Song of Radha the Milkmaid by Sarojini Naidu | Song of Radha the Milkmaid | Sarojini Naidu | Explanation | Summary | Key Points | Word Meaning | Critical Appreciation | Questions Answers | Free PDF Download – Easy Literary Lessons
Song of Radha, the Milkmaid
I carried my curds to the Mathura fair …
How softly the heifers were lowing …
I wanted to cry, “Who will buy
These curds that are white as the clouds in the sky
When the breezes of shrawan are blowing?”
But my heart was so full of your beauty, Beloved,
They laughed as I cried without knowing:
Govinda! Govinda!
Govinda! Govinda!
How softly the river was flowing!
I carried my pots to the Mathura tide …
How gaily the rowers were rowing! …
My comrades called, “Ho! let us dance, let us sing
And wear saffron garments to welcome the spring.
And pluck the new buds that are blowing.”
But my heart was so full of your music, Beloved,
They mocked when I cried without knowing:
Govinda! Govinda!
Govinda! Govinda!
How gaily the river was flowing!
I carried my gifts to the Mathura shrine …
How brightly the torches were glowing! …
I folded my hands at the altars to pray
“O shining ones guard us by night and by day”—
And loudly the conch shells were blowing.
But my heart was so lost in your worship, Beloved,
They were wroth when I cried without knowing:
Govinda! Govinda!
Govinda! Govinda!
How brightly the river was flowing!
line-by-line explanation of the poem
First Stanza
Line 1: I carried my curds to the Mathura fair …
Explanation: Radha, a milkmaid, is carrying her curds to the Mathura fair to sell.
Line 2: How softly the heifers were lowing …
Explanation: As Radha walks, she hears the gentle lowing of cows.
Line 3: I wanted to cry, “Who will buy
Explanation: Radha is feeling anxious about whether or not she will be able to sell her curds.
Line 4: These curds that are white as the clouds in the sky
Explanation: Radha compares the whiteness of her curds to the clouds in the sky.
Line 5: When the breezes of shrawan are blowing?”
Explanation: Radha mentions the breezes of Shrawan, a monsoon month in India.
Line 6: But my heart was so full of your beauty, Beloved,
Explanation: Radha’s thoughts are consumed by her love for Krishna, her beloved.
Line 7: They laughed as I cried without knowing:
Explanation: Radha’s companions laugh at her because they do not understand her sadness.
Line 8: Govinda! Govinda!
Explanation: Radha cries out to Krishna, using his name as a form of prayer.
Line 9: Govinda! Govinda!
Explanation: Radha repeats Krishna’s name, emphasizing her devotion.
Line 10: How softly the river was flowing!
Explanation: Radha notices the gentle flow of the river beside her.
राधा अपने बगल में बहती नदी के कोमल प्रवाह को देखती है।
Second Stanza
Line 1: I carried my pots to the Mathura tide …
Explanation: Radha is carrying her pots filled with curds to the Mathura riverbank.
Line 2: How gaily the rowers were rowing! …
Explanation: As Radha walks along the riverbank, she observes the rowers rowing their boats with great joy.
Line 3: My comrades called, “Ho! let us dance, let us sing
Explanation: Radha’s companions invite her to join them in dancing and singing.
Line 4: And wear saffron garments to welcome the spring.
Explanation: They suggest wearing saffron-colored clothes to celebrate the arrival of spring.
Line 5: And pluck the new buds that are blowing.”
Explanation: They encourage Radha to pick the newly blooming flowers.
Line 6: But my heart was so full of your music, Beloved,
Explanation: Radha’s heart is filled with the melodious sound of Krishna’s flute, her beloved’s music.
Line 7: They mocked when I cried without knowing:
Explanation: Radha’s companions mock her when she cries out to Krishna, unaware of her inner devotion.
Line 8: Govinda! Govinda!
Explanation: Radha passionately calls out to Krishna, using his name as a form of adoration.
Line 9: Govinda! Govinda!
