Lakshman by Toru Dutt.

 This blog, assigned by Megha Ma’am, is about Toru Dutt’s poem Lakshman.

Sita in Toru Dutt’s “Lakshman” vs. the Ideal Sita of The Ramayana

      Sita is one of the most celebrated figures in Indian literature and mythology. Across centuries, she has been remembered as the model of womanhood, wifehood, and sacrifice. Her story in The Ramayana has shaped cultural values and ideals about women’s roles in family and society. But when we read Toru Dutt’s poem “Lakshman”, we meet a Sita who feels very different from the silent, patient woman of Valmiki’s epic. Dutt’s Sita is emotional, passionate, and deeply human.

         In this blog, I will explore how Sita is shown in The Ramayana, how Toru Dutt reimagines her in her poem “Lakshman”, and how these two versions differ. By doing so, we can see how literature can reshape even the most traditional characters and present them in new lights.

Sita in The Ramayana :

In Tulsidas's Ramayana, Sita is always seen as the ideal wife and woman. She follows Rama into exile without a second thought, leaving behind her palace and comforts. She does not complain, even when she has to live in forests with hardships. Her loyalty is absolute.

Some important features of Sita in the Ramayana:

Self-sacrifice: She chooses to leave Ayodhya and live in exile just to be with Rama.

Patience: She endures difficulties without open protest.

Purity: Even after being kidnapped by Ravana, her chastity and moral strength are highlighted.

Silence: Many times, her strength is shown not through words but through quiet suffering.

     Because of these qualities, Sita became a symbol of the perfect wife in Indian tradition. She represents obedience, loyalty, and the ability to bear pain with dignity.

Toru Dutt’s Poem “Lakshman”

          Toru Dutt (1856–1877) was one of the earliest Indian women poets to write in English. Her poem “Lakshman” retells one dramatic moment from the Ramayana. The scene is set in the forest, where Rama, Lakshman, and Sita are living during their exile.

          Maricha, disguised as a golden deer, lures Rama away. When Rama shoots him, Maricha cries out in Rama’s voice for help. Hearing this, Sita becomes terrified and begs Lakshman to go to Rama’s rescue. Lakshman refuses at first, saying that Rama is strong enough to protect himself. This makes Sita angry, and she speaks harshly to Lakshman, accusing him of secretly wishing harm to Rama.

     This moment shows a completely different side of Sita compared to her traditional image.

How Sita is Shown in the Poem :-

In “Lakshman”, Sita is portrayed as:

1. Emotional and fearful – She is deeply disturbed when she hears Rama’s supposed cry. She cannot control her anxiety and immediately demands action.

2. Assertive and commanding – Instead of waiting silently, she orders Lakshman to go. She takes charge of the situation and expresses her will.

3. Harsh and angry – When Lakshman resists, she loses her patience. Her accusations show that she is capable of anger and doubt, which are very human emotions.

4. Passionate in love – Her anger and fear are not signs of weakness, but of her deep attachment to Rama. She cannot bear the thought of him being in danger.

This is a very human Sita, who feels, reacts, and even makes mistakes in her desperation.

Key Differences Between the Two Sitas :-

Let us now compare both portrayals:

1. Silence vs. Expression :

In The Ramayana, Sita is usually silent and patient, enduring difficulties without loud protests.In Toru Dutt’s poem, she speaks a lot, expresses her emotions openly, and even argues with Lakshman.

2. Obedience vs. Assertiveness :-

The epic Sita follows Rama and accepts his decisions.Dutt’s Sita takes control of the situation by commanding Lakshman.

3. Ideal vs. Human :-

The epic Sita is idealized as a model of purity and devotion.Dutt’s Sita is more realistic, showing fear, love, and anger—qualities of a real woman.

4. Calm vs. Impulsive :-

The epic Sita is calm and composed.Dutt’s Sita is impulsive, reacting quickly out of fear.

Why Did Toru Dutt Show Sita This Way?

      Toru Dutt was writing in the 19th century, during colonial India, when many writers were trying to bring new life to traditional stories. She may have wanted to present Sita as more than just a silent ideal. By showing her emotions, Toru Dutt makes Sita:

Relatable to modern readers – A woman who feels fear and anger is easier for readers to connect with.

Stronger in her humanity – Instead of being a distant goddess-like figure, Sita becomes a real woman with strengths and weaknesses.

A voice for women – Dutt gives Sita a voice, making her speak up rather than remain silent. This reflects early feminist thinking.

Significance of This Change :-

       This new portrayal of Sita is very meaningful because it changes the way we look at female characters in literature. Instead of always being ideals of sacrifice, women can be shown as complex individuals with emotions.By rewriting this scene, Toru Dutt highlights the fact that love is not only about patience and silence, but also about passion, fear, and desperate care.

Conclusion :-

         To conclude, Sita in Toru Dutt’s poem “Lakshman” is very different from the Sita of The Ramayana. The epic presents her as the ideal woman—silent, patient, and pure, while Dutt shows her as a real, emotional, and passionate woman. This makes her character more relatable and modern.

