Author: Diptishree Gupta

Abstract: This paper examines the works of Sir William Jones, the British Orientalist figure, and establishes him as a “Bard of the East”. This research situates itself within the theoretical framework of Edward Said's Orientalism. Through a close reading of literary compositions, especially two specific “hymns” (Durga and Bhavani) composed by Sir Jones. It also explores how the circulation of Western depictions of “Hindooism”, by Jones, influenced one of the celebrated Romantic poets, Samuel Taylor Coleridge, and his poetic composition, “Kubla Khan”. Employing the practice of close reading, this paper identifies recurring motifs in these compositions and debates whether certain aspects of Hinduism were recomposed to make it suitable for Western readership. It concludes by stating that Sir William Jones, although celebrated as an Orientalist figure of merit, can be considered a Romantic poet, as his "hymns" not only influenced the West but also acted as a reservoir of compositions dedicated to the deities of “Hindooism”.

Keywords: British Romantic poetry, Colonial studies, Hinduism, India, Orientalism

Article Info: Received: 11 Jun 2026; Received in revised form: 05 Jul 2026; Accepted: 09 Jul 2026; Available online: 13 Jul 2026

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.114.7