Coromandel Fishers by Sarojini Naidu is an important poem taught in many CBSE and ICSE school syllabi. This page provides simple stanza-wise explanations, line-by-line meanings, summaries in English and Hindi, poetic devices, themes, central idea, Competency Focussed Questions (CFQs), and quiz questions for easy understanding and revision. This poem is also published in Class 7 English Gul Mohar Book.
- 1 Video-‘The Coromandel Fishers’ Explanation
- 2 Stanza-wise Summary of the Poem ‘Coromandel Fishers’
- ▶ 3 Stanza-by-Stanza Explanation of ‘Coromandel Fishers’ Poem
- 4 Overall Poetic Devices Used in Coromandel Fishers
- 5 Central Idea of Coromandel Fishers
- 6 Themes in Coromandel Fishers
- 7 CFQs (Competency Focussed Questions)
- 8 Quiz on ‘Coromandel Fishers’ Poem
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Video-‘The Coromandel Fishers’ Explanation
Stanza-wise Summary of the Poem ‘Coromandel Fishers’
Written in musical language, the poem beautifully presents the courage, unity, and adventurous life of the fishermen and their deep connection with nature and the sea. Stanza wise summary is given here.
The first stanza describes the early morning when the fishermen wake up and prepare to go to the sea. Nature is calm and peaceful. The fishermen collect their nets and boats with excitement and confidence. They proudly call themselves the “kings of the sea” because fishing is their life and livelihood.
पहले पद (stanza) में सुबह का दृश्य दिखाया गया है जब मछुआरे जागकर समुद्र में जाने की तैयारी करते हैं। प्रकृति शांत और सुंदर है। मछुआरे अपने जाल और नावें लेकर उत्साह के साथ निकलते हैं। वे स्वयं को “समुद्र का राजा” कहते हैं क्योंकि समुद्र ही उनके जीवन और रोज़ी-रोटी का आधार है।
In the second stanza, the fishermen hurry towards the sea without fear. They consider the sea, clouds, and waves as part of their family and friends. Even though the sea can be dangerous, they trust the sea-god and believe that nature will protect them.
दूसरे पद (stanza) में मछुआरे बिना डर के जल्दी समुद्र की ओर बढ़ते हैं। वे समुद्र, बादलों और लहरों को अपने परिवार और मित्रों की तरह मानते हैं। समुद्र खतरनाक हो सकता है, फिर भी वे समुद्र-देवता पर विश्वास करते हैं और मानते हैं कि प्रकृति उनकी रक्षा करेगी।
The third stanza describes the beauty of the fishermen’s home, the moonlit beach, and the love of family. However, the fishermen love the excitement and adventure of the sea even more. They happily row towards the far horizon where the sky seems to meet the sea.
तीसरे पद (stanza) में मछुआरों के घर, चाँदनी रात के समुद्र तट और परिवार के प्रेम का सुंदर वर्णन है। फिर भी मछुआरे समुद्र के रोमांच और स्वतंत्रता को सबसे अधिक पसंद करते हैं। वे खुशी और साहस के साथ उस दूर क्षितिज की ओर नाव चलाते हैं जहाँ आकाश और समुद्र मिलते हुए दिखाई देते हैं।
Stanza-by-Stanza Explanation of ‘Coromandel Fishers’ Poem
Stanza 1
Rise, brothers, rise; the wakening skies pray to the morning light,
The wind lies asleep in the arms of the dawn like a child that has cried all night.
Come, let us gather our nets from the shore and set our catamarans free,
To capture the leaping wealth of the tide, for we are the kings of the sea!
Line by Line Meaning & Explanation
1. “Rise, brothers, rise; the wakening skies pray to the morning light,”
Meaning:
The fishermen are being called to wake up early in the morning. The sky is slowly becoming bright with the arrival of sunrise.
Explanation:
The poet begins with energy and excitement. The fishermen are asked to wake up and start their day’s work. The “wakening skies” show the beginning of a new day. Nature itself seems alive and ready for action. The morning is shown as peaceful and holy, as if the sky is praying to the sunlight.
2. “The wind lies asleep in the arms of the dawn like a child that has cried all night.”
The wind is calm and quiet in the early morning. It is compared to a tired child sleeping after crying the whole night.
The poet uses a beautiful comparison to show the calmness of the early morning. The wind is soft and still. By comparing it to a tired child, the poet creates a gentle and peaceful picture of nature before the fishermen begin their work.
