EXPLANATION LINE BY LINE OF THE POEM:

Abhisara: The Tryst by Rabindranath Tagore is a story poem based on a Buddhist

legend about a monk named Upagupta and a courtesan named Basabdatta. The
poem explores the themes of love, compassion, and spirituality through the contrast
between the two characters and their different paths in life. Here is a line-by-line
explanation of the poem as per BA standards in 350-400 words:

- Sanyasi Upagupta / Was asleep under the shade of / The city ramparts of
Mathura— The poem begins by introducing Upagupta, a sanyasi (a wandering
ascetic) who has renounced worldly pleasures and attachments. He is sleeping
under the shade of the city walls of Mathura, an ancient city in India that was a
centre of Buddhism at the time.
- A breeze had blown off the lamps and flares. / The palace doors were shut. /
The stars of the night / Had disappeared behind clouds — The poet sets the
scene of a dark and silent night, suggesting a sense of mystery and solitude. The
lamps and flares that usually light up the city have been blown off by the wind, the
palace doors are closed, and the stars are hidden behind clouds. The darkness also
foreshadows the suffering and isolation that Basabdatta will face later in the poem.
- Whose foot adorned with anklets / Suddenly rang on his chest? / Startled, the
sanyasi woke up. / His dreams fled. — The poet introduces a sudden contrast to
the quietness of the night with the sound of anklets ringing on Upagupta's chest.
Anklets are ornaments worn by women around their ankles, often associated with
dancers and courtesans. The sound startles Upagupta and wakes him up from his
sleep, interrupting his dreams. This suggests that Upagupta's peaceful state of mind
is disturbed by the intrusion of worldly desires and temptations.
- A dim light shone on his forgiving eyes. / The court dancer was going for a
tryst with her lover, / Intoxicated with her own vernal bloom. / Dressed in a
deep blue saree, / Her ornament tinkled — The poet describes the appearance of
Basabdatta, the court dancer who has accidentally stepped on Upagupta. She is
carrying a dim light that shines on Upagupta's eyes, which are described as
forgiving, implying that he does not hold any grudge or anger against her.
Basabdatta is on her way to meet her lover, and she is intoxicated with her own
vernal bloom, meaning that she is enjoying her youth and beauty. She is dressed in
a deep blue saree, a traditional Indian garment, and her ornaments make a tinkling
sound as she moves. The poet uses vivid imagery and sensory details to portray
Basabdatta as an attractive and sensual woman who represents worldly pleasures
and passions.
- As her foot fell on the monk, / Basabdatta halted. / With her lantern, she
examined his young radiant form — / A calm enduring tender face, / A glance
gleaming with compassion, / A white moon-like forehead aglow with gracious
peace. — The poet narrates how Basabdatta stops when she realizes that she has
stepped on Upagupta. She uses her lantern to examine his appearance, and she is
struck by his young radiant form, which contrasts with his ascetic lifestyle. She
notices his calm enduring tender face, which shows his patience and kindness; his
glance gleaming with compassion, which shows his empathy and understanding;
and his white moon-like forehead aglow with gracious peace, which shows his
wisdom and serenity. The poet uses similes and metaphors to portray Upagupta as
an attractive and spiritual man who represents renunciation and enlightenment.
- The woman spoke in a gentle voice, / Her eye drooping with embarrassment, /
“Pardon me, O youthful one, / I will be grateful if you come to my home. / The
ground here is hard and rough. / This is not the right place to sleep.” — The
poet narrates how Basabdatta speaks to Upagupta in a gentle voice, showing her
politeness and respect. She apologizes for waking him up and invites him to come to
her home, offering him a more comfortable place to sleep than the hard and rough
ground. She also implies that she is interested in him romantically or sexually by
calling him youthful one and inviting him to her home.
- The sanyasi responded with kind words, / “It is not yet time for me / To visit O
graceful one, / Please go your way in prosperity. / When the time is right, I will
myself / Come to your bower.” — The poet narrates how Upagupta responds to
Basabdatta's invitation with kind words, showing his courtesy and respect. He
declines her offer to come to her home, saying that it is not yet time for him to visit
her. He asks her to go her way in prosperity, meaning that he wishes her well and
happiness. He also promises to come to her bower, meaning her house or bedroom,
when the time is right. This suggests that he is not rejecting her completely, but
postponing their meeting for a more appropriate occasion.
- Eventually, a fiery spark thundered, / Opened a monstrous mouth. / The
young woman shivered with alarm. / As a terrifying destructive wind howled, /
A lightning ripped a cruel smile / Across the sky. — The poet describes a sudden
change in the weather, as a storm breaks out. A fiery spark thundered, meaning that
a lightning bolt struck with a loud noise; opened a monstrous mouth, meaning that it
created a large opening in the sky; the young woman shivered with alarm, meaning
that Basabdatta was scared by the storm; as a terrifying destructive wind howled,
meaning that a strong wind blew with a loud sound; a lightning ripped a cruel smile
across the sky, meaning that another lightning bolt flashed across the sky in a
mocking way. The poet uses personification and imagery to portray the storm as a
violent and menacing force that threatens Basabdatta's happiness and safety.
- The year was not out. / It was an evening in Chaitra. / The breeze fluttered
with restlessness / The trees along the path were laden with buds. / The King’s
Garden was flush with blooms of Bakul, / Parul and rajanigandha — The poet
shifts the scene to another time and place, after some months have passed. It was
an evening in Chaitra, meaning that it was springtime in the Hindu calendar; the
breeze fluttered with restlessness, meaning that the wind was gentle and playful; the
trees along the path were laden with buds, meaning that they were full of new
growth; the King’s Garden was flush with blooms of Bakul, Parul and rajanigandha,
meaning that it was filled with fragrant flowers of different kinds. The poet uses
imagery and sensory details to portray the spring season as a time of beauty and
renewal.
- From afar, wafting with the draft / Was the mesmerising timbre of a flute. / The
city was empty as everyone had left for / The festival of flowers in the honeyed
woods —The poet describes how from afar, wafting with the draft was the
mesmerising timbre of a flute, meaning that from a distance, carried by the wind was
the enchanting sound of a flute; the city was empty as everyone had left for the
festival of flowers in the honeyed woods, meaning that there was no one in the city
as they had all gone to celebrate a festival of flowers in the sweet-smelling forest.
The poet uses alliteration and assonance to create a musical effect and to suggest a
festive and joyful atmosphere.
- The full moon smiled at the town / Emptied of people and protectors. / On the
lonely moonlit path, / The sanyasi walked alone— The poet describes how the full
moon smiled at the town emptied of people and protectors, meaning that the moon
shone brightly on the deserted city; on the lonely moonlit path, the sanyasi walked
alone, meaning that Upagupta walked by himself on a path illuminated by the
moonlight. The poet uses personification and contrast to create a sense of loneliness
and isolation for Upagupta.
- Under leafy branches, from where / Cuckoos cooed repeatedly — / After so
many days, was it time for him / To fulfil his tryst with the beloved? —The poet
describes how under leafy branches, from where cuckoos cooed repeatedly,
meaning that Upagupta walked under trees where cuckoos sang over and over; after
so many days, was it time for him to fulfil his tryst with the beloved? meaning that
after waiting for so long, was he finally going to meet his lover? The poet uses
rhetorical questions and repetition to create a sense of anticipation and curiosity for
Upagupta's destination.
- Crossing the town, the wise one / Went beyond the city walls. / He stood
beside the moat — / In the shade of the mango grove — The poet narrates how
crossing the town, the wise one went beyond the city walls, meaning that Upagupta
left the city and went outside its boundaries

