10 Questions
In which year did Toru Dutt's family embrace Christianity?
1862
Why did Toru Dutt's family move to Mumbai for a year?
As a result of their conversion to Christianity
Who were Toru Dutt's favorite authors?
Victor Hugo and Pierre-Jean de Béranger
What was the occupation of Toru Dutt's father, Govind Chunder Dutt?
A linguist and government employee
Where did Toru Dutt pursue her higher French studies?
University of Cambridge
Where was Toru Dutt's family living when she started corresponding with a friend?
Abroad
What was the subject of Toru Dutt's first published works in 1874?
Henry Derozio and Leconte de Lisle
What was the language of Toru Dutt's first novel?
French
What was the name of Toru Dutt's first collection of poetry?
A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields
Who favorably reviewed Toru Dutt's poetry collection in 1877?
Edmund Gosse
Study Notes
Early Life and Family
- Toru Dutt was born in 1856 in the Bengal province to the Rambagan Dutt family.
- Her parents were Govin Chandra Dutt and Kshetramoni Mitter, both from a family of writers.
- Her father was a linguist and published poet, and her mother was a translator of Hindu mythology.
Conversion to Christianity
- In 1862, Toru's family converted to Christianity and was baptized.
- This event had a significant impact on her life, although she remained devout to Hindu mythology.
Education and Travel
- The family moved to Mumbai in 1864 and then to France in 1869, where Toru was educated in language, history, and the arts.
- She mastered the French language and developed a fascination with French culture and literature.
- Toru later pursued her education at the University of Cambridge, where she studied French and developed a love for the natural world.
Literary Career
- Toru started publishing her work at the age of 18, with essays on Henry Derozio and Leconte de Lisle in Bengal Magazine in 1874.
- Her first novel, Le Journal de Mademoiselle d'Arvers, was written in French and set outside of India.
- Toru is known for her poetry, with her first collection, A Sheaf Gleaned in French Fields, published in 1876.
- The collection was initially not well-received but gained popularity after a favorable review by Edmund Gosse in The Examiner in 1877.
Personal Life
- Toru's family faced social rejection and isolation after their conversion to Christianity.
- She suffered the loss of her brother Abju and sister Aru, both of whom died of consumption.
- Toru's correspondence with Mary Martin, a friend she met at Cambridge, provides valuable insights into her life.
Toru Dutt was an Indian poet born in 1856 to a family of writers. Her father was a linguist and poet, and her mother loved Hindu mythology. Learn more about her family and early life.
Make Your Own Quizzes and Flashcards
Convert your notes into interactive study material.
Get started for free
