Sarojini Naidu: The Bangle Sellers

• The Swami and Mother-Worship
• Amarnath
• An Astrologer’s Day
• The Second Coming
• Upon Westminster’s Bridge

1. About the poet:
2. Summary:
3. Analysis:
4. Short Questions-Answers

About the poet:

Sarojini Naidu, often celebrated as “The Nightingale of India,” is a prominent Indian poet renowned for her evocative expression of romantic sensibilities and passion. Her works encapsulate the essence of Indian culture and civilization, reflecting the era she lived in. “The Bangle Sellers” epitomizes these themes by delving into the life of Indian women and the cultural traditions surrounding them. This poem shares a strong sense of Indianness with another of her works, “In the Bazaars of Hyderabad,” both exploring the rich tapestry of Indian life and heritage.

Summary:

“The Bangle Sellers” by Sarojini Naidu paints a vivid picture of the lively tradition of bangle sellers at temple fairs, showcasing their offerings as emblems of the various phases in a woman’s life. Through its lyrical quality and rich imagery, the poem evokes a sense of celebration and cultural richness. It reflects Naidu’s profound connection to her Indian roots and highlights the roles of women within this heritage. Unlike her other works, this poem uniquely focuses on the specific context of bangle sellers, yet it shares a common thread in celebrating Indian customs and women’s experiences. Reflecting the early 20th-century Indian societal norms, the poem beautifully captures the colorful cultural practices and gender roles of that era.

Analysis:

Bangle sellers are we who bear A
Our shining loads to the temple fair… A
Who will buy these delicate, bright B
Rainbow-tinted circles of light? B
Lustrous tokens of radiant lives, C
For happy daughters and happy wives.C

Bear

• English: To carry or transport.
• Bengali: বহন করা (bohon kora)

Shining

• English: Reflecting light, bright.
• Bengali: উজ্জ্বল (ujjol)

Fair

• English: A gathering or event where goods are sold, usually in a festive setting.
• Bengali: মেলা (mela)

Delicate

• English: Fragile, easily broken, or very fine in texture.
• Bengali: সূক্ষ্ম (sukshmo) / কোমল (komol)

Rainbow-tinted

• English: Colored like a rainbow, having many colors.
• Bengali: রামধনু রঙিন (ramdhonu rongin)

Circles of light

• English: Bright, circular objects (referring to bangles).
• Bengali: আলোয়ের বৃত্ত (aloyer britto)

Lustrous

• English: Shiny, glossy.
• Bengali: দীপ্তিময় (deeptimoy)

Tokens

• English: Symbols or representations.
• Bengali: প্রতীক (pratik)

Radiant

• English: Shining brightly, full of light.
• Bengali: দীপ্তিমান (deeptiman)

Lives

• English: The existence or experience of living beings.
• Bengali: জীবন (jibon)

Happy

• English: Feeling or showing pleasure or contentment.
• Bengali: সুখী (shukhi)

Daughters

• English: Female children.
• Bengali: কন্যা (konya)

Wives

• English: Married women.
• Bengali: স্ত্রী (stri)

Bangle sellers are we who bear / Our shining loads to the temple fair…

• The bangle sellers are speaking. They say they carry their shiny, colorful bangles to the temple fair, a place where many people come together to celebrate and worship.

Who will buy these delicate, bright / Rainbow-tinted circles of light?

• The bangle sellers are asking who will buy their bangles, which are delicate (fragile and beautiful) and bright (shiny and colorful). They compare the bangles to rainbow-colored circles of light, emphasizing their beauty and variety of colors.

Lustrous tokens of radiant lives, / For happy daughters and happy wives.

• The bangles are described as lustrous (shiny and glowing) tokens (symbols) of radiant (bright and joyful) lives. These bangles are meant for happy daughters and happy wives, symbolizing the joy and beauty in their lives.

