what is the biography of rabindranath tagore

Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore was a Bengali poet, novelist and painter best known for being the first non-European to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913 with his book Gitanjali, Song Offerings . He was highly influential in introducing Indian culture to the West and is generally regarded as the outstanding creative artist of modern India. He was hailed by W.B Yeats and André Gide.

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• Article Title: Rabindranath Tagore Biography
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Rabindranath Tagore

Poet, writer and humanitarian, Rabindranath Tagore was the first Indian to be awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature and he played a key role in the renaissance of modern India. Tagore is most widely known for his poetry, but he was also an accomplished author of novels, short stories, plays and articles. He took an active interest in a widespread range of social, cultural and artistic endeavours. He has been described as one of the first Twentieth Century’s global man.

“So I repeat we never can have a true view of man unless we have a love for him. Civilisation must be judged and prized, not by the amount of power it has developed, but by how much it has evolved and given expression to, by its laws and institutions, the love of humanity.”

— Sadhana: The Realisation of Life, (1916)

Short Biography Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath began writing from an early age and impressed with his free-flowing style and spontaneous compositions. He mostly rejected formal schooling; he spent much time being taught at home. In 1878 he travelled to England and sought to study law at University College, London, but he left before finishing the degree.

After returning to India, in 1901, Tagore moved to Shantiniketan to found an ashram which became his focal point for writing and his view on schooling. He chose the name for the ashram – Shantiniketan meaning ‘Abode of Peace.’

“Love is the ultimate meaning of everything around us. It is not a mere sentiment; it is truth; it is the joy that is at the root of all creation.”

– Tagore, Sādhanā : The Realisation of Life (1916)

Friendship with Gandhi

Tagore was firm friends with Gandhi and admired him very much. But, despite this friendship, he could be critical of his views. For example, he disagreed with Gandhi’s views on Swaraj protests and upbraided Gandhi when Gandhi claimed an earthquake was ‘divine retribution for the mistreatment of Dalits in India.’ Yet despite the frequent divergence of opinions, they could admire each other. When Gandhi went on a fast unto death, it was Tagor who was able to persuade Gandhi to give up his fast and look after his health.

Nobel Prize for Literature 1913

In 1913, Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize for literature for his work ‘ Gitanjali ‘ This made his writings internationally known and his fame spread throughout the world.

“My debts are large, my failures great, my shame secret and heavy; yet I come to ask for my good, I quake in fear lest my prayer be granted.” – Gitanjali

Rabindranath Tagore with Einstein

This gave Tagore the opportunity to travel extensively giving lectures and recitals in many different countries. He also became acquainted with many of the leading cultural contemporaries of the day; this included W.B.Yeats, George Bernard Shaw , Romain Rolland, Robert Frost and Albert Einstein .

Tagore had a great love for nature and many of his poems invoke the simple beauties of the natural world. For Tagore, his religion could be found in the wonders and mysteries of nature – as much as in temples and sacred books.

Tagore was a prolific composer of music. He composed over 2,000 songs which have been popularised and sung widely across Bengal. Like his literature, he broke away from classical constraints to offer a great emotive and spiritual appeal. Tagore is unique for being the official composer for the national anthem of two countries – India’s Jana Gana Mana and Bangladesh’s Amar Shonar Bangla .

Tagore was an opponent of British imperialism, though he also felt Indians had a duty to improve their self-education; he said that British rule was partly due to the state India had fallen into. In particular, he was very denigrating about India’s obsession with caste.

‘the ultimate truth in man is not in his intellect or his possessions; it is in his illumination of mind, in his extension of sympathy across all barriers of caste and colour, in his recognition of the world, not merely as a storehouse of power, but as a habitation of man’s spirit, with its eternal music of beauty and its inner light of the divine presence.’ – Tagore, The Poet’s Religion’ in Creative Unity (1922) [ 1 ]

In 1919, Tagore returned his knighthood in protest at the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, in which many peaceful Indian protesters were killed.

Tagore was a polymath, and towards the end of his life he took up art and also pursued an interest in science. Tagore was also very much an internationalist, criticising nationalism, though also writing songs and articles in support of the general principle of the Indian independence movement.

“Patriotism cannot be our final spiritual shelter; my refuge is humanity. I will not buy glass for the price of diamonds, and I will never allow patriotism to triumph over humanity as long as I live. “

– Rabindranath Tagore

Tagore view on Religion

Tagore had mixed views on religion. He was brought up in a traditional Hindu family and taught to pray and meditate from an early age. He remembers the peace of mind he developed from chanting the Gayatri Mantra, but at the same time was detached from the more formalistic aspects of religion. He tended to see religion as not scriptures and places of worship but the life we lead. As he explained:

“My religion is my life – it is growing with my growth – it has never been grafted on me from outside.” ~ Tagore to Robert Bridges, 8 July 1914.

