Indian Weavers (Unit 7) Section A - The English Channel Coursebook - Class 7 - English

Sarojini Naidu, the poet of "Indian Weavers," was a prominent Indian writer, political activist, and an influential figure in the Indian Independence Movement. She was born on February 13, 1879, in Hyderabad, India, to a Bengali family. Naidu was a prodigious child and excelled academically, becoming proficient in several languages, including English, Urdu, Telugu, and Persian.

In 1895, at the age of 16, Naidu went to England to study at King's College, London, and later at Girton College, Cambridge. It was during this time that she began to write poetry and became involved in social and political activism. Her first collection of poems, "The Golden Threshold," was published in 1905.

Sarojini Naidu played a crucial role in India's struggle for independence from British rule. She joined the Indian National Congress and worked closely with prominent leaders like Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. Naidu was actively involved in the Civil Disobedience Movement and the Quit India Movement, and she was even imprisoned by the British authorities for her participation in these movements.

In addition to her political work, Naidu was also an advocate for women's rights and education. She was the first woman President of the Indian National Congress and the first woman governor of an Indian state (United Provinces, now Uttar Pradesh).

Naidu's poetry is characterized by its rich imagery, lyrical quality, and themes that often revolve around Indian culture and nationalism. She was also known as the "Nightingale of India" due to her expressive and evocative poetic style. Sarojini Naidu passed away on March 2, 1949, leaving behind a lasting legacy as a poet, freedom fighter, and an inspiring figure in Indian history.

⭕ The Circle of Life

"Indian Weavers" beautifully illustrates the different stages of human life, from birth to death. By depicting the weavers crafting garments for a newborn child, a queen's wedding, and a dead man's funeral shroud, the poem highlights the cyclical nature of existence. Each stage holds its own significance, and the garments woven serve as symbols of the milestones people experience throughout their lives.

🎨 Artistry and Tradition

The poem pays tribute ...

In "Indian Weavers," Sarojini Naidu uses several symbols to convey deeper meanings and emotions associated with the different stages of human life:

1. Blue Robe: The blue colour of the newborn child's robe symbolizes innocence, purity, and hope. The robe is compared to the wing of a halcyon wild, a bird known for its tranquil and calming presence, reinforcing the sense of serenity associated with the beginning of life.

2. Peacock Plumes: .......

"Indian Weavers" by Sarojini Naidu employs several poetic devices that enhance the imagery, rhythm, and emotional impact of the poem. Some of these devices include:

1. Rhyme: The poem features a rhyming scheme where each of the three stanzas consists of two lines that form a rhyming couplet (AA, BB, CC). This creates a sense of harmony and structure that complements the poem's thematic focus on the cycle of life.

2. Alliteration: Naidu uses ....

1. Garment: A piece of clothing.

   She wore a beautiful garment for the special occasion.

2. Halcyon: Calm, peaceful, and happy.

   The beach resort provided a halcyon atmosphere for its guests.

3. Plumes: Feathers, especially large and showy ones.

   The exotic bird ...........................