But this is merely the tip of the poetic iceberg. As we delve deeper into the verses penned by the masterful poet, we uncover layers of meaning and emotion. The tale is not only a celebration of courage but also a reflection of the human spirit’s indomitable will to conquer the odds. As we stand on the precipice of this captivating narrative, let’s embrace the poetic symphony that is “A Ballad of Sir Pertab Singh.” Read More Class 10th English Summaries.
A Ballad of Sir Pertab Singh Poem Summary
A Ballad of Sir Pertab Singh Introduction:
Now there arose a problem. There were only three Englishmen in all Jodhpore. They could not find a fourth one to carry the dead man’s bier. Religion did not allow a Hindu to carry the dead body of a foreigner. So, the king was requested to send a sweeper. But the king himself came forward to carry his friend’s dead body to the grave. The king was warned that he would lose his caste by doing so.
Sir Pertab Singh paid no heed to it. Next morning the Brahmins came to Pertab Singh. They informed him that he had been declared an outcaste. Pertab Singh angrily told the Brahmins that there was a caste higher than any other caste in the world. It was the caste of a true soldier. The king belonged to this caste and had no fear of losing it.
A Ballad of Sir Pertab Singh Summary in English:
This ballad shows the folly of the Hindu caste system. Sir Pertab Singh was the king of Jodhpore. It was the first year of his rule when a rider came to his palace. This rider was a young Englishman. He was every inch a soldier. On seeing him Pertab’s heart lit up with joy. The two became fast friends.
Now the two friends spent most of their time together. They told each other their stories of love and adventure. Thus they passed their days joyfully. But unfortunately, after some days, Pertab’s friend died all of a sudden. The king’s heart was filled with sorrow. The shadow of grief spread over his palace.
Next morning the Englishman’s dead body was placed in a coffin. It was to be carried to the place of burial. But there arose a problem. There were only three men of his race and creed in all Jodhpore. They could not find a fourth one to carry the bier. Religion did not allow a Hindu to carry the bier of a foreigner. So they requested the king to send a sweeper. A sweeper, they said, had no caste to lose.
But the king himself came forward to carry the bier of his friend. People were filled with surprise. They told the king that he would lose his caste if he did so. But the king paid no heed to what they said. No loss could be greater to him than the loss of his friend. Without caring for what the people said, he became the fourth pall-bearer. He carried the bier of his friend in the sight of all Jodhpore.
Next morning some Brahmins came to Pertab Singh. They said that a very fearful thing had happened. The king had lost his caste for what he had done. At this the king flew into a rage. He said that his caste was above the caste of any Brahmin or Rajput. It was immortal. It was wide as the world, free as the air, and pure as the pool of death. It was the caste of all noble hearts. It was the caste of a true soldier. Sir Pertab Singh had no fear of losing it.