Thinking Activity: Poems by Toru Dutt (Lakshman), Sri Aurobindo (To a Hero-Worshipper), R. Tagore (Dino Daan)

Poems by Toru Dutt (Lakshman), Sri Aurobindo (To a Hero-Worshipper), R. Tagore (Dino Daan)  

Greetings everyone! This blog is a response to a thinking activity assigned by Megha Ma'am. In this post, I will address the questions from the task. However, before we get into the details, let me first give you a brief overview of the poems and their authors.

Introduction:

Toru Dutt’s mythological poem 'Lakshman', published in 1882, presents a ballad in the form of a dialogue between Sita and Lakshman, drawing from a pivotal scene in the Ramayana. The poem captures Sita's unwavering determination to save her husband, Rama, who she fears may be in danger. Focusing on a brief exchange between Sita and Lakshman, Dutt’s diction reveals Sita's underlying fears and anxieties. The background of the poem shows Sita captivated by the beauty of a golden deer, desiring its skin to adorn her hut.

Rabindranath Tagore’s poem "Deeno Daan" (The Imprisonment Gift) offers a compelling exploration of the complexities within human nature, societal structures, and the dynamics of power and compassion. The poem portrays a confrontation between a king and a hermit, focusing on the true meaning of piety and worship. While the king takes pride in his lavish temple as a symbol of his devotion, the hermit reflects Tagore’s belief that genuine spirituality lies in serving the needy, not in erecting grand monuments of vanity.

(Q.1).Write a critical note on Toru Dutt’s approach to Indian myths.

Ans:

Toru Dutt's approach to Indian myths is deeply reflective of her unique position as a poet influenced by both Western Christian and traditional Indian sensibilities.

Colonial and Christian Influence: Toru Dutt’s upbringing was shaped by colonial European culture and Christian beliefs, which were prominent in her family and environment. Despite her Christian faith, she did not wholly reject her Indian roots and Indic mythology. Her education and travels exposed her to European literature and Christianity, which influenced her perspective, yet she maintained an appreciation for Indian mythology. As mentioned in the article, her personal familiarity with European classical literature was balanced with a sympathetic depiction of Hindu myths.

Interweaving of Cultures: Dutt was a product of cultural cross-fertilization between Indian and Western ideologies. She successfully integrated the Graeco-Roman and Christian traditions with Indian mythological narratives, creating a literary space reflecting both Western and Indian ethos. For example, her study of European literature enabled her to treat characters from Hindu mythology with a similar respect and intellectual engagement as figures from Western traditions. This is evident in her ability to reinterpret mythological characters, not merely as relics of a bygone past but as figures that embody universal human virtues.

Personal Connection to Hindu Myths: Dutt’s fascination with Indian mythology began in childhood when her mother recited stories from the Hindu scriptures. These early experiences instilled a deep emotional connection with the ancient legends of India. Her work, Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan, showcases her engagement with these myths, with the ballads primarily dealing with legends like those of Savitri, Dhruva, and Bharata. For instance, her retelling of The Legend of Dhruva captures the tone of traditional recitations while adding a literary depth to the character’s moral struggle.

Reinterpretation through Christian Ethics: Despite her Christian faith, Toru Dutt’s portrayal of Hindu mythological figures is marked by empathy and respect. Her Christian convictions did not prevent her from sympathetically rendering the stories of figures like Savitri and Dhruva. For instance, in The Legend of Dhruva, Dutt narrates the myth with a sense of moral duty and righteousness that transcends cultural boundaries. Similarly, in Savitri, Dutt captures the emotional intensity of Savitri's plea to Yama (the god of death), which echoes her own values of love and devotion. 

Transcendence of Religious Boundaries: Dutt’s treatment of Hindu mythology transcends the limitations typically imposed by Christian doctrine, which often viewed pre-Christian mythologies as “heathenish.” Instead, Dutt approached these myths with intellectual curiosity and artistic reverence. This is evident in her portrayal of Sita from The Ramayana, where Dutt empathizes with the character’s despair during her captivity. In her poem Sita, she presents the character’s deep sorrow and longing for freedom, which reflects the poet’s ability to blend her Christian worldview with her appreciation of the virtues exemplified by Hindu figures.

Literary Contributions: Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan is a testimony to Dutt's engagement with Indian mythology. It reflects her love for India’s ancient religious traditions despite her European education and Christian faith. Her poetry, such as The Legend of Dhruva and Savitri, explores themes of loyalty, devotion, and duty. In the latter poem, Savitri’s determined plea to Yama to save her husband exemplifies an intense form of love and devotion, which transcends the boundaries of religious affiliation.

Blending of Indian and Western Literary Traditions: Dutt balanced cultural and literary influences from both India and the West without prioritizing one over the other. Her works reflect a deep respect for both traditions. For example, in Savitri, the dialogue between Savitri and Yama resonates with universal themes of justice, freedom, and love, highlighting her ability to merge Western literary sensibilities with Indian narratives.

 Toru Dutt’s approach to Indian myths reflects her cultural and religious duality, where she merges her Western, Christian upbringing with a profound love for India’s ancient traditions. This approach allows her to reinterpret Indian mythology through a lens that is simultaneously personal, intellectual, and universal. Examples from her works, such as The Legend of Dhruva, Savitri, and Sita, demonstrate her ability to portray mythological characters in a way that resonates with readers from both the East and the West.

(Q.2)What type of social mentality does Rabindranath Tagore present in the poem Deeno Daan?

Ans:

In his poem Deeno Daan, Rabindranath Tagore explores themes of authority, compassion, and human dignity. Through the interaction between a king and a humble hermit, Tagore highlights the moral conflicts tied to power and charity, as well as the deeply rooted social inequalities. The poem critiques the mindset that upholds societal hierarchies based on wealth and status, while also emphasizing the inherent dignity of every individual, regardless of material possessions.

Rabindranath Tagore's poem Deeno Daan reflects a critical view of the social mentality towards charity. 

Critique of Superiority in Charity:

Tagore criticizes how some people give to the poor from a position of superiority, making themselves feel powerful. He argues that charity should not reinforce the divide between rich and poor.

False Benevolence:

The poem questions the idea that giving money or goods is enough. Tagore suggests that such acts often ignore the deeper problems of inequality and fail to bring real change.

 Respect and Dignity:

Tagore emphasizes that charity should respect the dignity of the receiver. Instead of looking down on the poor, society should treat everyone with equal respect.

 Criticism of Materialism:

Tagore critiques the focus on material wealth in society, where people think giving money is the ultimate solution. He argues that true charity comes from understanding and solving deeper social issues.

Spiritual Charity:

Tagore believes true charity is not about showing off or fulfilling social expectations. It should come from a place of genuine compassion and empathy, helping both the giver and the receiver.

Tagore’s poem suggests that society needs to rethink charity, moving away from acts of superiority and materialism, and towards empathy, respect, and real solutions to inequality.

Example: Ayodhya Ram Mandir Fundraising and Charity

The construction of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya saw large-scale fundraising efforts, where donations were collected from people across the country. While many contributed out of genuine religious sentiment and devotion, certain aspects of the fundraising campaign reflected a mentality of power dynamics similar to what Tagore critiques in Deeno Daan.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, both poems explore the challenges of building meaningful relationships. In "Lakshman," the focus is on the conflict between loyalty and personal feelings. Tagore raises important questions about what it means to be charitable in "Deeno Daan," examining the power dynamics between a king and a hermit. He challenges the idea that charity is always a good thing, suggesting it can also reflect dominance and superiority.

Thank you...