THEMES OF THE POEM

Some of the themes of Abhisara: The Tryst by Rabindranath Tagore as per ISC
standard are:
- Love: The poem explores the different forms and expressions of love, such as
romantic love, spiritual love, and compassionate love. Basabdatta and Upagupta
represent two different kinds of lovers: one who is driven by worldly passions and
desires, and one who is detached from worldly attachments and seeks
enlightenment. Their tryst is not a physical or sexual encounter, but a meeting of
souls that transcends the boundaries of time, space, and society. The poem shows
how love can transform a person's life and bring them peace and happiness.
- Compassion: The poem also explores the theme of compassion, which is the
ability to empathize with and help others who are suffering. Upagupta demonstrates
compassion by caring for Basabdatta when she is afflicted by a deadly disease and
cast out by the society. He does not judge her for her past actions or her present
condition, but treats her with kindness and respect. He offers her water, chants a
mantra, and applies a soothing balm to her body. He also tells her that he has come
for their tryst, fulfilling his promise and giving her hope and comfort. The poem
shows how compassion can heal a person's wounds and bring them dignity and
grace.
- Spirituality: The poem also explores the theme of spirituality, which is the quest for
a higher purpose and meaning in life. Upagupta represents a spiritual seeker who
has renounced worldly pleasures and attachments and follows the path of Buddhism.
He is not tempted by Basabdatta's beauty or wealth, but remains faithful to his vows
and principles. He also does not reject Basabdatta's invitation, but postpones it for a
more appropriate time. He believes that everything happens according to a divine
plan and that he will meet her when the time is right. The poem shows how
spirituality can guide a person's actions and decisions and bring them wisdom and
serenity.

