourteen years, exemplifies the ideals of duty and loyalty. He is also recognized for his protective role as Sita's guardian during their exile. Toru Dutt was fascinated by ancient mythical stories. Her one collection refers to the same. Many of her poems have issues or themes from history. 

Lakshman Heroic figure & Sita- common Woman:

If we read the Ramayana we find these characters completely different. Lakshman is almost the same but we have to take note that he is also similar to a common man. His language is not suitable to his structure. As a human being Toru's idea is to bring the pathetic condition and inner thoughts of Lakshman which is new and the poet should be congratulated for the same. Sita is not the Ramayana's Sita but she is a common woman. She becomes angry, taunts Lakshman and accuses him wrongly. Slowly Sita is becoming like a common woman. The transformation of her is an interesting aspect of the poem. The opening brings her anxiety. Lakshman's stand and justification, his determination and faith make him more likable than Sita. Her feminine weapon of bitter sarcasm makes her mean.

One of the most striking aspects of the poem is its portrayal of Sita. In contrast to the traditional image of Sita as a submissive and idealized wife, Dutt presents Sita as a complex and conflicted human being. She is both strong and vulnerable, and she is capable of great love and anger. Critics have praised Dutt's poem for its feminist perspective. Dutt challenges the traditional patriarchal view of women, and she presents Sita as a strong and independent woman. She also shows how women can be oppressed by the patriarchal system, even within the context of a loving relationship.

Faith, Devotion, and Vulnerability in Lakshman:

Lakshman, the brother of Lord Rama, is known for his loyalty and faith. He is the epitome of a devoted brother and a friend. Lakshman's loyalty and faith are evident throughout the Ramayana. He accompanies Rama and Sita into exile without hesitation, even though he knows that it will be a difficult and dangerous journey. During their exile, Lakshman always remains by Rama's side, protecting him and Sita from harm. In the forest, Lakshman accompanies Rama and Sita. In a particular situation, Rama goes hunting at Sita's request, and he entrusts Lakshman with the duty of guarding her. While Lakshman is diligently watching over Sita, she suddenly hears a cry and believes it's her husband calling for help. Sita implores Lakshman to go to Rama's aid, but he hesitates, asserting his belief that his brother cannot be easily defeated or harmed, considering it might be a mistake. This situation creates a tense moment, as Sita, feeling anxious and distressed, directs sharp words and criticisms toward Lakshman. Caught between his loyalty and obedience to his brother on one hand and the taunts and bitter remarks from Sita on the other, Lakshman's feelings of helplessness and inner conflict become vividly portrayed by the poet.

To sum it all up the poem's ballad form and rich Sanskrit terminology add depth to its narrative. It vividly portrays Sita's anxiety and Lakshman's loyalty, revealing the tension between duty and personal emotions. The poem not only offers a glimpse into the intricate dynamics of the Ramayana but also delves into the universal themes of loyalty, duty, and human emotions. The poem is written in a rhythmic tone. The imagery of Ram’s valor narrated by Lakshman is highly poetic. The language of the poem is easy and simple. The poem has been praised by critics for its lyrical beauty, its psychological insights, and its feminist perspective.

Thanks for visiting. I hope you find it beneficial! 

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