He was keen to avoid any fanaticism and saw the strength of his own Hindu religion as its ability to see more than one path to the goal. His life-long aspiration was to see a harmony of religions flourish in India – not from mere tolerance but an appreciation of the different merits other religions had.

‘The Idea of freedom to which India aspired was based upon realization of spiritual unity…India’s great achievement, which is still stored deep within her heart, is waiting to unite within itself Hindu, Moslem, Buddhist and Christian, not by force, not by the apathy of resignation, but in the harmony of active cooperation.’ ~ Tagore in Berlin, 1921.

However, he was also critical of the Hindu caste system.

Tagore’s poetry frequently hint at a mystical view of the world.

“In this playhouse of infinite forms I have had my play, and here have I caught sight of him that is formless.” – Gitanjali “The human soul is on its journey from the law to love, from discipline to liberation, from the moral plane to the spiritual.” Sādhanā : The Realisation of Life (1916)

Tagore died on 7th August 1941, after a long and painful illness, aged 80. He died in his family home.

Citation: Pettinger, Tejvan . “ Rabindranath Tagore ”, Oxford, UK www.biographyonline.net , 1st Jun. 2009. Last updated 1 March 2019.

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Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore was born in Calcutta, India, on May 7, 1861. He was the son of Debendranath Tagore, a prominent philosopher and religious reformer. Throughout his childhood, Tagore was educated by tutors and wrote extensively, despite a marked disinterest for traditional schooling. In 1877, he sailed to England to study. He remained for just fourteen months, during which he was schooled in Brighton, East Sussex and at University College, where he studied law and attended lectures on English literature. He expressed dissatisfaction with the constraints of Western educational practices in England, however, and returned to India. 

Throughout his career, Tagore not only wrote and translated poetry, but published numerous novels, short stories, plays, letters, essays, memoirs, and criticism. He was also known for his musical compositions. Tagore’s most notable work of poetry is Gitanjali: Song Offerings (Macmillan, 1912), for which he received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. He was the first non-European, as well as the first lyricist, to win the prize. Other notable poetry publications, written and published in Bengali, include Sonar Tari [The Golden Boat] (1894) and Manasi [The Ideal One] (1890). Tagore often published first in Bengali, then translated his own work to English. He wrote novels, plays, and short stories in both languages, including the plays Chitra (India Society of London, 1914) and The Post Office (Cuala Press, 1914). He is credited with pioneering the short story form in Bengali literature, with some of his best work collected in The Hungry Stones and Other Stories (Macmillan, 1916) and The Glimpses of Bengal Life (G. A. Nateson & Co., 1913). His short stories were especially famous in India, as many were based on his ten years in Shilaidah and Shazadpur, where he went to manage his family’s estates in the 1890s. During this time, he lived on a houseboat on the Padma River and socialized with the neighboring villagers. His compassion for them, and his belief in education for all, deeply influenced his short stories, as well as his later activism. Tagore’s stances on Indian independence, the caste system, education, religion, and other sociopolitical issues were expressed through his work. 

In his introduction to the English translation of Gitanjali , W. B. Yeats lauds Tagore’s poetic vision, writing: “these lyrics […] display in their thought a world I have dreamed of all my life long. The work of a supreme culture, they yet appear as much the growth of the common soil as the grass and the rushes. A tradition, where poetry and religion are the same thing, has passed through the centuries, gathering from learned and unlearned metaphor and emotion, and carried back again to the multitude the thought of the scholar and of the noble.” 

In 1901, Tagore’s work as an educator and activist led to his founding an experimental school at Shantiniketan, a retreat in rural Bengal that his father created in 1863. There, he hoped to merge Eastern and Western educational traditions. He believed there might be a more natural way for young people to learn, utilizing a method which would foster their imagination and instincts. For a time, he lived at the school, which became the international Visva-Bharati University. In 1912, Tagore left the school to read his work across Europe, America, and East Asia, and to lecture and advocate for Indian independence. In 1919, as a protest against the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, he rejected the British knighthood in 1915. Six years later, Tagore and Leonard Elmhirst founded the “Institute for Rural Reconstruction,” a feature of the Visva-Bharati University experiments. Through the institute, many of the concerns that Tagore expressed in his early short stories came to fruition: he believed rural India was barred from mainstream intellectual and urban life, and sought to facilitate a collaborative education. He requested aid from various artists, donors, and scholars across the world for this project. 