SIGNIFICANCE OF VASAVDATTA’S CHARACTER

Basabdatta's character is significant for several reasons in the poem. Some of them
are:
- She represents the contrast between the worldly and the spiritual life. Basabdatta is
a court dancer who enjoys her beauty, wealth, and fame. She is driven by her
passions and desires, and seeks pleasure and happiness in her lover. She is also
vulnerable to the dangers and uncertainties of the world, such as the storm and the
disease that afflict her. She symbolizes the impermanence and suffering of worldly
existence, as well as the potential for redemption and transformation through love
and compassion.
- She represents the human connection that Upagupta seeks and offers. Basabdatta
is the only person who interacts with Upagupta in the poem. She is the one who
wakes him up from his sleep, invites him to her home, and recognizes his beauty
and kindness. She is also the one who receives his comfort, care, and promise when
she is in pain and isolation. She symbolizes the human bond that transcends social
norms and prejudices, and that enriches and elevates both their lives.
- She represents the fulfilment of Upagupta's tryst. Basabdatta is the beloved that
Upagupta has been waiting for since their first encounter. He tells her that he will
come to her bower when the time is right, and he keeps his word. He meets her
under the moonlight in the mango grove, where they share a moment of intimacy
and peace. She symbolizes the completion of Upagupta's spiritual journey, as he
realizes his true nature and purpose through his love and compassion for her.
 SIGNIFICANCE OF UPAGUPTA’S CHARACTER
Upagupta's character is significant for several reasons in the poem. Some of them
are:

- He represents the ideal of a Buddhist monk who has renounced worldly pleasures
and attachments and seeks enlightenment. Upagupta is a sanyasi who lives a simple
and detached life as an ascetic, not seeking material comforts or fame. He is also a
wise and compassionate teacher who instructs others in his faith and helps them find
peace and happiness. He is based on a historical figure who was revered by
Emperor Ashoka and had a large following in Myanmar.
- He represents the contrast between the worldly and the spiritual life. Upagupta is a
sanyasi who is not tempted by Basabdatta's beauty or wealth, but remains faithful to
his vows and principles. He also does not reject Basabdatta's invitation, but
postpones it for a more appropriate time. He believes that everything happens
according to a divine plan and that he will meet her when the time is right. He
symbolizes the detachment and patience of spiritual existence, as well as the
potential for transformation and enlightenment through love and compassion.
- He represents the fulfilment of Basabdatta's tryst. Upagupta is the beloved that
Basabdatta has been waiting for since their first encounter. He tells her that he will
come to her bower when the time is right, and he keeps his word. He meets her
under the moonlight in the mango grove, where they share a moment of intimacy
and peace. He symbolizes the completion of Basabdatta's worldly journey, as he
helps her overcome her suffering and find dignity and grace.

SETTING AND CONTEXT OF THE POEM

The setting and context of the poem Abhisara: The Tryst are as follows:
- The poem is based on a Buddhist legend about a monk named Upagupta and a
courtesan named Basabdatta. Upagupta was a disciple of Buddha who lived in the
3rd century BCE and was revered by Emperor Ashoka. Basabdatta was a famous
dancer who lived in the city of Mathura, which was a centre of Buddhism at the time.
- The poem is divided into two parts, each with a different setting and mood. The first
part takes place on a dark and stormy night, when Basabdatta is on her way to meet
her lover and accidentally steps on Upagupta, who is sleeping on the road. She
invites him to her home, but he declines, saying that he will come when the time is
right. The second part takes place on a serene and festive evening, when Upagupta
walks alone through the city and finds Basabdatta, who has been cast out by the
society because of a deadly disease. He comforts her and tells her that he has come
for their tryst.
- The poem reflects the historical and cultural context of India during the time of
Buddhism. It shows the contrast between the worldly and the spiritual life, as well as
the importance of love, compassion, and human connection. It also shows the
influence of nature and fate on human lives, as well as the potential for
transformation and redemption through selfless acts of kindness.

