Birpurush (poem)

Birpurush (বীরপুরুষ) is a Bengali poem written by Rabindranath Tagore. It translates roughly to "Heroic Man" or "Valiant Man" in English. It is a popular and frequently recited poem, particularly among children, known for its adventurous narrative and vivid imagery.

The poem is structured as a conversation between a child and his mother. The child narrates a fantastical journey taken with his mother, where they are attacked by bandits ("dacoits"). He recounts how he bravely defends his mother, fighting off the attackers with a sword and ultimately saving her.

While the events are clearly imagined, the poem explores themes of bravery, filial love, and the power of imagination. The child's vivid storytelling creates a thrilling and emotionally resonant experience for the reader or listener. The poem is notable for its use of dramatic language and rhythmic verses, characteristic of Tagore's writing style. The emotional core of the poem resonates with the universal desire to protect loved ones.