Some are meet for a maiden’s wrist,
Silver and blue as the mountain mist,
Some are flushed like the buds that dream
On the tranquil brow of a woodland stream,
Some are aglow with the bloom that cleaves
To the limpid glory of new born leaves

Meet

• English: Suitable or appropriate.
• Bengali: উপযুক্ত (upojukto)

Maiden

• English: A young, unmarried woman.
• Bengali: কুমারী (kumari)

Wrist

• English: The joint connecting the hand with the forearm.
• Bengali: কব্জি (kobji)

Mist

• English: A cloud of tiny water droplets suspended in the atmosphere, often near the ground.
• Bengali: কুয়াশা (kuasha)

Flushed

• English: Having a red or rosy glow, especially from emotion or exertion.
• Bengali: লালচে হওয়া (lalche howa)

Buds

• English: Young, undeveloped shoots or flowers.
• Bengali: কুঁড়ি (kuri)

Tranquil

• English: Calm, peaceful, and quiet.
• Bengali: শান্ত (shanto)

Brow

• English: The forehead or the edge of something.
• Bengali: ভ্রূ (bhru) / কপাল (kopal)

Woodland

• English: Land covered with trees and bushes.
• Bengali: বনভূমি (bonbhumi)

Aglow

• English: Glowing with light or color.
• Bengali: উজ্জ্বল (ujjol)

Bloom

• English: A flower, especially one cultivated for its beauty.
• Bengali: পুষ্প (puspo)

Cleaves

• English: To adhere closely; to stick.
• Bengali: আঁকড়ে ধরা (aankre dhora)

Limpid

• English: Clear, transparent.
• Bengali: নির্মল (nirmol)

Glory

• English: Great beauty or splendor.
• Bengali: মহিমা (mohima)

New born

• English: Recently born.
• Bengali: নবজাত (nobojat)

Leaves

• English: The green, flat parts of a plant that are attached to the stem.
• Bengali: পাতা (pata)

Some are meet for a maiden’s wrist,

• “Meet” means suitable or appropriate. These bangles are perfect for a young girl to wear on her wrist.

Silver and blue as the mountain mist,

• These bangles are described as silver and blue, similar to the colors of mist in the mountains. This comparison emphasizes their delicate and serene beauty.

Some are flushed like the buds that dream

• “Flushed” means having a red or rosy glow. These bangles are compared to buds (young flower blooms) that are just beginning to open. The buds are described as dreaming, which suggests a state of gentle anticipation and beauty.

On the tranquil brow of a woodland stream,

• “Tranquil” means calm and peaceful. The “brow” of the stream refers to the edge or bank. The imagery suggests a serene, natural setting where the buds are growing, enhancing the sense of peace and beauty associated with these bangles.

Some are aglow with the bloom that cleaves

• “Aglow” means glowing with light or color. These bangles are brightly colored like blooming flowers. “Cleaves” means to stick closely, indicating that the color is vibrant and closely attached.

To the limpid glory of new born leaves

• “Limpid” means clear and pure. “Glory” refers to beauty and magnificence. These bangles are compared to the clear and pure beauty of new leaves that have just emerged, suggesting freshness and vitality.

Some are like fields of sunlit corn,
Meet for a bride on her bridal morn,
Some, like the flame of her marriage fire,
Or, rich with the hue of her heart’s desire,
Tinkling, luminous, tender, and clear,
Like her bridal laughter and bridal tear.

