Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan

Toru Dutt's Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan (1882) is a collection of poems compiled after her death and published in London. It is an invaluable work of art from a pioneering figure in Indian history and Bengali literature, who was fluent in English, French, and Sanskrit. The book presents some of the oldest and most sacred stories from ancient India, including the story of Savitri and Lakshman, and Bengali folklore. This edition of the book is a classic work of Bengali literature reimagined for modern readers with a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript.

Format: Hardback
Length: 102 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan (1882) is a remarkable collection of poems by Toru Dutt, compiled and published in London after her passing. This invaluable work of art stands as a testament to the pioneering spirit of a prominent figure in Indian history and Bengali literature. Born in Calcutta to a Bengali Christian family, Toru Dutt grew up at the crossroads of English and Indian cultures. Despite her relatively limited body of work, Dutt's legacy as a groundbreaking writer remains unwavering in India and across the globe.

In the enchanting rhyming English verse of Bengali poet Toru Dutt, we are presented with some of the oldest and most revered tales from ancient India. These tales, originally from the epic Mahabharata and the Hindu epic Ramayana, have been translated into the popular ballad form, allowing an English audience to immerse themselves in their captivating stories. Alongside these ballads, Dutt showcases her versions of Bengali folklore, including "Joghadhya Uma," and poems penned during her time in Europe.

One particularly exquisite example of her original verse is "Near Hastings," which depicts an otherworldly encounter along the English seacoast: "Near Hastings, on the shingle-beach,/ We loitered at the time/ When ripens on the wall the peach,/ The autumn's lovely prime." This edition of Toru Dutt's Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan is a true masterpiece of Bengali literature, reimagined for modern readers. With its beautifully designed cover and meticulously typeset manuscript, it serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of Toru Dutt and her contribution to the world of literature.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513135489