Poems By Toru Dutt's 'Lakshman', and Rabindranath Tagore's 'Deeno Daan'

This blog is a response to an assignment given by Megha Ma'am from the Department of English at MKBU. It explores two poems, 'Lakshman' and 'Deeno Daan,' where I have addressed the questions posed as part of the task.

Q-1: Write a critical note on ‘Lakshman’ by Toru Dutt.

Toru Dutt’s poem 'Lakshman' retells a famous moment from the 'Ramayana', focusing on Sita’s abduction and the golden deer scene. The main part of the poem is a heated conversation between Sita and Lakshman. When Ram goes after the golden deer, it cries out in his voice as it dies, making Sita believe Ram is in trouble. Lakshman, knowing how strong Ram is, doesn't think he’s in danger, but Sita gets really worried.

In Dutt’s version, the characters are portrayed a bit differently than they usually are. Lakshman, often known for his anger, is calm and patient here, while Sita, who is usually gentle, becomes more aggressive and says things that deeply hurt Lakshman. She even accuses him of wanting Ram to die so that he could marry her, which is unfair considering all that Lakshman has given up for Ram.

Lakshman, though not usually the hero, is depicted in a more central role here. He’s stuck between two difficult choices: obey Ram’s command to protect Sita or go help Ram as Sita demands. Even after Sita’s harsh words, Lakshman stays calm and forgives her, knowing she’s speaking out of fear. 

Despite being hurt, Lakshman chooses to forgive Sita, understanding her situation. He knows that her accusations come from her fear, and he accepts the pain without reacting in anger. The poem presents Lakshman as a strong and compassionate figure, who understands what’s happening but is powerless to change things, which makes his situation even more tragic.

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

In 'Deeno Daan' (The Alms of the Poor), Tagore focuses on themes like power, compassion, and human dignity, making us question how society operates. Through the dialogue between a king and a hermit, Tagore highlights the moral issues tied to authority and charity, while exposing the inequalities in society. The poem emphasizes that every person, no matter how wealthy or poor, has an inherent dignity. It critiques how society often places value on material success and status, which creates a divide between people.

Tagore, one of India's most celebrated poets, came from a well-known Bengali Brahmin family. His interest in literature, music, and art shaped his work, which often reflects spiritual and humanistic ideas. In 'Deeno Daan', Tagore shows his discomfort with institutionalized religion, arguing that it often fails to address the real needs of people. In the poem, a priest argues with a king, telling him that God resides among the poor, not in the grand temple the king has built. This exposes how wealth is often spent on symbols of power, while the poor are overlooked.

The message Tagore shares is that true divinity is found in compassion and unity, and that God exists with the downtrodden, not in the grand monuments of power. The beggar's small act of charity is a statement about human equality, while the king's grand donations fail to bridge the gap between rich and poor. The poem challenges the idea that wealth defines someone's worth, showing that small, heartfelt actions matter more than large, hollow gestures that keep social hierarchies intact.

Both 'Lakshman' and 'Deeno Daan' explore complex human relationships. While 'Lakshman' dives into the conflict between duty and personal emotions, 'Deeno Daan' questions charity when it’s driven by power rather than true compassion. Both poems ask us to think about loyalty, responsibility, and the real meaning of generosity.