Fields

• English: Large open areas of land used for growing crops.
• Bengali: ক্ষেত (khet)

Sunlit

• English: Illuminated by the sun.
• Bengali: রৌদ্রোজ্জ্বল (roudrojjol)

Corn

• English: A cereal plant that yields large grains, or the grains themselves.
• Bengali: ভুট্টা (bhutta)

Meet

• English: Suitable or appropriate.
• Bengali: উপযুক্ত (upojukto)

Bride

• English: A woman on her wedding day or just before and after the event.
• Bengali: নববধূ (nobobodhu)

Bridal

• English: Related to a bride or a wedding.
• Bengali: বধূসংক্রান্ত (bodhusongkranto)

Morn

• English: Morning.
• Bengali: সকাল (sokal)

Flame

• English: The visible, gaseous part of a fire.
• Bengali: শিখা (shikha)

Marriage fire

• English: The sacred fire around which Hindu wedding rituals are performed.
• Bengali: বিবাহের অগ্নি (bibaher agni)

Hue

• English: Color or shade.
• Bengali: রং (rong)

Heart’s desire

• English: Something deeply wanted or wished for.
• Bengali: হৃদয়ের বাসনা (hridoyer bashona)

Tinkling

• English: Light, clear, ringing sounds.
• Bengali: টুংটাং শব্দ (tungtang shobdo)

Luminous

• English: Emitting or reflecting light; bright.
• Bengali: উজ্জ্বল (ujjol)

Tender

• English: Gentle, soft, or delicate.
• Bengali: কোমল (komol)

Clear

• English: Easy to perceive, understand, or interpret.
• Bengali: পরিষ্কার (porishkar)

Laughter

• English: The action or sound of laughing.
• Bengali: হাসি (hasi)

Tear

• English: A drop of clear salty liquid secreted by glands in your eyes.
• Bengali: অশ্রু (ashru)

Some are like fields of sunlit corn,

• These bangles are compared to fields of corn shining in the sunlight. This suggests they are golden and bright, symbolizing prosperity and happiness.

Meet for a bride on her bridal morn,

• “Meet” means suitable or appropriate. These golden bangles are perfect for a bride to wear on the morning of her wedding day, emphasizing their significance and beauty.

Some, like the flame of her marriage fire,

• Some bangles are compared to the flames of the sacred fire used in marriage ceremonies. This imagery suggests they are vibrant and fiery, symbolizing the passion and sanctity of marriage.

Or, rich with the hue of her heart’s desire,

• These bangles are also rich in color, reflecting the deep desires and emotions of the bride’s heart. The hues represent her dreams, hopes, and love.

Tinkling, luminous, tender, and clear,

• These bangles make a gentle, tinkling sound and are bright and glowing. They are also tender, suggesting delicacy and clear, indicating purity and transparency.

Like her bridal laughter and bridal tear.

• The bangles are likened to the bride’s emotions on her wedding day, encompassing both her joyful laughter and her emotional tears. This highlights the blend of happiness and sentimentality associated with marriage.

Some are purple and gold flecked grey
For she who has journeyed through life midway,
Whose hands have cherished, whose love has blest,
And cradled fair sons on her faithful breast,
And serves her household in fruitful pride,
And worships the gods at her husband’s side.

Purple

• English: A color that is a combination of red and blue.
• Bengali: বেগুনি (beguni)

Gold

• English: A yellow precious metal.
• Bengali: সোনা (sona)

Flecked

• English: Marked or dotted with small patches of color.
• Bengali: ছিটানো (chhitano)

Grey

• English: A color that is a mix of black and white.
• Bengali: ধূসর (dhushor)

Journeyed

• English: Traveled from one place to another.
• Bengali: ভ্রমণ করেছে (bhromon koreche)

Midway

• English: In the middle of a process or period of time.
• Bengali: মাঝামাঝি (majamaji)

Cherished

• English: Loved and cared for deeply.
• Bengali: সযত্নে পালন করা (sojotne palon kora)

Blest

• English: Blessed; given a special favor or gift.
• Bengali: আশীর্বাদিত (ashirbadito)

Cradled

• English: Held gently and protectively.
• Bengali: দোলানো (dolano)

Fair

• English: Beautiful or attractive.
• Bengali: সুন্দর (shundor)

Faithful

• English: Loyal and steadfast.
• Bengali: বিশ্বস্ত (bishwosto)

