Palanquin Bearers
Author: 
Sarojini Naidu
Illustrator: 
Indu Harikumar
age group: 
7+ yrs
Number of pages: 
28
Publisher: 
Katha
Themes:
verse palanquin Nightingale of India ancient India
Genre:
picture book
 

 

The poem – evocative of a bygone era, in which, women of the household were transported in palanquins. In this song, the palanquin bearers aware of the gracious beauty of their precious load – a young bride; sing as they carry her to her home.

Lightly, O lightly
We bear her along,

She sways like a flower
in the wind of our song;

she skims like a bird on
the foam of a stream,

she floats like a laugh
from the lips of a dream.

The poem thus goes on – dreamy and ethereal with a touch of fantasy.

The illustrations, by Indu Harikumar, weaves in that special brand of magic with the superb needlework. The images come tantalizingly alive, making the book a treat to go through.
 

Reviewed by Sunanda Sharma