“Come, let us gather our nets from the shore and set our catamarans free,”
The fishermen are asked to collect their fishing nets and push their boats into the sea.
The fishermen are preparing for their journey into the sea. “Catamarans” are small fishing boats. The line shows teamwork and readiness. The fishermen know that the sea is their workplace and source of food.
“To capture the leaping wealth of the tide, for we are the kings of the sea!”
The fishermen are going to catch fish from the sea. They proudly call themselves the rulers of the sea.
The “leaping wealth” refers to the fish jumping in the waves. Fish are called wealth because they give the fishermen money and food. The fishermen are confident and fearless. Calling themselves “kings of the sea” shows their courage, skill, and strong connection with the sea.
Poetic Devices in Stanza 1
- Personification
“wakening skies pray to the morning light” — The skies are given the human quality of praying.
“The wind lies asleep in the arms of the dawn”— The wind and dawn are described like human beings. - Simile
“like a child that has cried all night” — the wind is compared to a tired child using “like”. - Metaphor
“leaping wealth of the tide” — fish are called wealth.
“kings of the sea” — The fishermen are compared to kings because of their bravery and mastery over the sea. - Alliteration
“Rise, brothers, rise” — repetition of the ‘r’ sound.
“asleep in the arms” — ‘a’ sound.
“shore and set” — ‘s’ sound. - Imagery
The stanza creates beautiful pictures of sunrise, calm wind, boats, and the sea.
Summary of Stanza 1
The first stanza describes the peaceful early morning when fishermen prepare to go to the sea. The poet shows their courage, energy, and strong bond with nature and the sea. The fishermen are proud of their work and eagerly begin their journey.
इस पद्यांश में मछुआरों को सुबह जल्दी उठकर समुद्र में मछली पकड़ने जाने के लिए कहा गया है। प्रकृति का सुंदर सुबह का दृश्य दिखाया गया है। मछुआरे समुद्र को अपना जीवन मानते हैं और स्वयं को “समुद्र का राजा” कहते हैं।
Stanza 2
No longer delay, let us hasten away in the track of the seagull’s call,
The sea is our mother, the cloud is our brother, the waves are our comrades all.
What though we toss at the fall of the sun where the hand of the sea-god drives?
He who holds the storm by the hair, will hide in his breast our lives.
Line by Line Meaning & Explanation
“No longer delay, let us hasten away in the track of the seagull’s call,”
The fishermen should not waste any more time. They must quickly move towards the sea, following the cries of the seagulls.
The poet encourages the fishermen to leave immediately for their work. The call of the seagulls acts like a signal guiding them towards the sea. The line creates a feeling of movement, excitement, and readiness for adventure.
“The sea is our mother, the cloud is our brother, the waves are our comrades all.”
The fishermen say that the sea is like their mother, the clouds are like their brothers, and the waves are their friends.
This line shows the close relationship between the fishermen and nature. The sea gives them food and supports their lives like a mother. The clouds and waves are treated as members of their family. The fishermen are not afraid of nature because they live with it every day and feel deeply connected to it.
“What though we toss at the fall of the sun where the hand of the sea-god drives?”
Even if their boats are thrown about by the waves at sunset under the power of the sea-god, the fishermen are not worried.
The sea can become rough and dangerous, especially by evening. The fishermen know they may face storms and strong waves. Still, they are brave and continue their work fearlessly. The “sea-god” represents the powerful force of nature controlling the sea.
“He who holds the storm by the hair, will hide in his breast our lives.”
The powerful sea-god who controls storms will also protect the fishermen and keep them safe.
The fishermen have deep faith in God and nature. They believe that the same power that controls storms will also protect them from danger. The phrase “hide in his breast” suggests safety, care, and protection like a parent keeping a child close.
Poetic Devices in Stanza 2
- Metaphor
“The sea is our mother” — the sea is compared to a caring mother.
“the cloud is our brother” — clouds are compared to brothers.
“waves are our comrades” — waves are compared to friends. - Personification
“the seagull’s call” acts like a guide calling the fishermen forward. - Imagery
The stanza creates pictures of seagulls, waves, clouds, storms, and the open sea. - Alliteration
“hide in his breast” — repetition of the ‘h’ sound. - Symbolism
“sea-god” symbolizes the great power of nature and divine protection.
