Toru Dutt, whose full name was Tarulatta Datta, was an Indian Bengali poet, writer, and translator who lived during the 19th century. She was known for her literary contributions in English and French and played a significant role in the early days of Indo-Anglian literature. Some of her notable contemporaries in this field included Henry Louis Vivian Derozio, Manmohan Ghose, and Sarojini Naidu.
Toru Dutt was born on March 4, 1856, in Rambagan, Calcutta, India. She was born into a Bengali family with a rich cultural and literary background. Her father, Govind Chandra Dutt, held the position of a Magistrate in Calcutta. This occupation was indicative of his role in the judicial or administrative system of the time. Her mother, Kshetramoni Dutt, came from the prominent Rambagan Dutt family.
Her father and an Indian Christian tutor named Babu Shib Chunder Banerjee, were responsible for her education at home. They imparted knowledge in various subjects, including French, English, and eventually Sanskrit, in addition to her native Bengali. During this time, she developed a deep appreciation for English literature, particularly classics like John Milton’s “Paradise Lost.”
Toru Dutt also gained a wealth of knowledge about ancient Indian stories and traditions from her mother, Kshetramoni Dutt. This early exposure to her cultural heritage would later influence her writing.
Tragedy struck the Dutt family when her younger brother, Abjie, passed away at the age of eleven. After Abjie’s death in 1869, Dutt’s family left India, making her and her sister some of the first Bengali girls to travel by sea to Europe. The exposure to European culture and literature would further enrich Toru’s intellectual and creative growth.
After leaving India, the family initially settled in Nice, France, where they stayed at a pension for a few months. During this time, they focused on studying the French language.
In 1870, they resided in Onslow Square, Brompton, London, where Toru Dutt pursued her studies in music. In 1871, the family relocated to Cambridge, England, and remained there until 1873.
In 1872, the University of Cambridge introduced a lecture series titled “Higher Lectures for Women,” which Toru Dutt attended along with her sister Aru. At that time, women were not allowed to become full members of the University of Cambridge, and educational opportunities for women were limited. These lectures, organized by individuals like philosopher Henry Sidgwick and suffragist Millicent Garrett Fawcett, offered women access to university-level instruction. Toru Dutt was particularly drawn to the lectures on French Literature delivered by M. Bognel.
Toward the end of 1872, Toru Dutt established a friendship with Mary Martin, the daughter of Reverend John Martin from Sidney Sussex College. The Dutt family left Cambridge in 1873, before their return to Calcutta in 1873 at the age of 17.
During her time in Europe, Toru maintained a journal in which she documented her various experiences. Her journal entries covered a wide range of subjects, including her keen observations of post-Franco-Prussian War France. In particular, the France she encountered in 1871 left a profound impact on her. The country had been conquered, marked by bloodshed, and marred by internal conflicts, and these tumultuous circumstances deeply moved her. This experience inspired her to create one of her most original and poignant poems, titled “France.”
In 1876, she published her first volume of poetry in English titled “A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields.” This work was well-received and showcased her abilities as a poet.
In 1879, she wrote a novel in French titled “Le Journal de Mademoiselle d’Arvers.”
In 1882, her book “Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan” was published. This work drew from Indian folklore and mythology, and it contributed to her reputation as a writer of Indian themes. Some of the poems from this collection, such as “A Sea of Foliage,” “The Lotus,” “Sîta,” and “Our Casuarina Tree.”
The introduction written by Edmund Gosse for Toru Dutt’s “Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan” highlights her remarkable intellectual capabilities and the depth of knowledge she possessed, which set her apart even in Europe. This introduction serves as a testament to her extraordinary talents and her ability to bridge the worlds of Indian and European literature and culture.
Toru Dutt was not only a prolific poet and writer but also made notable contributions as a translator and literary commentator. Her works in this regard were published in various magazines, showcasing her versatility as a writer. Some of her notable contributions include:
- Toru Dutt translated French poetry and published her translations in Bengal Magazine from March 1874 to March 1877.
- Dutt wrote literary articles for the Bengal Magazine during this time, demonstrating her critical engagement with literature. Notable magazine publications included essays on Leconte de Lisle and Henry Louis Vivian Derozio in December 1874.
- Dutt also showcased her linguistic prowess by translating works from Sanskrit, which were published in the Bengal Magazine in October 1876 and the Calcutta Review in January 1877. This highlighted her commitment to promoting and preserving classical Indian literature.
- She contributed to various sections of the Bengal Magazine, including essays and literary articles. For instance, ‘An Eurasian Poet’ was published in The Bengal Magazine on December 5, 1874. She also penned ‘A Scene from Contemporary Life’ for the same magazine in June-July 1875. Furthermore, her work ‘Bianca, or The Young Spanish Maiden’ was published in The Bengal Magazine from August 1877 to July 1878.
Toru Dutt’s life was tragically short. She battled health issues throughout her life, likely exacerbated by the harsh colonial conditions of the time. She eventually succumbed to tuberculosis and passed away on August 30, 1877, at the young age of 21.
Despite her brief life, Toru Dutt made significant contributions to Indo-Anglian literature and is remembered for her poetic talent, as well as for being a pioneering figure in Indian English and French literature. Her works continue to be studied and appreciated for their exploration of Indian culture, history, and mythology from a unique perspective.
The documentary film “Reviving Toru Dutt,” with a duration of 15 minutes, offers an exploration of the life and legacy of Toru Dutt. This documentary primarily comprises still images of her final resting place, her letters, and her papers, providing a visual journey into her world.
The film was created in 2009 and brought to life through a screenplay authored by Dr. Geeta Sheth. It was directed by Deep Panjwani and Ravi Rajput for Foreshadow Pictures. By delving into Toru Dutt’s tomb, her personal writings, and the artifacts associated with her, the documentary aims to shed light on her remarkable contributions to literature and her enduring influence. It serves as a tribute to her memory and the enduring impact of her work on the literary and cultural landscape.