Toru Dutt’s Concern for Indian Culture and Immortal Hindu Mythology in Ancient Ballads

Abstract

Indian culture is embodied in the collective consciousness of the nation governed by Sanatana Dharama the ancient yet eternal religion symbolized by the Vedas, the Upnishadas and the Gita. The Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan of Toru Dutt is replete with all the Indian cultural trends such as the supremacy of the doctrine of Karma, non-attachment from worldly things, self-surrender, devotion, illusiveness of this world, love, fidelity and parental devotion. ‘Savitri,’ ‘The Legend of Dhruva’ and ‘Sindhu’ present the doctrine of Karma. In the poem ‘Savitri’, Savitri tells Yama the doctrine of Karma. Toru Dutt has an ardent eye to feel the transitoriness and nothingness of this life. For her, life is a bubble on water of the earth and when man glances at it, it dies at the very moment and exists no more. The Indian mythology speaks about the devotion to the parents and Guru. In India both of them are considered equal to God. For the attainment of God, one should whole-heartedly devote to Him. If one loses one’s life in obedience to Him, his greatest obligation is done. Shravan Kumar, an ideal son sacrifices his whole life for the service of his parents and also breathes his last in their service. Chastity and love is another name of Savitri and Sita, Savitri falls in love with Satyavan and decides to marry him. Toru Dutt who was the innovative poetess of India, following the determinate sense and wisdom of life through poetry, endured the base of truth where Hindu views and philosophy were subjected. Thus, her poetry is a journey into the gallery of Indian mythology and Indian culture.