DESCRIPTION AND SIGNIFICANCE OF AUGUST

The month of August is mentioned in the first part of the poem, when Basabdatta is
on her way to meet her lover and accidentally steps on Upagupta. The poet writes:
- Eventually, a fiery spark thundered, / Opened a monstrous mouth. / The
young woman shivered with alarm. / As a terrifying destructive wind howled, /
A lightning ripped a cruel smile / Across the sky. — The poet describes a sudden
change in the weather, as a storm breaks out. A fiery spark thundered, meaning that
a lightning bolt struck with a loud noise; opened a monstrous mouth, meaning that it
created a large opening in the sky; the young woman shivered with alarm, meaning
that Basabdatta was scared by the storm; as a terrifying destructive wind howled,
meaning that a strong wind blew with a loud sound; a lightning ripped a cruel smile
across the sky, meaning that another lightning bolt flashed across the sky in a
mocking way. The poet uses personification and imagery to portray the storm as a
violent and menacing force that threatens Basabdatta's happiness and safety.

The significance of August month in the poem is as follows:

- It symbolizes the peak of summer season in India, which is often associated with
heat, drought, and storms. It creates a contrast to the later spring season, which is
depicted as a time of beauty and renewal.
- It foreshadows the upcoming calamity in Basabdatta's life, which will result from her
worldly passions and desires. The storm represents the turbulence and uncertainty
that she will face, as well as the danger and destruction that will befall her.
- It also sets the stage for Upagupta's compassion and kindness, which will shine
through in the later part of the poem. The storm represents the darkness and
suffering that he will help her overcome, as well as the light and peace that he will
bring her.

DESCRIPTION AND SIGNIFICANCE OF APRIL:

The month of April is mentioned in the second part of the poem, when Upagupta
walks alone through the city and finds Basabdatta, who has been cast out by the
society because of a deadly disease. The poet writes:
- The year was not out. / It was an evening in Chaitra. / The breeze fluttered
with restlessness / The trees along the path were laden with buds. / The King’s
Garden was flush with blooms of Bakul, / Parul and rajanigandha. — The poet
describes the setting and mood of the spring season, which is a time of beauty and
renewal. Chaitra is a month in the Hindu calendar that corresponds to March-April.
The breeze fluttered with restlessness, meaning that the wind was gentle and
playful; the trees along the path were laden with buds, meaning that they were full of
new growth; the King’s Garden was flush with blooms of Bakul, Parul and
rajanigandha, meaning that it was filled with fragrant flowers of different kinds. The
poet uses imagery and sensory details to portray the spring season as a time of joy
and celebration.
The significance of April month in the poem is as follows:
- It symbolizes the contrast between the winter and the spring season in India, which
is often associated with cold, dryness, and disease. It creates a contrast to the
earlier storm and symbolizes a moment of respite and reflection for Upagupta and
Basabdatta.
- It foreshadows the upcoming transformation in Basabdatta's life, which will result
from Upagupta's compassion and kindness. The spring season represents the
renewal and growth that she will experience, as well as the peace and happiness
that he will bring her.
- It also sets the stage for Upagupta's fulfilment of his tryst with Basabdatta. The
spring season represents the right time for their meeting, as well as the beauty and
harmony of their relationship.

CRITICAL REMARKS ON THE POEM

Some of the critical remarks on the poem Abhisara: The Tryst are:
- The poem is a poignant and evocative poem that delves into the themes of love,
compassion, and selfless service. Through the story of the sanyasi Upagupta and
the court dancer Vasavadatta, Tagore explores the complexities of human
relationships and the transformative power of love.
- The poem is filled with vivid and evocative imagery that helps to create a sensory
experience for the reader. The use of imagery is particularly effective in conveying
the contrast between the worldly and the spiritual life, as well as the natural beauty of
the surrounding environment.
- The poem also uses various literary devices such as personification, simile,
metaphor, alliteration, assonance, and rhetorical questions to enhance the meaning
and expression of the poem. The use of literary devices helps to create a musical
and lyrical effect, as well as to emphasize the emotions and thoughts of the
characters.
- The poem is based on a Buddhist legend about a monk named Upagupta and a
courtesan named Vasavadatta. The poem reflects the historical and cultural context
of India during the time of Buddhism. It shows the influence of Buddhist philosophy
and values on Tagore's worldview and writing style.