Breast

• English: The chest, especially the front part of a woman’s body.
• Bengali: স্তন (ston)

Household

• English: The people who live together in a house, collectively.
• Bengali: পরিবার (poribar)

Fruitful

• English: Producing good or helpful results; productive.
• Bengali: ফলপ্রসূ (foloprosu)

Pride

• English: A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s achievements.
• Bengali: গর্ব (gorbo)

Worships

• English: Shows reverence and adoration for a deity.
• Bengali: পূজা করা (puja kora)

Gods

• English: Deities or divine beings worshipped in various religions.
• Bengali: দেবতা (debota)

Husband

• English: A married man, especially in relation to his wife.
• Bengali: স্বামী (swami)

Some are purple and gold flecked grey

• These bangles are a combination of purple and gold, with flecks of grey. The colors symbolize dignity, richness, and maturity. Purple and gold represent wealth and wisdom, while grey signifies experience and age.

For she who has journeyed through life midway,

• These bangles are for a woman who is halfway through her life journey. This suggests she is in her middle age, with significant life experiences.

Whose hands have cherished, whose love has blest,

• This woman has used her hands to care for and cherish others, and her love has brought blessings. This highlights her nurturing nature and the positive impact of her affection.

And cradled fair sons on her faithful breast,

• She has lovingly raised her sons, holding them close to her heart. “Fair sons” suggests her children are dear and cherished. Her “faithful breast” emphasizes her dedication and loyalty as a mother.

And serves her household in fruitful pride,

• She takes pride in her household duties and performs them fruitfully, meaning effectively and successfully. This line underscores her sense of responsibility and fulfillment in managing her home.

And worships the gods at her husband’s side.

• She participates in religious worship alongside her husband, indicating her spiritual devotion and partnership in family traditions and rituals.

Short Questions-Answers

1. (i) What is being referred to as “shining loads”? Who all are its prospective buyers?

The bangles are being referred to as the “shining loads”. Happy daughters and happy wives are its prospective buyers.

1. (ii) Bangle sellers could sell their goods anywhere. Why do they choose to sell them at the temple fair?

Because this is the place that attracts a lot of women and children. They have bangles of different colors for women of all age groups.
The sellers feel that they will have more customers at the fair than any other locations.

1. (iii) Which figure of speech is used in the line, “Rainbow-tinted circles of light”? Explain what is a link to the happiness of daughters and wives.

The figure of speech used in the line, “Rainbow-tinted circles of light” is a metaphor. The multi-hued bangles are symbolic of different shades of womanhood and also of the radiant lives of happy daughters and happy wives.

1. (iv) What role do the bangle sellers play in a traditional Indian set-up, according to this extract?

Wearing bangles are symbolic of the well-being and happiness family in a typical Indian society. So, these sellers not only helps preserve the rich and vibrant cultural heritage of the society, but also plays a role in bringing happiness to the minds of people.

1. (v) Explains how the poet uses her descriptive skills to present facts. Give 2 examples from the extract.

To take the examples from the poem, the poet seems to be describing the bangles as “Rainbow-tinted circles of light” and also as “Lustrous tokens of radiant lives”.

2 (i) What types of bangles are benefitting a maiden’s wrist? Why are silver and blue colors compared to the mountain mist ?

Silver and Blue colored bangles are befitting a maiden’s wrist. Silver and Blue colors are compared to the mist of mountains as they symbolises the freshness and beauty of young maidens.

2. (ii) In what are the birds set to the dream ?Which figure of speech is used in the buds dream?

The buds are set to dream by blooming into beautiful flowers.’ Personification’ is used in the above speech, in which an inanimate object or idea is given human qualities. Here the ‘buds’ are set to be dreaming which is a human quality. Thus, Personification is used.

.(iii) Give the meaning of
– Some are flushed like the buds that dream
On the tranquil brow of a woodland stream,

In the poem, the pink and red bangles are compared to the buds which peep from the quiet banks of the river flowing through the wood. The color of the flushed bangles symbolizes the shyness and dreams of the maiden women who wear them on their wrists.

