The poem "The Pardah Nashin" by Sarojini Naidu is about an Indian woman who lives a secluded life behind the veil, the "pardah". The woman is depicted as a delicate flower, hidden from the outside world, and her life is filled with sorrow and longing. She yearns to break free from the confines of her veil and experience the world beyond it, but societal norms and expectations prevent her from doing so. The poem highlights the struggles of women living in patriarchal societies where they are denied freedom and autonomy. In this blog, we are going to deal with the summary of the poem The Pardah Nashin, about Sarojini Naidu, its themes, analysis, Structures and literary devices.
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About Sarojini Naidu
Sarojini Naidu, often referred to as the "Nightingale of India," was a prominent Indian independence activist and a gifted poet. Born on February 13, 1879, in Hyderabad, she played a pivotal role in the struggle for India's freedom from British colonial rule. Naidu's eloquence and oratory skills made her a notable figure in the Indian Nationalist Movement, and she was the first woman to become the President of the Indian National Congress in 1925. Apart from her political activism, Naidu was a prolific poet whose lyrical and evocative verses resonated with themes of patriotism, love, and social issues. Her notable works include "In the Bazaars of Hyderabad," "The Golden Threshold," and "The Bird of Time." Sarojini Naidu's contributions to both literature and the fight for Indian independence continue to be celebrated, and her legacy remains an integral part of India's cultural and political history.
Summary of The Pardah Nashin
Stanza 1
HER life is a revolving dream
Of languid and sequestered ease;
Her girdles and her fillets gleam
Like changing fires on sunset seas;
Her raiment is like morning mist,
Shot opal, gold and amethyst.
Sarojini Naidu's poem, "The Pardah Nashin," invites us into the veiled world of a woman, transporting us with imagery that paints a picture both alluring and secluded. The first stanza unfolds like a dream, describing her life as one of "languid and sequestered ease." We see glimpses of her opulent surroundings through the luxurious details of her clothing – "girdles and fillets" that gleam like "changing fires on sunset seas." The comparison to a "morning mist" adds a touch of mystery, hinting at a beauty veiled not just physically, but perhaps emotionally as well. The vibrant colours – "opal, gold and amethyst" – suggest a life rich in potential, yet shrouded in a sense of hidden desires.
Stanza 2
From thieving light of eyes impure,
From coveting sun or wind's caress,
Her days are guarded and secure
Behind her carven lattices,
Like jewels in a turbaned crest,
Like secrets in a lover's breast.
The second stanza reveals the purpose of the veil, a shield against a world deemed threatening. "Thieving light of eyes impure" suggests a constant vigilance against unwanted attention, while the "coveting sun or wind's caress" implies a protection not just from the elements, but from the very idea of yearning or desire. Her life unfolds within the confines of "carven lattices," beautiful and intricate like "jewels in a turbaned crest," yet undeniably restrictive. The final metaphor, comparing her to "secrets in a lover's breast," reinforces the notion of something precious kept hidden away, both safe and inaccessible.
Stanza 3
But though no hand unsanctioned dares
Unveil the mysteries of her grace,
Time lifts the curtain unawares,
And Sorrow looks into her face . . .
Who shall prevent the subtle years,
Or shield a woman's eyes from tears?
The third stanza shatters the illusion of complete control. Time, the ultimate force, proves to be the most formidable adversary. Despite the veil's attempt to shield her from the world, "Time lifts the curtain unawares," and sorrow inevitably finds its way into her life. The speaker's poignant question, "Who shall prevent the subtle years, / Or shield a woman's eyes from tears?" underscores the limitations of the veil. It can protect from external threats but cannot shield one from the internal passage of time and the human experience of grief. In this final stanza, the poem transcends the specifics of the veil and speaks to a universal truth – the inevitability of sorrow and the limitations of any attempt to control life's course.
Interpretation and Imagery
The poem can be seen as a commentary on the purdah system and the oppression of women in traditional Muslim societies. The vivid imagery of the woman's ornate clothing and seclusion behind lattices evokes a sense of both beauty and confinement.
The poem also draws parallels to other literary works, such as Andrew Marvell's "To His Coy Mistress" and the portraits of women in the works of Robert Browning. The Pardah Nashin is described as a "beautiful human mannequin" and an "art piece", suggesting the woman is objectified and her identity obscured behind the veil.
Overall, the poem provides a poignant glimpse into the life of a Pardah Nashin, balancing the outward splendour of her appearance with the underlying sorrow and loss of freedom implied by her seclusion and the inevitable passage of time.
Analysis of the poem
Here is a detailed analysis of the poem "The Pardah Nashin" written by Sarojini Naidu:
The Veiled Beauty
The poem provides a vivid portrait of a Muslim woman living under the purdah system, known as a "Pardah nashin". From the outset, Naidu paints a picture of the woman's life as one of "languid and sequestered ease", shrouded in ornate, shimmering fabrics that "gleam like changing fires on sunset seas". Her raiment is described as delicate and ethereal, "like morning mist, / Shot opal, gold and amethyst", evoking a sense of both beauty and confinement.
Seclusion and Protection
The second stanza further emphasizes the woman's seclusion and protection from the outside world. She is "guarded and secure / Behind her carven lattices, / Like jewels in a turbaned crest, / Like secrets in a lover's breast". The lattices shield her from the "thieving light of eyes impure" and the "coveting sun or wind's caress", suggesting she is hidden away from unwanted attention or contact.
The Unveiling of Time and Sorrow
However, the final stanza acknowledges that despite this seclusion, time and sorrow will eventually "lift the curtain unawares" and reveal the woman's face. The poem suggests that no one can prevent the "subtle years" from affecting her or shield a woman's eyes from tears. Her youth and beauty are doomed to fade with time.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sarojini Naidu's "Pardah Nashin" is a poignant and evocative poem that addresses the oppressive practice of purdah, which confines and veils women in traditional societies. Through vivid imagery and lyrical language, the poem vividly portrays the emotional isolation and yearning for freedom experienced by women living behind the curtain of tradition. Naidu's verses emphasize the urgent need for social reform and gender equality, advocating for the emancipation of women from the confines of purdah. "Pardah Nashin" serves as a powerful call to action, challenging the deeply ingrained inequalities and restrictions placed upon women and championing their right to live a liberated and equal life.
FAQs
What does the title "Pardah Nashin" mean?
"Pardah Nashin" means "The Veiled Woman" in English. It refers to women who are secluded and veiled in traditional and conservative societies, a practice known as purdah.
Who is the author of the poem "Pardah Nashin"?
The poem "Pardah Nashin" is written by Sarojini Naidu, a renowned Indian poet and freedom fighter.
What is the central theme of the poem?
The central theme of the poem is the suppression of women in societies that practice purdah, as well as their longing for freedom, self-expression, and equality.
How does the poem address the issue of gender inequality?
The poem highlights the stark contrast between the restricted lives of women under purdah and the freedom men enjoy. It emphasizes the gender inequality and the need for women's empowerment.
