In 1869, when Dutt was 13, Dutt's family left India, making her and her sister some of the first Bengali girls to travel by sea to Europe.[5] The family spent four years living in Europe, one in France and three in England.[5] They also visited Italy and Germany.
They first lived in Nice, France for a few months where they stayed at a pension, studying French.[2]
In 1870, the family lived in Onslow Square, Brompton, London, where Dutt studied music.[5] In 1871, they moved to Cambridge, where they remained until 1873.[5]
In 1872, the University of Cambridge offered a lecture series, "Higher Lectures for Women", which Toru Dutt attended with her sister Aru.[5][6] At the time, women were not entitled to join the University of Cambridge and opportunities for higher education were limited. This was a chance for women to access University lectures, set up by a group that included the philosopher Henry Sidgwick and the suffragist Millicent Garrett Fawcett. Toru was especially drawn to the lectures by M.Bognel on French Literature.[2]
"Lectures for Ladies" became Newnham College in 1871, but Toru Dutt did not herself matriculate as a member,[7] presumably because she was living in Cambridge and had no need for college accommodation.
Her correspondence refers, however, to Merton Hall, the early name of Newnham College, and to Miss Clough as Principal of Newnham College. While not a member of a Cambridge college, Dutt would have had access to the college's intellectual discussions and critical thinking.
At the end of 1872, Toru became friends with Mary Martin, daughter of Reverend John Martin of Sidney Sussex College.[5] After Toru's return to India, they kept in touch via letters.[8]
The family left Cambridge in 1873, living in St Leonards, Sussex from April to November 1873 (where the sisters also attended some classes), before their return to Calcutta.[5]
A poem for, and about France
Even though the Dutt family spent more time living in England than in France, Toru and her sister were captivated by the latter. Toru maintained a journal throughout their stay in Europe, recording all her experiences. This included her observation of France after the Franco-Prussian War. France of 1871, conquered, blood-stained and distracted by internal feuds, made a deep impression on her, awakening her keenest sympathies and inspiring one of her most original poems, 'France'.[2]
Not dead ; oh, no, she cannot die !
Only a swoon from loss of blood. Levite England passes her by ; Help, Samaritan ! None is nigh
Who shall staunch me this sanguine flood.
Range the brown hair, it blinds her eyen ;
Dash cold water over her face ! Drowned in her blood, she makes no sign. Give her a draught of generous wine !
None heed ; none hear to do this grace.
No ! she stirs ; there 's a fire in her glance.
'Ware, oh 'ware of that broken sword ! What ! dare ye, for an hour's mischance Gather around her, jeering France,
Attila's own exulting horde ?
Lo ! she stands up stands up e'en now,
Strong once more for the battle fray. Gleams bright the star that from her brow Lightens the world. Bow, nations, bow !
Let her again lead on the way.
