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I am Kavita Chauhan,a student inM.A. sem 3 in Department of English MKBU
Thinking activity 🤔 💬
This blog is part of the thinking activity task for Paper No. 201, Indian English Literature – Pre-Independence, Unit-3. In this post, I have responded to the assigned questions in detail.
-assigned by megha ma'am
Lakshman by Toru Dutt
The poem "Lakshman" is written by Toru Dutt, a well-known Indian English poet from the pre-independence era. It was published in a collection called Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan in 1882, after her death. This poem is a ballad that takes the form of a conversation between Sita and Lakshman. In it, Sita shows her strong determination to save her husband, Rama, who she believes might be in danger.
Rewriting mythology is a way for lesser-known and marginalized characters to have their voices heard. Indian epics, like the "Ramayana", have many retellings, and these stories are deeply rooted in our daily lives. The events and themes of the Ramayana can often be seen reflected in our everyday experiences in one way or another.
Q- 1 :- 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?
The Character of Sita in Toru Dutt's 'Lakshman' and 'The Ramayana': A Comparative Exploration
Toru Dutt’s poem " Lakshman"offers a unique portrayal of Sita, one that contrasts with the ideal image of Sita presented in 'The Ramayana'. This divergence reflects not only Dutt’s interpretation of the myth but also a broader commentary on the evolving perception of women’s roles in society. While the epic 'The Ramayana' paints Sita as the embodiment of ideal womanhood—devoted, obedient, and passive in the face of suffering—Dutt’s 'Lakshman' offers a Sita who is emotionally assertive, vocal, and more humanized. In this blog, we will explore how Dutt’s portrayal of Sita both aligns with and deviates from the traditional image of the character, and what this might suggest about the poet’s intentions and cultural context.
• Sita in 'The Ramayana': The Ideal Woman
In 'The Ramayana', Sita is revered as the perfect wife, embodying the virtues of patience, devotion, and sacrifice. Her loyalty to Rama, her husband, is unshakeable, even in the face of great adversity. When she is abducted by Ravana and taken to Lanka, Sita endures months of separation from Rama, remaining steadfast in her belief that her husband will come to rescue her. Throughout the epic, her patience and fortitude are highlighted as defining traits, and she rarely steps outside the boundaries of what was expected from women in traditional patriarchal society.
One of the most telling aspects of Sita’s character in 'The Ramayana' is her unquestioning loyalty and submission to Rama’s authority. Despite the injustices she suffers—such as her banishment to the forest after being accused of impurity—Sita maintains her dignity and continues to fulfill her role as the dutiful wife. This idealized version of Sita has become ingrained in the cultural and religious fabric of India, symbolizing the pinnacle of womanly virtue.
• Sita in Toru Dutt’s 'Lakshman': A Different Voice
In contrast, Toru Dutt’s 'Lakshman' presents a more emotional and assertive Sita, revealing a different dimension of her character. In this poem, Sita is not the passive figure seen in 'The Ramayana'. Instead, she becomes a woman who speaks out and takes action, challenging Lakshman’s decision to follow Rama’s orders and not intervene in what she perceives as his dire need for help.
The poem is set during the scene where Sita, left in the care of Lakshman while Rama pursues a golden deer, hears what she believes to be Rama’s cries for help. She begs Lakshman to go to his brother’s aid, but Lakshman, bound by his duty to obey Rama’s command, refuses. In response, Sita’s frustration grows, and she accuses Lakshman of being disloyal and heartless. This scene is striking because it brings forth a side of Sita that is rarely emphasized in 'The Ramayana': her vulnerability, her fear for her husband’s safety, and her willingness to challenge authority when she feels it is necessary.
Dutt’s Sita is far from silent or submissive. She confronts Lakshman, using persuasive language and emotional appeals to try and sway his decision. She is not just a figure waiting passively for rescue or relief; she actively participates in the events unfolding around her. By doing so, Dutt humanizes Sita, allowing readers to see her as more than just a symbol of idealized womanhood. Instead, she becomes a fully realized character with her own emotions, desires, and motivations.
• Comparing the Two Versions of Sita
The differences between Sita’s portrayal in ' The Ramayana' and in 'Lakshman' highlight a shift in how female characters can be interpreted within traditional narratives. In 'The Ramayana', Sita is primarily a figure of submission and self-sacrifice, representing the virtues expected of women in a patriarchal society. Her silence and acceptance of her fate, even in the most trying circumstances, have long been held up as the model for ideal womanhood.
In Dutt’s version, however, Sita’s assertiveness and emotional depth challenge these traditional ideals. Instead of being a passive observer, she becomes an active participant in the narrative, voicing her concerns and attempting to influence the course of events. This more dynamic portrayal reflects a changing perspective on women’s roles in literature and society. While Dutt’s Sita still embodies many of the virtues found in 'The Ramayana'—such as devotion to her husband and a deep sense of responsibility—she is also willing to stand up for what she believes is right, even if it means confronting someone as revered as Lakshman.