APPROPRIATENESS OF THE TITLE

The title of the poem, Abhisara: The Tryst, is appropriate for the following reasons:
- Abhisara is a Sanskrit word that means "going towards" or "approaching". It is often
used to describe the act of going to meet one's beloved or lover. The title suggests
the theme of love and longing that pervades the poem, as well as the anticipation
and curiosity that both Upagupta and Vasavadatta feel for each other.
- The Tryst is an English word that means "a secret meeting of lovers" or "an
appointment to meet at a certain time and place". The title suggests the theme of
secrecy and intimacy that characterizes the poem, as well as the fulfilment and
peace that both Upagupta and Vasavadatta experience when they finally meet under
the moonlight.
- The title also creates a contrast between the two words, Abhisara and The Tryst,
which reflect the different cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the poet and the
audience. The title shows how Tagore bridges the gap between the East and the
West, as well as between the ancient and the modern, through his universal and
timeless message of love and compassion.

USE OF IMAGERY AND SYMBOLISM IN POEM:

Tagore uses imagery and symbolism in this poem in various ways, such as:
- He uses imagery to create a vivid picture of the setting and the mood of the poem.
For example, he describes the dark and stormy night in the first part of the poem,
and the serene and festive evening in the second part of the poem. He also uses
sensory details to appeal to the reader's sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. For
example, he describes the colours, sounds, and fragrances of the flowers, the wind,
and the flute in the second part of the poem.
- He uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings and messages through objects,
characters, and events. For example, he uses Basabdatta and Upagupta as symbols
of the worldly and the spiritual life, respectively. He also uses the storm and the
spring season as symbols of the suffering and the renewal that both characters
undergo. He also uses the moon and the mango grove as symbols of their tryst and
their relationship.

MODEL QUESTIONS AS PER ISC STANDARDS:

Some possible 5 marks questions from the poem Abhisara: The
Tryst as per the ISC standards are:

- Explain the significance of the title of the poem. How does it

reflect the theme and the tone of the poem?
Answer: The title of the poem, Abhisara: The Tryst, is significant for the following
reasons:
- Abhisara is a Sanskrit word that means "going towards" or "approaching". It is often
used to describe the act of going to meet one's beloved or lover. The title suggests
the theme of love and longing that pervades the poem, as well as the anticipation
and curiosity that both Upagupta and Vasavadatta feel for each other.
- The Tryst is an English word that means "a secret meeting of lovers" or "an
appointment to meet at a certain time and place". The title suggests the theme of
secrecy and intimacy that characterizes the poem, as well as the fulfilment and
peace that both Upagupta and Vasavadatta experience when they finally meet under
the moonlight.
- The title also creates a contrast between the two words, Abhisara and The Tryst,
which reflect the different cultural and linguistic backgrounds of the poet and the
audience. The title shows how Tagore bridges the gap between the East and the
West, as well as between the ancient and the modern, through his universal and
timeless message of love and compassion.

The title also reflects the tone of the poem, which is lyrical and evocative. The title
creates a musical effect through the use of alliteration (the repetition of consonant
sounds) and assonance (the repetition of vowel sounds). The title also creates a
visual effect through the use of imagery (the use of words to create a picture in the
reader's mind). The title conveys a sense of beauty, harmony, and mystery that
matches the mood and atmosphere of the poem.

- Discuss the contrast between the worldly and the spiritual life
as portrayed by Tagore in this poem. How does he use the
characters of Basabdatta and Upagupta to illustrate this
contrast?
Answer: One of the main themes of the poem is the contrast between the worldly
and the spiritual life, which Tagore portrays through the characters of Basabdatta
and Upagupta. Basabdatta represents the worldly life, which is characterized by
materialism, passion, and pleasure. Upagupta represents the spiritual life, which is
characterized by detachment, wisdom, and peace.
- Basabdatta is a court dancer who enjoys her beauty, wealth, and fame. She is
driven by her passions and desires, and seeks pleasure and happiness in her lover.
She is also vulnerable to the dangers and uncertainties of the world, such as the
storm and the disease that afflict her. She symbolizes the impermanence and
suffering of worldly existence, as well as the potential for redemption and
transformation through love and compassion.
- Upagupta is a sanyasi who lives a simple and detached life as an ascetic. He has
renounced worldly pleasures and attachments and follows the path of Buddhism. He
is not tempted by Basabdatta's beauty or wealth, but remains faithful to his vows and
principles. He also does not reject Basabdatta's invitation, but postpones it for a
more appropriate time. He believes that everything happens according to a divine
plan and that he will meet her when the time is right. He symbolizes the detachment
and patience of spiritual existence, as well as the potential for transformation and
enlightenment through love and compassion.