Summary of Stanza 2
In this stanza, the fishermen hurry towards the sea with courage and confidence. They see nature as their family and trust the sea deeply. Even though the sea can be dangerous, they believe that the divine power controlling nature will also protect them.
इस पद्यांश में मछुआरे समुद्र और प्रकृति के साथ अपने गहरे संबंध को बताते हैं। वे समुद्र को अपनी माँ और लहरों को अपना साथी मानते हैं। वे तूफानों से नहीं डरते क्योंकि उन्हें ईश्वर पर विश्वास है।
Stanza 3
Sweet is the shade of the cocoanut glade, and the scent of the mango grove,
And sweet are the sands at the full o’ the moon with the sound of the voices we love;
But sweeter, O brothers, the kiss of the spray and the dance of the wild foam’s glee;
Row, brothers, row to the edge of the verge, where the low sky mates with the sea.
Line by Line Meaning & Explanation
“Sweet is the shade of the cocoanut glade, and the scent of the mango grove,”
The cool shade of the coconut trees and the smell of the mango gardens are pleasant and enjoyable.
The poet describes the beauty and comfort of life on land. The coconut trees give cool shade, and the mango groves spread a sweet fragrance. These natural sights and smells create a peaceful and happy picture of the fishermen’s homeland.
“And sweet are the sands at the full o’ the moon with the sound of the voices we love;”
The sandy shore looks beautiful in the bright moonlight, and hearing the voices of loved ones is also sweet.
The fishermen enjoy spending time with their families on the seashore under the full moon. The line shows love, warmth, and happiness in family life. Nature and human relationships together make life beautiful.
“But sweeter, O brothers, the kiss of the spray and the dance of the wild foam’s glee;”
But even more enjoyable for the fishermen are the drops of sea water and the lively movement of the sea foam.
Although the fishermen love the comforts of home, they love the sea even more. The “kiss of the spray” refers to the water drops touching them as they sail. The dancing foam shows the excitement and energy of the sea. The fishermen feel joy and freedom while working on the sea.
“Row, brothers, row to the edge of the verge, where the low sky mates with the sea.”
The fishermen are asked to keep rowing their boats towards the far place where the sky and sea seem to meet (horizon).
The poet ends the poem with movement and adventure. The fishermen row fearlessly towards the horizon. The meeting point of the sky and sea represents endless dreams, hope, and the adventurous spirit of the fishermen. It also shows their deep attraction towards the sea.
The sea and the sky are imagined to be lovers by the poet when she uses the word ‘mates’ to refer their meeting and joining.
Poetic Devices in Stanza 3
- Alliteration
“sweet is the shade” — repetition of the ‘s’ sound.
“sweet are the sands” — ‘s’ sound.
“Row, brothers, row” — ‘r’ sound. - Personification
“dance of the wild foam’s glee” — foam is given the human feeling of joy.
kiss of the spray” — shows the loving human emotions
Spray and foam are given human actions. - Metaphor
“kiss of the spray” — sea water touching the fishermen is compared to a kiss. - Imagery
The stanza creates vivid pictures of coconut trees, moonlit sands, sea spray, and waves. - Symbolism
“where the low sky mates with the sea” symbolizes dreams, adventure, and the endless journey of life.
Summary of Stanza 3
The last stanza describes the beauty of the fishermen’s home and family life. However, the fishermen love the excitement and freedom of the sea even more. The poem ends with the fishermen rowing bravely towards the horizon, full of hope, courage, and adventure.
इस पद्यांश में मछुआरे भूमि की सुंदरता और अपने परिवार के प्रेम की बात करते हैं। फिर भी उन्हें समुद्र का रोमांच सबसे अधिक प्रिय है। वे खुशी से नाव चलाते हुए क्षितिज की ओर बढ़ते हैं जहाँ आकाश और समुद्र मिलते हुए दिखाई देते हैं।
Overall Poetic Devices Used in Coromandel Fishers
The poetic devices make the poem musical, vivid, and full of life. They help the reader feel the bravery, unity, joy, and adventurous spirit of the fishermen and also show their deep connection with nature and the sea.
Here are the major poetic devices used in the poem ‘Coromandel Fisheries’ by Sarojini Naidu.
Rhyme Scheme
The poem follows the rhyme scheme: A A B B
Example from the first stanza:
- light (A)
- night (A)
- free (B)
- sea (B)
The rhyme gives the poem a flowing and melodious sound.