• Toru Dutt’s Intentions and Cultural Context
Toru Dutt’s portrayal of Sita likely reflects her own experiences as a woman living in colonial India, where the traditional roles of women were being questioned and redefined. Dutt, as one of the first Indian women to write in English, was herself challenging the boundaries of what was expected of women in her time. By giving Sita a stronger voice in 'Lakshman', Dutt may have been attempting to offer a new interpretation of female strength—one that is not rooted solely in patience and silence, but also in assertiveness and action.
Her version of Sita serves as both a tribute to the original character and a subtle critique of the limited roles available to women in traditional patriarchal narratives. By reimagining Sita in this way, Dutt creates a character who is both deeply connected to her cultural roots and ahead of her time in terms of her emotional expression and independence.
•Contemporary example :
In modern times, a contemporary example that mirrors the shift in the portrayal of Sita in Toru Dutt's 'Lakshman' is the character of 'Devi' in the Netflix series 'Sacred Games'. Like Dutt’s version of Sita, Devi is not a passive character who quietly endures her circumstances. Instead, she is vocal, assertive, and challenges the patriarchal systems around her.
In traditional Indian cinema, female characters were often portrayed in idealized roles, much like Sita in 'The Ramayana' . They were expected to be dutiful wives, mothers, and daughters, accepting their fate with quiet grace. However, contemporary media now showcases more complex and assertive female characters. Devi from 'Sacred Games' is one such character who breaks free from these traditional molds. She fights for survival in a harsh, male-dominated world and makes decisions based on her agency, similar to how Dutt’s Sita in 'Lakshman' confronts Lakshman to protect her husband.
Both Dutt’s Sita and modern characters like Devi demonstrate that women in literature and media are increasingly depicted as active agents in their own stories. They express their emotions, challenge norms, and are not confined to the background, allowing readers and viewers to engage with them on a deeper level. These portrayals reflect the growing recognition of women’s voices and independence, just as Dutt’s 'Lakshman' gave Sita a voice distinct from her portrayal in 'The Ramayana'.
• Conclusion:
In comparing the Sita of 'The Ramayana' with the Sita of Toru Dutt’s 'Lakshman', it becomes clear that Dutt’s portrayal offers a more nuanced and emotionally complex character. While 'The Ramayana’s Sita is a model of traditional virtue, Dutt’s Sita represents a more human and relatable figure, one who is willing to voice her fears and challenge authority when necessary. This difference in portrayal not only highlights the evolving perception of women in literature but also reflects the changing cultural landscape in which Dutt was writing. Through this reimagined Sita, Toru Dutt offers readers a more layered and dynamic interpretation of one of India’s most iconic figures.
Deeno Daan by Rabindranath Tagore:
Rabindranath Tagore’s poem 'Deeno Daan' explores themes of charity, pride, and compassion. It provides a critical reflection on the act of giving, particularly focusing on the social mentality that often distorts the true essence of charity. Tagore emphasizes that charity should not be motivated by pride or the desire for social recognition but should come from a place of humility and genuine compassion.
The poem contrasts two key perspectives: that of the giver and the receiver. The giver, often wealthy or socially powerful, is shown to give charity with an inflated sense of ego, using the act of giving as a way to elevate their own status. This approach strips away the dignity of the receiver, making them feel small and humiliated. The receiver, who is in need, is portrayed as feeling ashamed or belittled by the act of charity, as it reinforces their lower social standing.
Through 'Deeno Daan', Tagore critiques this social mentality and advocates for a more sincere form of charity—one that is motivated by empathy and equality rather than pride. He calls for charity to be given with a pure heart, with the understanding that both the giver and the receiver are equals. True charity, as depicted in the poem, should aim to uplift and empower the receiver while maintaining their dignity.
Ultimately, Deeno Daan serves as a reminder that acts of kindness and charity should not be tainted by ego or social pressures, but should be rooted in selfless compassion. It encourages readers to reflect on the true nature of giving and the impact it has on human relationships.
Q- 2:- What type of social mentality does Rabindranath Tagore present in the poem Deeno Daan?
Rabindranath Tagore’s poem 'Deeno Daan' delves into the social mentality of charity, pride, and true compassion. It presents a critique of the way society often views and practices charity, highlighting the disparity between those who give and those who receive. Through this poem, Tagore exposes how ego, pride, and a sense of superiority can corrupt the noble act of giving. He emphasizes the need for humility and selflessness in acts of charity and suggests that true giving must come from the heart, without expectation of praise or recognition.
