Toru Dutt, born on March 4, 1856, in Calcutta, was India's first female poet to write in English and French, leaving a lasting literary legacy despite her short life.
Raised in an educated, progressive Bengali Christian family, she mastered several languages by 18, including Bengali, Sanskrit, English, and French. She was translating French poetry and reimagining Indian epics in English before turning 20. At just 21, Toru's life was cut short by tuberculosis, but her works had already made an indelible mark.
Her first book, A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields (1876), showcased her skill in translating French poetry. However, her most groundbreaking work came with Ancient Ballads and Legends of Hindustan (1882), which introduced the West to the Ramayana and Mahabharata through modern poetic interpretations.
Toru Dutt defied societal norms of her time, proving that an Indian woman could write in the languages of colonizers while staying connected to her own culture.
She bridged the gap between East and West, blending European influences with Indian mythology, and remains a pioneering figure in Indo-Anglian literature. Her legacy continues to inspire generations, demonstrating the power of perseverance and passion despite overwhelming adversity.