While Tagore pursued writing, teaching, and activism during much of his life, he became recognized as a painter when he was in his sixties, with many of his works enjoying success at exhibitions in Europe. 

Tagore died on August 7, 1941, in Calcutta.  

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Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) was the youngest son of Debendranath Tagore, a leader of the Brahmo Samaj, which was a new religious sect in nineteenth-century Bengal and which attempted a revival of the ultimate monistic basis of Hinduism as laid down in the Upanishads. He was educated at home; and although at seventeen he was sent to England for formal schooling, he did not finish his studies there. In his mature years, in addition to his many-sided literary activities, he managed the family estates, a project which brought him into close touch with common humanity and increased his interest in social reforms. He also started an experimental school at Shantiniketan where he tried his Upanishadic ideals of education. From time to time he participated in the Indian nationalist movement, though in his own non-sentimental and visionary way; and Gandhi, the political father of modern India, was his devoted friend. Tagore was knighted by the ruling British Government in 1915, but within a few years he resigned the honour as a protest against British policies in India.

Tagore had early success as a writer in his native Bengal. With his translations of some of his poems he became rapidly known in the West. In fact his fame attained a luminous height, taking him across continents on lecture tours and tours of friendship. For the world he became the voice of India's spiritual heritage; and for India, especially for Bengal, he became a great living institution.

Although Tagore wrote successfully in all literary genres, he was first of all a poet. Among his fifty and odd volumes of poetry are Manasi (1890) [The Ideal One], Sonar Tari (1894) [The Golden Boat], Gitanjali (1910) [Song Offerings], Gitimalya (1914) [Wreath of Songs], and Balaka (1916) [The Flight of Cranes]. The English renderings of his poetry, which include The Gardener (1913), Fruit-Gathering (1916), and The Fugitive (1921), do not generally correspond to particular volumes in the original Bengali; and in spite of its title, Gitanjali: Song Offerings (1912), the most acclaimed of them, contains poems from other works besides its namesake. Tagore's major plays are Raja (1910) [The King of the Dark Chamber], Dakghar (1912) [The Post Office], Achalayatan (1912) [The Immovable], Muktadhara (1922) [The Waterfall], and Raktakaravi (1926) [Red Oleanders]. He is the author of several volumes of short stories and a number of novels, among them Gora (1910), Ghare-Baire (1916) [The Home and the World], and Yogayog (1929) [Crosscurrents]. Besides these, he wrote musical dramas, dance dramas, essays of all types, travel diaries, and two autobiographies, one in his middle years and the other shortly before his death in 1941. Tagore also left numerous drawings and paintings, and songs for which he wrote the music himself.

Rabindranath Tagore died on August 7, 1941.

From Nobel Lectures, Literature 1901-1967, Editor Horst Frenz, Elsevier Publishing Company, Amsterdam, 1969

Acknowledgement: This autobiography/biography was written at the time of the award and first published in the book series Les Prix Nobel. It was later edited and republished in Nobel Lectures. For more details, visit the Tagore's biography page in Nobelprize.Org.

Rabindranath Tagore Wiki, Age, Death, Wife, Children, Family, Biography & More

Poet, playwright, novelist, artist, essayist, short story writer, painter, educationist, spiritualist, lyricist, composer, and singer – Rabindranath Tagore was, in fact, a true polymath whose creative works and philosophies not only inspired the people of the 19th and the 20th century but which still influence billions of people globally. A Bengali literary giant and Nobel laureate, Tagore was born, grew up, worked, and died in Bengal.

I slept and dreamt that life was joy. I awoke and saw that life was service. I acted and behold, service was joy.” – Tagore (function(v,d,o,ai){ai=d.createElement('script');ai.defer=true;ai.async=true;ai.src=v.location.protocol+o;d.head.appendChild(ai);})(window, document, '//a.vdo.ai/core/v-wikibio-in/vdo.ai.js');

Wiki/Biography

Rabindranath Tagore was born as Robindronath Thakur [1] Colloquial Bengali By Mithun B. Nasrin, W.A.M Van Der Wurff on Tuesday, 7 May 1861 ( age 80 years; at the time of death ) in his ancestral home “Jorasanko mansion” (Jorasanko Thakur Bari), Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India (present-day Kolkata, West Bengal, India).

Rabindranath Tagore in his childhood

His forefathers had migrated from their native place to Govindpur (now Gobindapur), one of the three villages that later constituted the city of Calcutta (now Kolkata), where they went on to become an affluent family after acquiring several properties in the area through commercial and banking activities. Reportedly, the Tagore family was benefitted from the growing influence of the British East India Company. Rabindranath grew up in Jorasanko Thakur Bari that was filled with musical, literary, and dramatic pursuits as most of his family members were poets, musicians, playwrights, and novelists.

