Justice, Nation, and Divine Mission: A Symbolic Reading of "Shivaji's Sword" by Toru Dutt

Abstract This research paper offers an in-depth symbolic and postcolonial reading of Toru Dutt’s poem “Shivaji’s Sword”, focusing on the interrelated themes of justice, nationhood, and divine mission. Written during the late nineteenth century under British colonial rule, the poem revisits Indian history to recover indigenous ideals of moral leadership and resistance. Rather than glorifying violence or conquest, Dutt transforms the historical figure of Shivaji into a symbolic embodiment of ethical governance and spiritual responsibility. The sword, as the central symbol of the poem, represents righteous justice, cultural self-respect, and a divinely sanctioned mission to protect the oppressed. Through close textual analysis and engagement with critical scholarship, this paper argues that “Shivaji’s Sword” articulates an early form of ethical nationalism that combines political resistance with moral and spiritual legitimacy. The study highlights the poem’s significance within Indian English literature as a precursor to later nationalist and postcolonial writings.