"In The Bazaars of Hyderabad" By Sarojini Naidu

 

"In The Bazaars of Hyderabad"

By Sarojini Naidu

What do you sell O ye merchants ?
Richly your wares are displayed.
Turbans of crimson and silver,
Tunics of purple brocade,
Mirrors with panels of amber,
Daggers with handles of jade.

What do you weigh, O ye vendors?
Saffron and lentil and rice.
What do you grind, O ye maidens?
Sandalwood, henna, and spice.
What do you call , O ye pedlars?
Chessmen and ivory dice.

What do you make,O ye goldsmiths?
Wristlet and anklet and ring,
Bells for the feet of blue pigeons
Frail as a dragon-fly’s wing,
Girdles of gold for dancers,
Scabbards of gold for the king.

What do you cry,O ye fruitmen?
Citron, pomegranate, and plum.
What do you play ,O musicians?
Cithar, sarangi and drum.
what do you chant, O magicians?
Spells for aeons to come.

What do you weave, O ye flower-girls
With tassels of azure and red?
Crowns for the brow of a bridegroom,
Chaplets to garland his bed.
Sheets of white blossoms new-garnered
To perfume the sleep of the dead.

 Summary,

"In The Bazaars of Hyderabad" by Sarojini Naidu is a vibrant and evocative poem that paints a vivid picture of a traditional Indian bazaar. Through a series of questions and answers, the poem brings to life the sights, sounds, and colors of the marketplace, celebrating its rich cultural and sensory experience.

The poem opens by describing the various goods for sale in the market, such as turbans, jewelry, daggers, and fine fabrics. The imagery is vibrant, highlighting the diversity of items and their intricate beauty. The merchants offer a variety of colorful and luxurious products, showcasing the vibrancy and wealth of the marketplace.

The poem shifts to the vendors selling ornaments, including sapphire and pearl-studded jewelry, drawing attention to the precious and delicate craftsmanship of the pieces. The shining gems are described with a sense of allure, emphasizing their elegance and beauty.

The poet then describes the fruit vendors, offering fresh produce like pomegranates, citrons, and plums, adding another layer to the sensory experience with the inclusion of taste and smell. The bazaar is further enriched by the spices and sandalwood products that fill the air with fragrant aromas, creating a sensory symphony.

The beauty of flowers is celebrated next, with the flower girls selling jasmine and rose garlands, symbols of both aesthetic pleasure and spiritual devotion. These flowers are used in religious ceremonies as well as personal adornment, reflecting their cultural significance.

The poem concludes with the presence of musicians and magicians who bring entertainment and joy to the bazaar, further enhancing the lively and festive atmosphere. The bazaar is portrayed as a place of cultural exchange, where different forms of art, commerce, and social interaction come together.

The poem as a whole is a celebration of Indian culture, its vibrant marketplaces, and the interconnectedness of its people. Through vivid sensory imagery, the poet highlights the beauty, diversity, and richness of the bazaar while also reflecting on the sense of unity and communal life found within it.

Themes:

1. Cultural Celebration: The poem is a tribute to the rich and diverse culture of India, particularly the traditional marketplace. It reflects the vibrant and dynamic life within Indian bazaars, capturing the colors, sounds, and activities that define the cultural landscape of the time.

2. Sensory Richness: Naidu employs vivid sensory imagery to evoke the full experience of the bazaar. The poem appeals to all five senses—sight, sound, taste, touch, and smell—allowing the reader to feel immersed in the bustling atmosphere of the market. The rich colors of the goods, the fragrances of spices and flowers, and the sounds of music and conversation create a multisensory experience.

3. Beauty and Artistry: The bazaar is not just a place of commerce, but also one of beauty and artistry. From the delicate jewelry to the fragrant flowers and intricate crafts, the poem highlights the aesthetic quality of everyday life. It celebrates the artistry and skill of the vendors and artisans who bring these items to life, elevating them beyond mere commodities.

4. Diversity and Unity: The marketplace is depicted as a microcosm of Indian society, where people from different walks of life come together to exchange goods and ideas. This diversity is celebrated, but there is also a sense of unity and harmony, as the various vendors work together to create a vibrant, interconnected whole.

5. Life and Commerce: The bazaar serves as a symbol of economic and social life, a space where both trade and social interaction occur. It is a place of exchange, not only of goods but of culture, where people share their customs, art, and traditions. The poem underscores the importance of commerce in sustaining communal and cultural life.

6. Spiritual and Ritual Significance: The presence of flowers and other offerings used in religious rituals adds a layer of spiritual meaning to the poem. Flowers like jasmine and roses, often used in worship, highlight the connection between everyday life and religious devotion, suggesting the sanctity of the marketplace as a place of both material and spiritual exchange.