• Charity with Ego: A Flawed Social Mentality
In 'Deeno Daan', Tagore paints a picture of a society where giving is often intertwined with ego and social status. Many people donate to the poor not out of genuine concern or compassion but because it boosts their own sense of importance. In such cases, charity becomes a tool for showing off one’s wealth and power, rather than a selfless act of kindness. The giver feels superior to the receiver and takes pride in their ability to give, but this kind of giving is empty and superficial.
Tagore uses the character of the giver in the poem to represent this mentality. The giver is not interested in the needs of the poor but is more concerned with how society will view their act of charity. They believe that by giving, they are doing something great and noble, but in reality, their giving is tainted by pride. This social mentality, according to Tagore, undermines the very purpose of charity, which is to uplift and support those in need, not to elevate the ego of the giver.
•The Receiver’s Humiliation: A Reflection of Social Inequality:
On the other side of this social equation is the receiver of charity, who often feels humiliated by the act of receiving. In 'Deeno Daan', Tagore explores the feelings of those who are forced to accept charity from the wealthy. The receiver feels ashamed, not only because they are in need but because they sense the arrogance and superiority of the giver. This creates a deep sense of inequality and resentment, as the poor are made to feel small and insignificant.
Tagore criticizes the mentality of giving that strips away the dignity of the receiver. Instead of helping to uplift the poor, such charity reinforces social divisions and deepens the sense of inferiority among those who are less fortunate. This social inequality is a major theme in the poem, as Tagore calls for a form of giving that restores the dignity of the receiver, rather than diminishing it.
• True Charity: Humility and Compassion:
Tagore’s message in 'Deeno Daan' is clear: true charity must come from a place of humility and compassion. It is not about boosting one's social status or gaining praise from others; it is about helping those in need without any desire for recognition or reward. In the poem, Tagore emphasizes that real giving is done with a pure heart, where the giver does not see themselves as superior to the receiver but as equal human beings.
This idea is rooted in the concept of empathy—understanding the struggles and pain of others and wanting to help out of genuine kindness. Tagore suggests that when charity is done with humility, it becomes a meaningful act that brings people together, rather than reinforcing social divisions. The giver and the receiver both maintain their dignity, and the act of giving is transformed into a powerful expression of human solidarity and love.
• A Call for Change: Rethinking Social Charity:
Through 'Deeno Daan', Tagore calls for a change in the way society views and practices charity. He urges people to rethink their motivations and to give with true compassion and humility. The poem serves as a critique of a society that values wealth and status over kindness and equality, and it challenges the reader to adopt a more thoughtful and empathetic approach to giving.
Tagore’s critique of the social mentality around charity is still relevant today. In modern times, many acts of giving are still accompanied by a sense of pride and superiority, as people donate to charity to improve their social standing or public image. However, as Tagore points out in his poem, this kind of giving does little to address the real issues of inequality and suffering. True charity must come from the heart and must be motivated by a genuine desire to help, not by the desire to appear generous.
• Examples:-
A contemporary film that reflects the mentality described in Tagore's 'Deeno Daan' is 'The White Tiger' (2021), based on the novel by Aravind Adiga. The film explores the complex relationship between the wealthy and the poor in India and how acts of charity and kindness often come with hidden motives or a sense of superiority.
In 'The White Tiger', the wealthy characters, such as the landlords Ashok and Pinky, initially display what they perceive as kindness towards Balram, their servant. They believe they are generous because they give him money and treat him “better” than other servants. However, their charity is laced with condescension and a sense of superiority, much like the mentality Tagore critiques in 'Deeno Daan'. Balram is keenly aware of this dynamic, understanding that their “kindness” is superficial, and it only reinforces the power imbalance between them.
Another example is the Netflix series 'Delhi Crime' (2019), which tells the true story of a horrific crime in India. In one of the subplots, you see acts of charity where politicians and high-profile figures come forward to “support” the victims, but their motivations are not always genuine. Some characters seek public recognition for their support, more for political gains than for genuinely helping the victims. This highlights the problematic way in which public figures often engage in charity for their own benefit, echoing the critique of superficial charity found in 'Deeno Daan'.
Both examples from 'The White Tiger' and 'Delhi Crime' show how modern films and series address the complex dynamics of giving, where acts of charity often mask deeper issues of pride, ego, and inequality, reflecting Tagore’s insights from 'Deeno Daan'.
• Conclusion:
In 'Deeno Daan', Rabindranath Tagore sheds light on the flawed social mentality surrounding charity, where ego and pride often overshadow true compassion. He calls for a deeper understanding of what it means to give and emphasizes the importance of humility, empathy, and selflessness in acts of charity. Tagore’s poem serves as a timeless reminder that real charity is not about boosting one’s own sense of importance but about helping others in a way that preserves their dignity and fosters a sense of equality. Through this powerful message, 'Deeno Daan' continues to inspire readers to reflect on the true nature of giving and the impact it can have on both the giver and the receiver.
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