The Golden Threshold is a collection of poems by Sarojini Naidu, an Indian poetess and political activist. The book was first published in 1905 and includes some of Naidu’s earliest works. The Bengali poetess earned the sobriquet ‘the Nightingale of India’ by Mahatma Gandhi because of the colour, imagery and lyrical quality of her poetry.

The poems of “The Golden Threshold” deeply reflect Naidu’s experiences while growing up in a traditional Indian household, as well as her experiences as a woman in a male-dominated society.

The book includes Naidu’s several poignant poems. The prominent themes throughout the poems are love, nature, and spirituality. The verses are divided into three classes: “Folk Songs” , “Music Songs” and “Poems”. The folk songs by Sarojini Naidu are the most interesting. They breathe the spirit of India, and the heart of our country is laid bare in these songs.

Her poems capture the imagery of her everyday surroundings and gives it a life of its own. One can picture her sitting in a shaded veranda, glimpsing out into the bustling street, where she sees people working on their daily chores for livelihood. She takes each character and builds on their story with her own interpretation of it. Her poetry thus allows the reader to take part in her cherished moments of joy, pain and sadness.

The most appreciated poem, ‘Palanquin-Bearers’ from this volume is a significant contribution to the tradition of folk songs. The movement of the poem suggests the rhythmic march of the palanquin bearers through the streets. The bearers sing gaily of the beauty of the lady as they carry her along in their palanquin.

Naidu amazes the reader by using at least seven smilies in this poem to emphasize the beauty of the lady. “sways like a flower,” “skims like a bird,” “floats like a laugh,” “hangs like a star,” are few to mention.

“The Golden Threshold ” is no doubt considered as a classic of Indian literature and is thus a must-read for anyone interested in poetry, Indian culture or women’s rights.

✍️©️Sheetal Pradhan Deshpande