Explanation: She repeats Krishna’s name with deep devotion, emphasizing her love for him.
Line 10: How gaily the river was flowing!
Explanation: Radha observes the river flowing with the same joyous spirit as the rowers’ rowing.
Third Stanza
Line 1: I carried my gifts to the Mathura shrine …
Explanation: Radha is carrying her offerings to the Mathura shrine, a sacred place of worship.
Line 2: How brightly the torches were glowing! …
Explanation: As Radha approaches the shrine, she sees the torches burning brightly, illuminating the surroundings.
Line 3: I folded my hands at the altars to pray
Explanation: Radha stands with folded hands, offering her prayers in reverence and devotion.
Line 4: “O shining ones guard us by night and by day”—
Explanation: Radha prays to the divine beings, seeking their protection throughout the day and night.
Line 5: And loudly the conch shells were blowing.
Explanation: The resonant sound of conch shells echoes through the air, adding to the sacred atmosphere.
Line 6: But my heart was so lost in your worship, Beloved,
Explanation: Radha’s heart is completely absorbed in her devotion to Krishna, her beloved.
Line 7: They were wroth when I cried without knowing:
Explanation: Radha’s companions are angered by her cries of “Govinda! Govinda!” unaware of her deep spiritual connection with Krishna.
Line 8: Govinda! Govinda!
Explanation: Radha’s passionate plea of “Govinda! Govinda!” reflects her unwavering love and devotion to Krishna.
Line 9: Govinda! Govinda!
Explanation: The repetition of Krishna’s name underscores the intensity of Radha’s love and her constant remembrance of him.
Line 10: How brightly the river was flowing!
Explanation: Amidst her devotion, Radha notices the river flowing brightly, symbolizing the continuous flow of life and spirituality.
Word Meaning
| Line | Word | Meaning | अर्थ |
| Stanza 1 | |||
| 1 | curds | Thickened milk | दही |
| 1 | fair | skit | मेला |
| 2 | heifers | Young female cows | बछिया |
| 2 | lowing | Making a deep, mournful sound | रंभाना |
| 3 | cry | mourn | रोना |
| 3 | buy | purchase | खरीदना |
| 4 | clouds | Visible masses of condensed water vapor in the atmosphere | बादल |
| 4 | sky | sky | आकाश |
| 5 | breezes | Soft, gentle winds | पंख |
| 5 | shrawan | A month in the Hindu calendar, corresponding to July-August | श्रावण |
| 5 | blowing | To blow | बहना |
| 6 | Beloved | A person loved | प्रिय |
| 7 | cried | Shed tears | शांत |
| 10 | softly | With ease | धीरे से |
| 10 | flowing | Moving steadily and smoothly in a continuous stream | बहना |
| Stanza 2 | |||
| 1 | pots | Containers made of clay or other materials used for storing or cooking food | बर्तन |
| 1 | tide | The regular rise and fall of the sea’s level | ज्वार |
| 2 | gaily | Cheerfully and happily | खुशी से |
| 2 | rowers | People who row | नाविक |
| 3 | comrades | friends | साथी |
| 4 | saffron | A spice made from the dried crocus stigmas, used as a coloring and flavoring agent | केसरिया |
| 4 | spring | A season | वसंत |
| 5 | pluck | break | तोड़ना |
| 5 | buds | Small, undeveloped flowers | कलियाँ |
| 5 | blowing | To blow | बहना |
| 6 | beloved | A person loved | प्रिय |
| 7 | mocked | Made fun of | मजाक उड़ाया |
| 10 | gaily | Cheerfully and happily | खुशी से |
| Stanza 3 | |||
| 1 | shrine | temple | मंदिर |
| 2 | torches | Sticks or other devices that are burned to give lig | मशाल |
| 2 | glowing | Shining brightly | चमकना |
| 3 | folded | plicate | मुड़ा हुआ |
| 3 | altars | Raised platforms used for religious ceremonies | वेदियां |
| 4 | shining | Radiant or gleaming beings | प्रकाशवान |
| 4 | guard | safe | रक्षक |
| 5 | Conch shells | Large spiral-shaped shells used as musical instruments or trumpets | शंख |
| 6 | worship | Reverent devotion or homage paid to a god or gods | पूजा |
| 7 | wroth | Filled with anger or fury | क्रोधित |
| 10 | brightly | With lot of light | चमकते हुए |
Summary
“Song of Radha, the Milkmaid” is a poem written by Sarojini Naidu, an Indian independence activist and poet. The poem is a lyrical expression of the devotion and love of Radha, a character from Hindu mythology, for her beloved Lord Krishna. Radha is often portrayed as the symbol of divine and passionate love for Krishna.