Tagore uses various literary devices such as contrast, irony, and symbolism to
illustrate this contrast between the two characters and their lifestyles. For example,
he contrasts the dark and stormy night in the first part of the poem with the serene
and festive evening in the second part of the poem. He also contrasts Basabdatta's
lavish and superficial lifestyle with Upagupta's simple and profound lifestyle. He uses
irony to show how Basabdatta's worldly success leads to her downfall, while
Upagupta's spiritual renunciation leads to his fulfilment. He also uses symbolism to
show how Basabdatta and Upagupta represent different aspects of human nature
and different paths to happiness.

- Analyse the use of imagery and symbolism in this poem. How

does Tagore create a sensory experience for the reader and
convey deeper meanings and messages through his choice of
words and images?
Answer: Tagore uses imagery and symbolism in this poem in various ways, such
as:
- He uses imagery to create a vivid picture of the setting and the mood of the poem.
For example, he describes the dark and stormy night in the first part of the poem,
and the serene and festive evening in the second part of the poem. He also uses
sensory details to appeal to the reader's sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. For
example, he describes the colours, sounds, and fragrances of the flowers, the wind,
and the flute in the second part of the poem.
- He uses symbolism to convey deeper meanings and messages through objects,
characters, and events. For example, he uses Basabdatta and Upagupta as symbols
of the worldly and the spiritual life, respectively. He also uses the storm and the
spring season as symbols of the suffering and the renewal that both characters
undergo. He also uses the moon and the mango grove as symbols of their tryst and
their relationship.

Tagore creates a sensory experience for the reader by using imagery and symbolism
to engage their emotions and imagination. He also conveys deeper meanings and
messages by using imagery and symbolism to express his views on love,
compassion, and spirituality. He shows how love can transform a person's life and
bring them peace and happiness. He also shows how compassion can heal a
person's wounds and bring them dignity and grace. He also shows how spirituality
can guide a person's actions and decisions and bring them wisdom and serenity .

- Comment on the historical and cultural context of this poem.

How does Tagore draw inspiration from the Buddhist legend of
Upagupta and Vasavadatta? How does he relate his poem to
the contemporary audience and issues?
Answer:
The historical and cultural context of this poem is as follows:
- The poem is based on a Buddhist legend about a monk named Upagupta and a
courtesan named Vasavadatta. Upagupta was a disciple of Buddha who lived in the
3rd century BCE and was revered by Emperor Ashoka. Vasavadatta was a famous
dancer who lived in the city of Mathura, which was a centre of Buddhism at the time.
- The poem reflects the influence of Buddhism on Tagore's worldview and writing
style. Tagore was deeply interested in Buddhism and its teachings of compassion,
detachment, and enlightenment. He also admired the Buddhist art and literature of
India and other Asian countries. He wrote several poems and stories based on
Buddhist themes and characters, such as Abhisara: The Tryst.
- The poem also relates to the contemporary audience and issues by addressing the
universal and timeless topics of love, compassion, and human connection. Tagore
shows how love can transcend the barriers of social norms and prejudices, and how
compassion can heal the wounds of suffering and isolation. He also shows how
human connection can enrich and elevate one's life, regardless of one's background
or status.

- Evaluate the theme of compassion and human connection in

this poem. How does Tagore show the transformative power of
love and kindness? How does he challenge the societal norms
and prejudices that separate Upagupta and Basabdatta?
Answer: The theme of compassion and human connection is one of the main
themes of this poem. Tagore shows the transformative power of love and kindness
through the characters of Upagupta and Basabdatta. He also challenges the societal
norms and prejudices that separate them by portraying their relationship as a pure
and noble one.

- Tagore shows the transformative power of love and kindness by depicting how
Upagupta and Basabdatta change each other's lives for the better. Upagupta helps
Basabdatta overcome her suffering and find dignity and grace. He offers her water,
balm, and comfort when she is in pain and isolation. He also fulfils his promise to
come to her bower when the time is right, showing his faithfulness and respect.
Basabdatta helps Upagupta realize his true nature and purpose. She awakens him
from his sleep, both literally and figuratively. She invites him to her home,
recognizing his beauty and kindness. She also receives his comfort, care, and
promise when she is in need, showing her gratitude and humility.
- Tagore challenges the societal norms and prejudices that separate Upagupta and
Basabdatta by portraying their relationship as a pure and noble one. He shows that
their love is not based on lust or greed, but on compassion and human connection.
He shows that their love transcends the barriers of caste, class, and religion, which
are often used to discriminate and oppress people. He shows that their love is not
bound by time or place, but by a divine plan and a spiritual bond.

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