Rise, brothers, rise; the wakening skies pray to the morning light,
The wind lies asleep in the arms of the dawn like a child that has cried all night.
Come, let us gather our nets from the shore and set our catamarans free,
To capture the leaping wealth of the tide, for we are the kings of the sea!
No longer delay, let us hasten away in the track of the sea gull’s call,
The sea is our mother, the cloud is our brother, the waves are our comrades all.
What though we toss at the fall of the sun where the hand of the sea-god drives?
He who holds the storm by the hair, will hide in his breast our lives.
Sweet is the shade of the cocoanut glade, and the scent of the mango grove,
And sweet are the sands at the full o’ the moon with the sound of the voices we love;
But sweeter, O brothers, the kiss of the spray and the dance of the wild foam’s glee;
Row, brothers, row to the edge of the verge, where the low sky mates with the sea.
About the Poet
Sarojini Naidu (1879–1949) was an Indian poet, freedom fighter, and politician who played a key role in India’s struggle for independence. Known as the “Nightingale of India,” she was a prominent figure in the literary and political landscape of colonial India. Naidu’s poetry reflects themes of patriotism, nature, folk culture, and Indian traditions. Her major poetry collections include The Golden Threshold (1905), The Bird of Time (1912), and The Broken Wing (1917). Her lyrical and evocative style earned her widespread acclaim. Apart from her literary contributions, she became the first woman to serve as the President of the Indian National Congress and later as the Governor of Uttar Pradesh.
Background of the Poem
The Coromandel Fishers is one of Sarojini Naidu’s most famous poems. It was first published in The Golden Threshold (1905) and captures the spirit of fishermen who live along the Coromandel Coast of India. The poem is often interpreted beyond its literal meaning, symbolizing the call for freedom and action, particularly in the context of India’s independence movement. It celebrates the hardworking, courageous, and adventurous spirit of the fishing community, using vivid imagery and lyrical rhythms to evoke a sense of urgency and motivation.
Summary of the Poem
The poem is a call to the fishermen, urging them to rise at dawn and set out to sea. The speaker, possibly a leader or an elder, reminds them that the sea is their mother, the cloud is their brother, and the waves are their comrades. The poem highlights their intimate connection with nature and their fearless spirit. It emphasizes their trust in the elements and their duty to embrace the sea’s bounty. The final stanza urges them forward, declaring that success and fortune lie ahead in the vast waters. The poem conveys a sense of hope, courage, and the spirit of adventure.
Main Themes
- Man and Nature – The poem illustrates the deep bond between the fishermen and the natural world, portraying the sea as both a source of sustenance and a companion.
- Courage and Adventure – The poem celebrates the fearless spirit of the fishermen as they embrace the challenges of the sea.
- Freedom and Call to Action – The poem’s motivational tone can be interpreted as an allegory for India’s struggle for independence, encouraging people to rise and take charge of their destiny.
- Community and Brotherhood – The poem emphasizes unity among the fishermen, highlighting their shared purpose and mutual reliance.
Poetic Devices Used in the Poem
- Metaphor – The sea is metaphorically referred to as the mother of the fishermen, signifying nourishment and protection.
- Personification – Nature is personified; for example, the “cloud is their brother” and “waves are their comrades.”
- Alliteration – The repetition of consonant sounds, such as “wind wakes” and “sea’s call,” creates musicality and rhythm.
- Imagery – Vivid descriptions like “kiss of the spray” and “leaping wealth of the tide” paint a lively picture of the sea and its elements.
- Repetition – The use of “come, my brothers” emphasizes urgency and unity, reinforcing the poem’s call to action.
Essay Questions for Further Exploration
- Discuss the significance of the title “The Coromandel Fishers” and its relevance to the poem’s theme.
- Analyze how Sarojini Naidu uses nature imagery to depict the relationship between humans and the sea.
- How does the poem reflect the ideals of courage, determination, and unity?
- Discuss the poem as an allegory for India’s struggle for independence.
- Examine the structure and rhythm of the poem. How do these elements contribute to its overall impact?
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Who wrote “The Coromandel Fishers”? a) Rabindranath Tagore
b) Sarojini Naidu
c) Toru Dutt
d) Kamala Das
Answer: b) Sarojini Naidu - What is the primary setting of the poem? a) A dense forest
b) The sea and the shore
c) A village marketplace
d) A mountain valley
Answer: b) The sea and the shore - What does the phrase “the sea is our mother” suggest? a) The sea is dangerous
b) The sea provides food and sustenance
c) The sea is unpredictable
d) The sea is a place of rest
Answer: b) The sea provides food and sustenance - What is the tone of the poem? a) Melancholic
b) Inspirational and energetic
c) Satirical
d) Gloomy
Answer: b) Inspirational and energetic - What does the poet mean by “the leaping wealth of the tide”? a) The unpredictable waves
b) The fish and resources of the sea
c) The sound of the sea
d) The changing tides
Answer: b) The fish and resources of the sea - How does the poem address the theme of unity? a) By showing the fishermen competing with each other
b) By highlighting the importance of brotherhood and working together
c) By emphasizing the dangers of the sea
d) By showing individual achievements
Answer: b) By highlighting the importance of brotherhood and working together - What is the poet’s main purpose in writing this poem? a) To entertain readers with a fictional story
b) To describe the life of fishermen and inspire courage
c) To criticize the fishing industry
d) To warn against the dangers of the sea
Answer: b) To describe the life of fishermen and inspire courage - What poetic device is used in “Come, my brothers, let us away”? a) Simile
b) Repetition
c) Metaphor
d) Hyperbole
Answer: b) Repetition