In the poem, Radha describes her experiences while attending the Mathura fair and offering her curds, pots, and gifts to the deity. However, her heart is so consumed by her love for Krishna that she finds herself crying out “Govinda! Govinda!” without realizing it, much to the amusement and confusion of those around her.
The poem beautifully captures the intensity of Radha’s love and devotion, portraying her as deeply lost in the divine presence of Krishna, to the point that she becomes oblivious to her surroundings. The poem also uses vivid imagery to describe the scenes at the fair and along the river in Mathura.
Sarojini Naidu’s poetry often celebrated Indian culture, spirituality, and the emotions of its people, and “Song of Radha, the Milkmaid” is a prime example of her evocative and emotive style.
Key Points
Author The poem “Song of Radha, the Milkmaid” is written by Sarojini Naidu, a renowned Indian poet and freedom fighter. She was known as the “Nightingale of India” for her melodious rhythmic poems.
Form The poem is a lyrical ballad, divided into three main stanzas having 10 lines each.
Speaker The speaker of the poem is Radha, a milkmaid deeply in love with Krishna.
Setting The setting of the poem is in Mathura, a holy city in India, where Radha is taking curd to sell at the fair.
Theme The central theme of the poem is the deep and passionate love of Radha for Krishna. Despite her mundane tasks, Radha’s mind is filled with thoughts of Krishna.
Plot In the poem, Radha is journeying to Mathura fair to sell curd. However, her heart is so full of Krishna’s beauty and music that she cries out his name, “Govinda”, repeatedly. This behaviour makes others around her laugh and mock her, but she remains undeterred.
Tone The tone of the poem is one of deep longing and love. Radha’s repeated cries of “Govinda” reflect her intense yearning for her beloved.
Style Sarojini Naidu’s style in this poem is characterized by the use of vivid imagery and emotive language. She beautifully captures Radha’s love for Krishna and her immersion in thoughts of him.
Message The message of the poem is the power of love and devotion. Despite the mockery of others, Radha remains steadfast in her love for Krishna, demonstrating the depth of her devotion
Sarojini Naidu
Birth and Early Life: Sarojini Naidu was born on February 13, 1879, in Hyderabad, India.
Family: She was born into a well-respected Bengali family. Her father, Aghorenath Chattopadhyay, was a linguist and the principal of Nizam College.
Education: Naidu passed her matriculation examination to qualify for university study, earning the highest rank, in 1891, when she was twelve.
Works: Naidu is known for her volumes of poetry in English, including “The Golden Threshold” and “In the Bazaars of Hyderabad”. Her oeuvre includes both children’s poems and others written on more serious themes including patriotism and tragedy.
Political Career: Naidu played an important role in the Indian independence movement against the British Raj. She was the first woman to be president of the Indian National Congress and to be appointed as governor of a state.
Contributions: Naidu’s literary work as a poet earned her the nickname the “Nightingale of India” by Mahatma Gandhi because of the colour, imagery and lyrical quality of her poetry.
Death: Sarojini Naidu passed away on March 2, 1949.
Very Short Answer Questions
Who is the author of the poem “Song of Radha, the Milkmaid”?
Sarojini Naidu.
What form does the poem take?
The poem is a lyrical ballad.
Who is the speaker in the poem?