Jorasanko Thakur Bari, where Rabindranath Tagore grew up

By the time he was growing up, primary schools were set up by the colonial administration in India. Tagore was mostly home-tutored; it was a regular norm for affluent Bengali families to hire private tutors for their children in those times. [2] OpenEdition He attended one of the Bengali-medium schools established by Iswar Chandra Vidyasagar (an Indian educator and social reformer of the 19th century), and later in his life, Tagore said that he owed his love of Bengali language and literature to this school. Although he attended a number of English-speaking schools, he never liked their teaching method; moreover, he never wished to be taught in a foreign language. By the age of 14, Tagore had gradually started withdrawing himself from formal schooling, and for the rest of his education, he preferred home-tutoring and his own personal efforts to learn various subjects. He also learned lessons in wrestling, music, and drawing from professionals. His father, Devendranath, gave him lessons in Sanskrit, astronomy, and the scriptures, which formed the basis of Tagor’s reformed religion. In 1878, after his matriculation, the 17-year-old Rabindranath Tagore was sent to London to qualify for the Indian Civil Service or as a lawyer, where he joined University College. Earlier, he had enrolled at a public school in Brighton, East Sussex, England, where he stayed at a house owned by the Tagore family near Brighton and Hove in Medina Villas. [3] Hindustan Times While studying at University College, London, Tagore became exposed to British social life and Western music, and he enjoyed both.

Rabindranath Tagore in England in 1879

However, he didn’t complete his education in London and returned home after eighteen months. Back at home, he continued brushing himself in creative writing and music. In 1940, he was awarded an honorary doctorate by Oxford University. [4] The Economic Times

Parents & Siblings

His father, Debendranath Tagore, was a Bengali philosopher and religious savant who founded the Brahmo religion in 1848. His father died on 19 January 1905 at the age of 87.

Rabindranath Tagore’s father, Debendranath Tagore

His father was well versed in European philosophy, and he was considered an influential figure of the newly awakened phase of Bengali society. Although his father was deeply religious, he did not accept all aspects of Hinduism, a trait carried by Rabindranath in the coming years. His mother, Sarada Devi, was a homemaker who died in 1875.

Rabindranath Tagore’s mother, Sarada Devi

Rabindranath Tagore’s paternal grandfather, Dwarkanath Tagore, is considered one of the first Indian industrialists and entrepreneurs who significantly contributed to the Bengal Renaissance.

Rabindranath Tagore’s grandfather, Dwarkanath Tagore

In 1828, Dwarkanath Tagore joined the nineteenth-century social and religious reformer Raja Rammohan Roy in his religious reform movement called the Brahma Samaj Movement, a movement that was meant to reform Hindu society. Later, Debendranath Tagore (Rabindranath’s father) also joined the Brahma Samaj Movement, and in 1863, he established a meditation centre called ‘Santiniketan’ (the Abode of Peace) on some land about 100 miles from Calcutta. Rabindranath had 13 siblings. Reportedly, Rabindranath was the youngest and the fourteenth child of his parents. His oldest brother, Dwijendranath (1840–1926), was a poet, music composer, and an accomplished scholar.

Rabindranath Tagore (right) with his eldest brother, Dwijendranath Tagore

Dwijendranath is believed to have initiated shorthand and musical notations in Bengali, and he also translated Kalidasa’s Meghdoot into Bengali. Tagore’s second oldest brother, Satyendranath (1842–1923), was the first Indian to join the elite and formerly all-European Indian Civil Service.

Rabindranath Tagore’s elder brother Satyendranath Tagore

His third oldest brother, Hemendranath (1844–1884), was a spiritual seer and Yogi who contributed substantially to the development of modern Brahmoism, which is now termed as “Adi Dharm” religion.

Rabindranath Tagore’s elder brother Hemendranath Tagore

His fourth oldest brother was Birendranath (1845–1915). Tagore’s elder brother Jyotirindranath (1849–1925) was a scholar, music composer, artist, and theatre personality.

Rabindranath Tagore (left) with his elder brother Jyotirindranath Tagore

The names of his other brothers are Punyendranath, Budhendranath, and Somendranath. Tagore’s eldest sister, Soudamini, was a gifted writer and one of the first students of Bethune School. His elder sister Swarnakumari (1855–1932) was also a gifted writer, song-composer, editor, and social worker.