Alliteration
The repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of nearby words.
- “Rise, brothers, rise” — repetition of the ‘r’ sound.
“asleep in the arms” — ‘a’ sound.
“shore and set” — ‘s’ sound. - “hide in his breast” — repetition of the ‘h’ sound.
- “sweet is the shade” — repetition of the ‘s’ sound.
“sweet are the sands” — ‘s’ sound.
“Row, brothers, row” — ‘r’ sound.
This makes the poem musical and pleasant to read.
Simile
A comparison using the words like or as.
- “The wind lies asleep in the arms of the dawn like a child that has cried all night.”
→ The calm and quiet wind is compared to a tired child sleeping after crying the whole night.
The simile creates a soft and peaceful morning picture.
Metaphor
A direct comparison without using like or as.
- “leaping wealth of the tide”
→ Fish are called “leaping wealth” because they jump in the water and are a source of income and food for the fishermen. - “kings of the sea”
→ The fishermen are compared to kings because of their bravery and mastery over the sea. - “The sea is our mother”
→ The sea is compared to a mother because it feeds, protects, and supports the fishermen. - “The cloud is our brother”
→ The cloud is called a brother to show closeness and friendship with nature. - “The waves are our comrades”
→ The waves are called companions or friends who stay with the fishermen during their journey.
These metaphors show the fishermen’s deep bond with the sea and nature (shown as family and friends).
Personification
Giving human qualities to non-living things or nature.
- “wakening skies pray to the morning light”
→ The sky is shown praying like a human being. - “The wind lies asleep”
→ The wind is described as if it can sleep. - “wild foam’s glee”
→ The sea foam is shown as dancing joyfully like a happy person.
Personification makes nature appear alive and active.
Imagery
Words that create clear and beautiful pictures in the reader’s mind.
The poem creates images of:
- the bright morning sky,
- calm sleeping wind,
- boats moving on the sea,
- seagulls flying,
- moonlit sands,
- coconut trees and mango groves,
- dancing waves and sea foam.
These images make the poem lively and colourful.
Symbolism
Using an object or idea to represent a deeper meaning.
- “Sea” symbolizes life, livelihood, adventure, and nature’s power.
- “Kings of the sea” symbolizes the fishermen’s courage, pride, and confidence.
- “where the low sky mates with the sea” symbolizes dreams, hope, and endless possibilities.
Repetition
Repeating words or phrases for emphasis and rhythm.
- “Rise, brothers, rise”
- “Row, brothers, row”
The repetition adds energy and excitement to the poem.
Apostrophe
Directly addressing someone.
- “O brothers”
The speaker directly talks to the fishermen, making the poem sound lively and encouraging.
Musical Quality / Rhythm
The poem has a smooth rhythm and song-like flow.
Its regular beat and rhyme make it sound like a fishermen’s song sung while rowing boats.
Central Idea of Coromandel Fishers
The poem celebrates the courage, confidence, and adventurous spirit of the fishermen. It shows their deep love for the sea and their close relationship with nature. The fishermen treat the sea like a mother and trust its power completely. Even though their work is risky, they face every danger bravely because the sea is the source of their life and livelihood. The poem also highlights the beauty of nature, teamwork, hope, and the fearless spirit of human beings.
यह कविता मछुआरों के साहस, आत्मविश्वास और रोमांचप्रिय स्वभाव का उत्सव मनाती है। कविता में समुद्र के प्रति उनका गहरा प्रेम और प्रकृति से उनका घनिष्ठ संबंध दिखाया गया है। मछुआरे समुद्र को माँ की तरह मानते हैं और उसकी शक्ति पर पूरा विश्वास करते हैं। उनका काम खतरनाक होने पर भी वे हर कठिनाई का सामना बहादुरी से करते हैं क्योंकि समुद्र ही उनके जीवन और रोज़ी-रोटी का आधार है। कविता प्रकृति की सुंदरता, एकता, आशा और मनुष्य के निडर स्वभाव को भी दर्शाती है।
Themes in Coromandel Fishers
1. Man’s Close Relationship with Nature
The poem shows the deep bond between the fishermen and nature. They treat the sea as their mother, the clouds as brothers, and the waves as friends. Nature is not separate from their life; it is a part of their family and livelihood.