The speaker of the poem is Radha.
Where is the poem set?
The poem is set in Mathura.
What is Radha selling at the fair?
Radha is selling curd at the fair.
What is the name that Radha repeatedly cries out?
Radha repeatedly cries out the name “Govinda”.
How do others react to Radha’s behavior?
Others laugh and mock Radha for her behavior.
Despite the mockery, how does Radha react?
Despite the mockery, Radha remains undeterred and continues to cry out Krishna’s name.
What is the significance of the name “Govinda”?
“Govinda” is another name for Krishna, often used in the context of his role as a divine herdsman.
Why is Sarojini Naidu referred to as the “Nightingale of India”?
Sarojini Naidu is referred to as the “Nightingale of India” for her melodious rhythmic poems.
Where is Radha carrying her curds?
The Mathura fair
How do the heifers sound?
They are lowing softly.
What does Radha want to cry out?
She wants to cry out “Who will buy these curds?”
What does Radha compare her curds to?
She compares them to white clouds in the sky.
When does Radha want to cry out?
She wants to cry out when the breezes of Shrawan are blowing.
Why does Radha’s heart feel full?
Her heart is full of the beauty of her beloved.
What do Radha’s comrades do when she cries out?
They laugh at her.
What does Radha cry out?
She cries out “Govinda! Govinda!”.
How does the river flow?
The river flows softly.
Where is Radha carrying her pots?
The Mathura tide
How do the rowers row?
They row gaily.
What do Radha’s comrades call out?
They call out, “Ho! let us dance, let us sing”.
What do Radha’s comrades want to wear?
They want to wear saffron garments.
What do Radha’s comrades want to pluck?
They want to pluck the new buds that are blowing.
Why does Radha’s heart feel so full?
Her heart is full of the music of her beloved.
What do Radha’s comrades do when she cries out?
They mock her.
What does Radha cry out?
She cries out “Govinda! Govinda!”.
How does the river flow?
The river flows gaily.
Where is Radha carrying her gifts?
The Mathura shrine
How do the torches glow?
The torches glow brightly.
Short Answer Questions
Who is the author of the poem “Song of Radha, the Milkmaid” and what is she known for?
The poem is written by Sarojini Naidu, known as the “Nightingale of India” for her melodious rhythmic poems.
What is the form of the poem?
The poem is a lyrical ballad, divided into three main stanzas.
Who is the speaker in the poem and where is it set?
The speaker of the poem is Radha, a milkmaid, and the poem is set in Mathura.
What is the central theme of the poem?
The central theme of the poem is the deep and passionate love of Radha for Krishna.
What is the plot of the poem?
The plot revolves around Radha’s journey to Mathura fair to sell curd, while her heart is filled with thoughts of Krishna.
What is the tone of the poem?
The tone of the poem is one of deep longing and love, reflected in Radha’s repeated cries of “Govinda”.
How would you describe the style of the poem?
The style of the poem is characterized by vivid imagery and emotive language, capturing Radha’s love for Krishna.
What is the message of the poem?
The message of the poem is the power of love and devotion, demonstrated by Radha’s steadfast love for Krishna despite mockery.
What does Radha’s behavior in the poem demonstrate?
Radha’s behavior demonstrates her deep love and devotion for Krishna, unaffected by the opinions of others.
What role does Krishna play in the poem?
Krishna is the object of Radha’s deep love and devotion in the poem.
Essay Type Questions
Q. Write the critical appreciation of the poem?
Introduction
“Song of Radha, the Milkmaid” is a lyrical ballad penned by Sarojini Naidu, a renowned Indian poet and freedom fighter. Known as the “Nightingale of India”, Naidu’s poems are celebrated for their rhythmic melody and vivid imagery. This poem beautifully captures the deep love and devotion of Radha, a milkmaid, for Krishna.
