What is the significance of the remark ‘to the drum-beats of duty’?

In Sarojini Naidu’s poem The Gift of India, the phrase “to the drum-beats of duty” holds deep symbolic significance. It reflects the sense of obligation, sacrifice, and patriotism that Indian soldiers exhibited during World War I, despite serving a colonial power.

Significance of the Phrase

1. Symbol of War and Military Service
   • The drum-beats evoke images of war, specifically the marching rhythms of soldiers heading into battle.
   • It signifies the call to duty that Indian soldiers answered, even though they were fighting for the British Empire rather than their own independence.
2. Obligation and Forced Participation
   • The phrase suggests that Indian soldiers fought not entirely by choice but out of a sense of duty and loyalty to the British rulers.
   • It hints at the colonial exploitation of Indian troops, who were sent to die in foreign lands for an empire that denied them freedom.
3. Glorification of Indian Soldiers’ Sacrifice
   • Naidu honors the bravery and sacrifice of these soldiers, portraying them as warriors who fought with dedication, even in a war that was not their own.
   • The “drum-beats of duty” symbolize their disciplined and selfless service, reinforcing the theme of pride mixed with sorrow.

Conclusion

The phrase “to the drum-beats of duty” encapsulates the paradox of Indian soldiers’ participation in World War I—a war fought under imperial command, yet marked by their own courage and sacrifice. It highlights both the burden of colonialism and the valor of Indian troops, making it a key phrase in the poem’s theme of patriotism and loss.