Discover the inspiring summary of The Buttoo by Toru Dutt, a powerful poem about devotion, sacrifice, and unwavering loyalty. Perfect for students and literature lovers seeking a deep, humanized understanding.
The Buttoo Poem Summary By Toru Dutt
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Summary of The Buttoo Poem By Toru Dutt
Introduction
Toru Dutt (1856–1877) was one of the first English poets of Indian origin who gave a respectable place to Indian tradition and culture in Western literature. Her poem “The Buttoo” is based on a poignant incident from the Mahabharata, in which a Nishad boy (Eklavya), who is called ‘Buttoo’ here, leads the readers to introspection with his unique dedication and sacrifice.
This poem is not just a historical or mythological story, but it is a live presentation of faith, self-restraint, religion, Guru Bhakti and inner strength.
1. Buttoo – An Ordinary But Extraordinary Man
The poem begins with a man who is neither from a high family nor associated with any palace or Gurukul. He is a young man of Nishad caste, who lives in the forests, hunts and lives a normal life. But there is an indomitable desire in his heart – he wants to become the greatest archer.
He comes to know that the greatest guru in this knowledge is – Dronacharya. But when he requests Dronacharya to teach him the art of archery, Dronacharya flatly refuses him. He says that he only teaches princes – and a forest dweller like Buttoo is not worthy of him.
Here the poem introduces us to the cruel truth of caste discrimination and social limitations.
2. Guru Bina Shishya – The Beginning of Self-Reliant Sadhana
Buttoo is disappointed, but he does not break down. He does not blame anyone, does not cry or protest. Rather, he becomes stronger from within. A feeling arises in his mind that
“Even if Dronacharya does not teach me, I will still learn from him – without going in front of him.”
He goes to the forest and makes a statue of Guru Drona from clay, and worships it as his Guru. This is the transformation of his faith from formless to real. It becomes not an ordinary idol, but the center of his sadhana.
Every day he practices for hours – no teacher, no instructions – only faith and practice are his guides.
3. Siddhi of Sadhana – Became an archer without a Guru
Buttoo’s path of sadhana is tough, but he never backs down. With years of practice and sacrifice, he acquires immense skill. His ability to shoot arrows becomes so accurate that he can aim even at the leaves of a tree in the forest without missing.
Here the poem tells us that with true dedication and hard work any obstacle can be overcome, whether society supports or not.
Buttoo has now become such an archer without any formal education, only with the imagination of the Guru and self-confidence that even the Guru himself would be surprised to see.
4. Drona’s Test – Dignity and Politics of Gurus
One day Guru Dronacharya comes to the forest during hunting and by chance experiences Buttoo’s skill firsthand. He is amazed that only a great disciple can aim like this.
When he asks from whom he learned this art, Buttoo says with great humility and reverence that he learned from him by making his idol – that is, he is his Guru.
Dronacharya should have been proud to hear this answer, but he gets confused. He worries that if Buttoo has achieved this level without any formal training, then he may turn out to be better than his favorite disciple Arjun.
Due to this fear and politics, they make a very harsh and inhuman demand from Buttoo – his right thumb.
5. Guru-Dakshina – The Cult of Sacrifice
This is the most heart-rending and emotional part of the poem.
Buttoo knows that the loss of his thumb means the end of his archery. For him, it was not just a body part, but his years of penance, his life, his dream.
But still, he does not get angry, argue, or show any anger even for a moment. He bows down calmly, and cuts off his thumb with his own hands and dedicates it to his Guru.
This scene takes the poem to a spiritual height – where dedication, devotion and sacrifice have no limits.
6. This is not the end of the hero, but the beginning
This ending of the poem may make the reader cry, but there is a deep inspiration hidden in it. Buttoo never reached the royal court, he did not get any award, nor did he get the shine of fame. But his devotion, his sacrifice and his humility are immortal even today.
Toru Dutt has proved through this poem that greatness does not come only from fame or power, but comes from true conduct, devotion and sacrifice.
Main Themes and Messages
�� Topic �� Summary
Guru Bhakti Buttoo’s devotion teaches that Gurus are not just a means of education, but carriers of life philosophy.
Sacrifice and humility Buttoo gave up the most precious thing in his life – his education – without any complaint.
Criticism of caste discrimination The poem raises the question whether talent is the property of the upper castes only?
Devotion and self-confidence Without any external help, Buttoo achieved extraordinary proficiency only through his faith and sadhana.
Test of the Guru or politics? This incident forces the reader to think – was this Guru Dharma, or fear of a disciple?
Conclusion: Buttoo – An immortal hero of the common people
“The Buttoo” is not just the story of a historical or mythological character, it is the story of the ‘ideal disciple’ within all of us. This poem teaches us that…
Respect is earned, not given.
The power of sacrifice and devotion is supreme.
Never give up – when the world closes the way, make a new path with faith.
Buttoo’s life also tells us that no one can take away true karma and devotion – no caste, no discrimination, no power.
हिन्दी 
English