2. (iv) What is meant by the “limpid glory of newborn leaves” ?what are the newborn leaves symbolic of?

The Bangle Seller’s poet Sarojini Naidu described the ‘ limpid glory of newborn leaves’ as the dew drops on the new born leaves. The newborn leaves symbolizes the freshness of the unmarried girls.

2. (v)State the colors of the Bangles meant for a maiden. What do these colors symbolize?

Silver, Blue, rosy-red and leaf- green are the colors of the bangles that are meant for maidens. Each of these colours symbolizes different moods and characters of maidens. While silver symbolizes purity and brightness.
Blue is the symbol of emotional, intensity and depth.

3.(i)What is being compared to ” fields of sunlit corn”? Why?

In the poem ‘ The Bangle Seller’ yellow bangles are compared to the fields of sunlit corn 🌽 as they represent the happiness and joy of a prosperous life ahead. in the context of a bride to whom it relates, it suggests the bright and joyful prospect of a new phase of life that is about to begin.

3. (ii) What do you understand by the phrases “bridal laughter” and “bridal tear”?
With what have they have been compared in the extract?

This is the bridal laughter, the joy of starting a new life with her husband. now, the poet compares the bridal tear and bridal laughter to the tinkling, luminous , tender and clear bangles which seems to express both joy and sorrow.

3.(iii) Which figure of speech is used in these two lines? Explain with examples.
Some are like the flame of her marriage fire,
or, rich with the hue of her heart’s desire

In first line alliteration or personification figure of speech is used. Ex. in flame and fire both words start with the letter ‘F’. Flame and fire are given human qualities .

In second line is Alliteration or Personification figure of speech is used. Ex.Hue and Heart both starts with the letter ‘H’, giving the human qualities to them.

3.(iv) Bring out the relevance of the line:
Some, like the flame of her marriage fire,

The meaning of above extract suggests the colour of the bangles depicted by flame 🔥 of the marriage fire. As the colours of the fire – Red , Orange and Yellow coloured in the fair.

3. (v) How do the bangles enhance the celebration of the weddings? In what ways does the poet associate bangles with a bride?

The bangles are tinkling, as the heart of the bride keeps on vibrating on the thought of marriage and about the unseen future, these are luminous as desires get illuminated in the heart.
Thus, the bangles are representing the bride.

4. (i) For whom are the “purple and gold flecked grey” bangles suitable for?
Which phase of their lives is symbolised by these bangles?

The purple and gold-flecked bangles are suitable for old and experienced women. These bangles symbolize the later phase of life where she gains maturity and has the responsibility of her children and husband.

4.(ii)Discuss the use of colour imagery in the above extract?

The bangles are in purple and gold flecked grey colour. Purple colour indicates the power, authority,pride and dignity while gold flecked grey is a sober colour indicating the experience and wisdom.

4. (iii) Explain briefly the following lines:
” Whose hands have cherished, whose love has blest,
And cradled fair sons on her faithful breast,”

The purple and gold flecked grey bangles symbolize middle aged women who spent half of their lives maintaining their households with pride and bringing up and cherishing their children with love and utmost care .

4.(iv)What special significance does the phrase “faithful pride” hold in the extract.

The phrase “faithful pride” holds a special significance which shows the journey of the women, she has been a loving daughter, a responsible wife and mother. her experience have made her a perfect Indian women and also she maintained her household and raised her children with pride.

4. (v) Comment on the changes in the life of a woman
vis-a-vis the colour of her bangles.

The different stages or aspect of women life are represented by bangles in the poem, the colour of these bangles shows the different phases of life , silver and blue coloured bangles are befitting a maiden’s wrist ,red, orange and yellow are meant for middle aged women and purple and gold flecked grey coloured are for experienced women.