NCERT · Class 10 · Hindi · Kshitij Poetry: KanyadaanWhy is the poem titled 'Kanyadaan' even though it challenges traditional norms?

The poem is titled 'Kanyadaan' because it revolves around the core ritual of a daughter's wedding, where the mother hands over her daughter to a new family. However, the poet redefines the traditional concept of 'kanyadaan'. Instead of depicting the daughter as a helpless commodity to be given away submissively, the poet presents the mother as a progressive mentor empowering her daughter to be strong, self-respecting, and independent.