CLASS 7th - The Bazaars of Hyderabad Poem

 LET'S WARM UP A LITTLE :

In this poem , composed by Sarojini Naidu , the poet  describes the various stalls in the bazaars of Hyderabad . The poem is in the form of questions and answers . The poet asks the questions and the merchants answer them . Through  this technique along with vivid images which touch all the five senses,the poet makes the picture of the bazaar visible to us . Have you observed a typical Indian Bazaar where vendors and sellers sell their wares ? How do you think they are different from today's supermarkets ? 

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 the dancers ,

Scabbards of gold for the king .

What do you cry ,O ye fruitmen ?

Citron , pomegranate and plum .

What do you play , O musicians ?

Sitar ,sarangi and drum .

What do you chant ,O magicians ?

Spells for the 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 gathered 

To perfume the sleep of the dead .

 AUTHOR -

Sarojini Naidu (1879-1949)