Essay: Poets Are The Unacknowledged Legislators Of The World

Hello Friends, today we are going to discuss one of the essay topic name “Poets Are The Unacknowledged Legislators Of The World” which had been asked in the UPSC Civil Services Main Examination 2022 (Section-A, Topic No. 2). Let’s start.

Essay Topic Overview

Introduction

The famous English poet Percy Bysshe Shelley once remarked that “Poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world.” This statement implies that poets hold the power to shape society’s values and beliefs, influencing individuals and communities on a large scale. This statement holds true in the Indian context, where poets have always played a significant role in the country’s cultural and political landscape. India has a long tradition of poetry that spans thousands of years, and poets have been revered for their contribution to literature, society, and politics.

In this essay, we will explore the role of poets as the unacknowledged legislators of the world in India’s context.

The Role of Poetry in Indian Culture

Poetry is an integral part of Indian culture and has been so for centuries. The country has a rich tradition of oral poetry, with stories, myths, and legends being passed down from generation to generation through verse. This tradition has been kept alive by various communities across India, each with its unique style and flavor of poetry. Poetry has always been seen as a powerful tool for self-expression, and poets have been known for conveying complex emotions and ideas through words.

Poets as Social Reformers

In India, poets have always been at the forefront of social reform movements. They have used their poetry as a means of challenging social norms and advocating for change. For instance, during the Indian independence movement, poets played a crucial role in inspiring the masses and spreading the message of freedom. Poets like Rabindranath Tagore, Subramania Bharati, and Sarojini Naidu used their poetry to convey the urgency of the freedom struggle and to mobilize people towards the cause.

Similarly, during the 19th century, poets like Raja Ram Mohan Roy used their poetry to challenge regressive social practices such as Sati and Child Marriage. They used their words to inspire people to question the status quo and push for change. These poets were able to create a groundswell of public opinion against these practices, which ultimately led to their abolition.

Poets as Political Activists

In addition to their role as social reformers, poets have also played an active role in Indian politics. They have used their poetry as a means of critiquing the government, highlighting social injustices, and advocating for the rights of the oppressed. For instance, during the Emergency period in the 1970s, poets like Gopal Das Neeraj and Harivansh Rai Bachchan used their poetry to challenge the government’s authoritarian rule and to speak out against the curtailment of civil liberties.

Similarly, during the 1980s and 1990s, the Dalit movement in India saw the emergence of a new generation of poets who used their poetry to highlight the plight of the Dalit community. Poets like Namdeo Dhasal, Arjun Dangle, and Meena Kandasamy used their words to challenge the caste system, which had kept the Dalits oppressed for centuries. They were able to create a new consciousness around Dalit identity and inspire a new generation of activists to fight for their rights.

Poets as Custodians of Culture

Poets have also played a crucial role in preserving India’s rich cultural heritage. They have used their poetry to document the country’s history, mythology, and traditions. Poets like Valmiki, Kalidasa, and Tulsidas have written epic poems that have become an integral part of Indian culture. These poems have not only entertained generations but have also helped preserve the country’s cultural identity.

In addition to documenting India’s cultural heritage, poets have also played a role in creating new traditions. For instance, during the Bhakti movement in the 15th and 16th centuries, poets like Kabir, Mirabai, and Tulsidas created new forms of devotional poetry that challenged the existing religious order. They used their poetry to emphasize the importance of individual faith and personal relationship with God, which was a departure from the rigid institutionalized forms of religion prevalent at the time. These poets were able to create a new tradition of devotional poetry that has endured to this day.

Poetry as a Tool for National Integration

India is a diverse country with a complex social fabric. Poets have played a crucial role in promoting national integration by highlighting the shared cultural values that bind the country together. Poets like Rabindranath Tagore, Subramania Bharati, and Sarojini Naidu have used their poetry to celebrate India’s cultural diversity and promote unity in the face of adversity. They were able to create a sense of national pride that transcended regional and linguistic barriers.

Similarly, during the Indian independence movement, poets from different parts of the country came together to create a shared vision of a free India. They used their poetry to inspire people across the country and to forge a sense of national identity that would transcend the divisions created by British colonial rule. This shared vision of a free and independent India was crucial to the success of the independence movement.

Conclusion

In conclusion, we can say that poets are the unacknowledged legislators of the world in India’s context. They have played a crucial role in shaping the country’s cultural, social, and political landscape. From challenging social norms to advocating for political change, from preserving cultural heritage to creating new traditions, and from promoting national integration to inspiring people to fight for their rights, poets have been at the forefront of India’s evolution as a nation. Their words have the power to inspire, challenge, educate, and unite people across the country. In the words of the great Indian poet Rabindranath Tagore, “Poetry is the spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings: it takes its origin from emotion recollected in tranquility.” Poets have the power to capture the essence of the human experience, and in doing so, they become the voice of the people.

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