Setting and Characters
The poem is set in the holy city of Mathura, a place of significant religious importance in India. Radha, the protagonist of the poem, is depicted as a simple milkmaid. Despite her humble occupation, Radha’s character is elevated through her profound love for Krishna. As she journeys to the fair to sell curd, her mind is consumed with thoughts of Krishna, demonstrating the depth of her love and devotion.
Theme and Tone
The central theme of the poem is the deep and passionate love of Radha for Krishna. This theme is universal and timeless, resonating with readers across different cultures and eras. The tone of the poem is one of deep longing and love. Radha’s repeated cries of “Govinda”, another name for Krishna, echo throughout the poem, reflecting her intense yearning for her beloved.
Imagery and Style
Naidu’s use of vivid imagery and emotive language brings Radha’s feelings to life. The repeated cries of “Govinda” echo throughout the poem, creating a rhythmic pattern that mirrors Radha’s heartbeat. The imagery of Radha journeying to the fair, her heart filled with thoughts of Krishna, paints a poignant picture of her love and longing. Naidu’s style is characterized by its simplicity and depth, capturing complex emotions in simple words.
Symbolism
The poem is rich in symbolism. The curd that Radha sells at the fair can be seen as a symbol of her pure love for Krishna. Her journey to the fair represents her spiritual journey towards divine love. The mockery she faces from others symbolizes the worldly distractions that often come in the way of spiritual pursuit. Yet, Radha remains undeterred, symbolizing her unwavering devotion.
Conclusion: Message of the Poem
The poem delivers a powerful message about the strength of love and devotion. Despite the mockery of others, Radha remains steadfast in her love for Krishna. Her unwavering devotion, unaffected by the opinions of others, is a testament to the power of love. Through Radha’s story, Naidu communicates the idea that true love is selfless and unwavering, transcending physical boundaries and worldly distractions. The poem serves as a timeless piece of literature, its message as relevant today as it was when it was written.
Q. Discuss the poem “Song of Radha, the Milkmaid” by sarojini naidu in light of its poetic devices.
Introduction
“Song of Radha, the Milkmaid” is a lyrical ballad penned by Sarojini Naidu, a renowned Indian poet and freedom fighter. Known as the “Nightingale of India”, Naidu’s poems are celebrated for their rhythmic melody and vivid imagery. This poem beautifully captures the deep love and devotion of Radha, a milkmaid, for Krishna.
Poetic Devices
Sarojini Naidu employs a variety of poetic devices in “Song of Radha, the Milkmaid” to enhance the depth and beauty of the poem.
Imagery: Naidu uses vivid imagery to bring the poem to life. The journey of Radha to the fair, her heart filled with thoughts of Krishna, paints a poignant picture of her love and longing.
Repetition: The repeated cries of “Govinda”, another name for Krishna, echo throughout the poem, creating a rhythmic pattern that mirrors Radha’s heartbeat. This repetition serves to emphasize Radha’s intense yearning for her beloved.
Symbolism: The poem is rich in symbolism. The curd that Radha sells at the fair can be seen as a symbol of her pure love for Krishna. Her journey to the fair represents her spiritual journey towards divine love. The mockery she faces from others symbolizes the worldly distractions that often come in the way of spiritual pursuit.
Alliteration: Naidu uses alliteration, the repetition of consonant sounds, to create a musical quality in the poem. This enhances the lyrical nature of the poem and adds to its melodious rhythm.
Metaphor: The poem is filled with metaphors. Radha’s journey to the fair is a metaphor for her spiritual journey towards divine love. The curd she sells symbolizes her pure love for Krishna.
Personification: Naidu uses personification to give human qualities to non-human entities. This is evident in the way she describes Radha’s feelings and emotions.
Conclusion
Through the use of these poetic devices, Sarojini Naidu adds depth and richness to “Song of Radha, the Milkmaid”. The vivid imagery, repetition, symbolism, alliteration, metaphor, and personification all work together to create a beautiful and moving portrayal of Radha’s love for Krishna. The poem serves as a testament to Naidu’s skill as a poet and her ability to capture complex emotions in simple words.