       Through this reimagining, Toru Dutt gives us a new way of seeing Sita: not only as a symbol of perfection, but also as a human being who feels deeply and reacts strongly. This change brings her closer to readers of today and adds richness to the timeless story of The Ramayana.

A Critical Note on Toru Dutt’s Poem “Lakshman”

Introduction :-

      Toru Dutt (1856–1877) holds a special place in Indian literature in English. She was one of the first Indian women to write poetry in English and French, and though her life was tragically short, her works remain deeply admired. Her poetry often drew upon Indian myths, legends, and cultural traditions, which she retold with sensitivity and imagination. One such poem is “Lakshman”, included in her collection Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan (1882, published posthumously).

        The poem “Lakshman” retells an episode from the Ramayana with fresh emotional intensity. Instead of simply repeating the traditional story, Toru Dutt gives us a new perspective, where Sita emerges as the central figure. The poem explores themes of love, fear, doubt, and human weakness, presenting Sita in a way that differs from her idealized image in the epic.

Summary of the Poem :-

      The poem is based on the scene from the Ramayana when Rama, Lakshman, and Sita are living in exile in the forest. Maricha, disguised as a golden deer, lures Rama away. 

    Hearing this cry, Sita is thrown into panic. She fears that Rama is in danger and insists that Lakshman go immediately to his rescue. Lakshman, however, assures her that Rama is strong enough and does not need help. But Sita, blinded by fear and anxiety, misunderstands Lakshman’s hesitation. She speaks harshly to him, accusing him of disloyalty, and even suggests that he may secretly desire her or want harm to come to Rama.

      Shocked and hurt by Sita’s words, Lakshman reluctantly leaves her alone in the hut to search for Rama. This leaves Sita vulnerable, and it is at this moment that Ravana, disguised as a sage, arrives to abduct her.

Critical Analysis :

1. Focus on Sita’s Emotions :-

      One of the most striking features of the poem is the way Toru Dutt shifts the focus from Rama and Lakshman to Sita. In Valmiki’s Ramayana, Sita is often portrayed as the silent, patient, and ideal wife. But in Dutt’s poem, she becomes an emotional, passionate, and very human character.

         Her love for Rama makes her impatient, fearful, and even unjust in her accusations against Lakshman. This portrayal makes her character more relatable to modern readers. Instead of a distant ideal, she becomes a real woman who reacts naturally in a moment of crisis.

2. Lakshman’s Role :

       Lakshman is shown as calm, rational, and loyal. He knows Rama does not need his help, and he wishes to obey his brother’s command to guard Sita. Yet, he becomes the target of Sita’s harsh words. His silence and restraint highlight his devotion to duty. But his eventual departure shows how human emotions (Sita’s fear and suspicion) can overpower reason.

3. Humanization of Myth :-

       Toru Dutt’s greatest contribution in this poem is the humanization of mythical characters. Instead of treating them as flawless divine beings, she presents them as human figures with emotions, doubts, and weaknesses. This gives the poem dramatic intensity and psychological depth.

4. Style and Language:-

         The poem is written in a ballad form, with simplicity of language and narrative flow. The dialogue between Sita and Lakshman forms the heart of the poem, creating a sense of drama and urgency. The emotional tension rises with every exchange, showing Dutt’s skill in storytelling.

5. Themes in the Poem :

Love and Anxiety: Sita’s love for Rama is so intense that she cannot bear the thought of his suffering.

Doubt and Misunderstanding: Fear makes Sita doubt Lakshman’s loyalty, which becomes the turning point of the episode.

Duty vs. Emotion: Lakshman tries to balance his duty to Rama with Sita’s demands, but eventually emotions win.

Human Weakness: Even great figures like Sita are shown with flaws, reminding us of the fragile side of human nature.

Critical Appreciation :

      “Lakshman” is not just a retelling of mythology; it is a reinterpretation. Through the poem, Toru Dutt gives Sita a voice and emotions, making her the center of the narrative. The poem reflects Dutt’s sensitivity as a poet and her ability to blend Indian tradition with a modern, psychological perspective.

        Critics often see this poem as an example of how Indian English literature was beginning to reinterpret classical stories for a new audience. It also reflects early feminist undertones—Sita is not silent here; she speaks, argues, and expresses her feelings openly.

Conclusion :

      Toru Dutt’s “Lakshman” is a powerful poem that reimagines a famous episode from the Ramayana. Instead of presenting Sita as the perfect, idealized wife, Dutt portrays her as a deeply human woman, full of passion, fear, and doubt. Through this, she brings new life to an ancient story and gives us a more relatable image of Sita.

          The poem is valuable not only as a retelling of mythology but also as a piece of literary art that bridges tradition and modernity. It highlights the power of emotions, the complexity of human relationships, and the tragic consequences of misunderstanding. Above all, it shows Toru Dutt’s genius as a poet who could take India’s ancient legends and present them in a way that still speaks to readers today.

Thank you for reading..

REFERENCE:-

Dutt, Toru. Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan. Kegan Paul, Trench & Co., 1882.

Dutt, Toru. Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan. Project Gutenberg, 2008, www.gutenberg.org/files/23245/23245-h/23245-h.htm.