कविता मछुआरों और प्रकृति के गहरे संबंध को दिखाती है। वे समुद्र को माँ, बादलों को भाई और लहरों को मित्र मानते हैं। प्रकृति उनके जीवन और रोज़ी-रोटी का महत्वपूर्ण हिस्सा है।
2. Courage and Fearlessness
The fishermen are brave and fearless. Even though the sea can be dangerous and stormy, they do not hesitate to sail into it. They face every risk with confidence and faith.
मछुआरे साहसी और निडर हैं। समुद्र खतरनाक और तूफानी होने पर भी वे उससे नहीं डरते। वे हर खतरे का सामना आत्मविश्वास और विश्वास के साथ करते हैं।
3. Adventure and Love for the Sea
The fishermen enjoy the excitement and adventure of life at sea. More than the comfort of land and home, they love the freedom, movement, and thrill of the sea.
मछुआरे समुद्र के रोमांच और साहसिक जीवन को बहुत पसंद करते हैं। घर और भूमि के आराम से अधिक उन्हें समुद्र की स्वतंत्रता और उत्साह प्रिय है।
4. Faith in Divine Power
The fishermen believe that the same divine power that controls storms will also protect them. Their faith gives them strength and courage while facing dangers.
मछुआरों को विश्वास है कि जो शक्ति तूफानों को नियंत्रित करती है वही उनकी रक्षा भी करेगी। यही विश्वास उन्हें साहस और शक्ति देता है।
5. Beauty of Nature
The poem beautifully describes sunrise, moonlit sands, coconut trees, mango groves, waves, and sea foam. These natural images make the poem lively and attractive.
कविता में सूर्योदय, चाँदनी रात, नारियल के पेड़, आम के बाग, लहरें और समुद्री झाग का सुंदर वर्णन है। ये प्राकृतिक दृश्य कविता को जीवंत और आकर्षक बनाते हैं।
6. Unity and Brotherhood
The repeated use of the word “brothers” shows unity among the fishermen. They work together, support one another, and face challenges as a team.
“Brothers” शब्द का बार-बार प्रयोग मछुआरों की एकता को दर्शाता है। वे मिलकर काम करते हैं और हर कठिनाई का सामना साथ में करते हैं।
7. Pride in One’s Work
The fishermen proudly call themselves the “kings of the sea.” This shows their confidence and pride in their hard work and profession.
मछुआरे स्वयं को “समुद्र का राजा” कहते हैं। इससे उनके काम और पेशे के प्रति गर्व और आत्मविश्वास प्रकट होता है।
CFQs (Competency Focussed Questions)
The poet calls the fishermen “kings of the sea” because they are brave, confident, and skilled in their work. The sea is their workplace, and they know it very well.
“Leaping wealth of the tide” refers to the fish in the sea. They are called wealth because they provide food and income to the fishermen.
The sea is called their mother because it feeds, supports, and protects the fishermen, just as a mother cares for her children.
It suggests that the fishermen feel closely connected to nature. They treat the clouds as members of their family.
The morning is described as calm, peaceful, and beautiful. The sky is waking up, and the wind is soft and quiet.
The fishermen do not fear the sea because they trust their skills and believe that the sea-god will protect them.
It refers to the drops of sea water touching the fishermen while sailing. The poet compares it to a loving kiss.
It refers to the horizon — the far place where the sky and sea appear to meet.
The fishermen share a close, loving, and respectful relationship with nature. They see nature as their family and friend.
The poem gives the message of courage, teamwork, confidence, love for nature, and pride in one’s work.
The poem highlights their bravery, unity, hard work, confidence, adventurous spirit, and faith in nature.
The poet uses rhyme, repetition, alliteration, and rhythmic lines to create a musical and song-like effect.
The tone of the poem is energetic, inspiring, joyful, and adventurous. The poet admires the courage and spirit of the fishermen.
The language of the poem is simple, musical, and descriptive. It contains many beautiful images and poetic expressions connected with nature and the sea.
The poem is considered musical because of its regular rhythm, rhyme scheme, repetition, and smooth flow of words. It sounds like a song sung by fishermen while rowing.
Nature plays a very important role in the poem. The sea, clouds, wind, waves, and sky are shown as living companions of the fishermen.
The fishermen love the sea because it gives them freedom, excitement, adventure, and livelihood. They feel happiest while sailing on the sea.
The poem shows that the life of fishermen is hard and risky, but also full of courage, teamwork, hope, and love for nature.