Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan

"Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan" by Toru Dutt is a collection of poems rooted in Indian mythology and folklore, written in the late 19th century. This work presents a blend of translated verses and original compositions inspired by ancient Indian stories and characters. The central figures include well-known figures from Hindu epics, such as Savitri, who is noted for her devotion and resilience. This anthology seeks to revive and celebrate the rich heritage of Indian narrative traditions through the lens of poetic expression. The opening of the collection introduces "Savitri," a beautifully depicted character who embodies purity and grace. She is the beloved daughter of a king, who wanders freely in nature, contrasting with the typical constraints on women of her time. The story unfolds her encounter with Satyavan, whom she loves at first sight, ultimately revealing a prophecy regarding his uncertain fate. As Savitri's inner turmoil grows with the impending doom foretold by a sage, she resolutely vows to pursue her love and retain her commitment to him, thus setting the stage for her fierce determination and deep emotional strength as the narrative progresses. The initial chapters resonate with themes of love, fate, and the strength of character, inviting readers into the timeless tales of the Indian subcontinent. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Tarulatta Datta, popularly known as Toru Dutt was an Indian Bengali poet and translator from British India, who wrote in English and French. She is among the founding figures of Indo-Anglian literature, alongside Henry Louis Vivian Derozio (1809–1831), Manmohan Ghose (1869–1924), and Sarojini Naidu (1879–1949). She is known for her volumes of poetry in English, Sita, A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields (1876) and Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan (1882), and for a novel in French, Le Journal de Mademoiselle d'Arvers (1879). Her poems explore themes of loneliness, longing, patriotism and nostalgia. Dutt died at the age of 21 of tuberculosis.