Rabindranath Tagore’s elder sister Swarnakumari

The names of his other elder sisters are Sukumari and Saratkumari. All his sisters were known for their beauty and education.

Wife & Children

On 9 December 1883, the 22-year-old Tagore got married to an 11-year-old Mrinalini Devi (born Bhabatarini). [5] Feminism In India Mrinalini Devi was born in 1873 and died in 1902. Mrinalini died within a span of 19 years of their marriage, and since then, Tagore never married in his life. In a letter that Tagore had once written to his wife, he expressed his feelings for Mrinalini, he wrote –

If you and I could be comrades in all our work and in all our thoughts it would be splendid, but we cannot attain all that we desire.” [6] The Economic Times Rabindranath Tagore with his wife, Mrinalini Devi, in 1883

The couple had five children – two sons, Rathindranath Tagore and Shamindranath Tagore, and three daughters, Renuka Tagore, Madhurilata Tagore, and Meera Tagore.

Rabindranath Tagore’s son Rathindranath and daughters Madhurilata Devi (Bela), Mira Devi, and Renuka Devi

Rabindranath Tagore at the wedding of his Son Rathindranath Tagore (second from left) – his Daughter-in-law Pratima (second from right), and two Daughters, in 1909

His son Rathindranath Tagore (1888-1961) was an Indian educationist and agronomist who was also the first vice-chancellor of Visva-Bharati University, founded by Rabindranath Tagore in 1921.

Rathindranath Tagore

Tagore’s daughter Madhurilata (1886-1918) was also called “Bela.” Bela was the first child of Rabindranath and Mrinalini Devi.

Rabindranath Tagore with his daughter Madhurilata

Reportedly, Bela was very beautiful, and she was the most dearly loved daughter to Rabindranath. Once, Tagore said about her –

My eldest daughter Bela… was exceptionally beautiful in body and mind.” [7] The Scottish Centre of Tagore Studies Rabindranath Tagore and Mrinalini Devi with their first child, Bela, in 1886

Tagore’s daughter Renuka Tagore (1890-1904) died when she was only thirteen years old. Tagore was very close to Renuka, and when Renuka was suffering from tuberculosis, he took her to the Himalayas in May 1903, so that she could get a fresh climate. It was a long and difficult journey to the Himalayas, and during this journey, Tagore wrote many poems for children and published them as Sisu (The Child, 1903); the book later became popular with the title ‘The Crescent Moon.’ [8] The Scottish Centre of Tagore Studies Tagore’s third and the youngest daughter’s name was Mira (1892-1962), who was also called Atasi. Mira had a broken marriage as her husband turned out to have temperamental and drug addiction issues. Once, Tagore lamented over the wrong choice of husband for his daughter Mira, he wrote –

How can I be so cruel to Mira when it was I who had dealt the first blow in her life by marrying her off without thinking carefully enough about it? … There is a barbarity about Nagen which Mira has come to dread. … Her life is already destroyed, now it is for me to protect her and make her as happy as possible. I must bear as much pain for it as I can because I am responsible for her misery.” [9] The Scottish Centre of Tagore Studies Rabindranath Tagore’s daughter Mira

Tagore’s youngest child was his son Shamindranath Tagore who was born in 1896 and died in 1907.

Other Relatives

Bollywood actress Sharmila Tagore ‘s maternal grandmother, Latika Tagore, was the granddaughter of Rabindranath Tagore’s brother Dwijendranath. In an interview, while talking about her surname, the actress said,

I don’t have that much authority on Tagore but yes I have a wonderful surname. It’s my heritage and it has opened many doors for me. It’s a privilege to be born in such a household. He unfortunately died three years before I was born so I could not have any direct interaction with him. But I have heard great stories from my mother.” [10] The Indian Express

The Untold Love Story

Reportedly, his sister-in-law Kadambari Devi (wife of Tagore’s elder brother Jyotirindranath) was his muse. Kadambari was two years younger than Tagore. Even today, their love story still remains enigmatic. In his masterpiece autobiography “Chelebela” (My Boyhood Days), Tagore depicts his first glimpse of Kadamabari. He writes,

A new bride came to the house, slender gold bracelets on her delicate brown hands…I circled around her at a safe distance, but I did not dare to go near. She was enthroned at the centre of affection and I was only a neglected, insignificant child …” [11] Feminism In India Kadambari Devi

Although Kadambari was not an educated woman, it is said that she understood poetry better than the poet himself. It is believed that Kadambari played a significant part in Tagore’s life. It was Kadambari who inspired Tagore in composing many of his poems, and she also used to give her creative feedback and comments to Tagore. Tagore even nicknamed her after Hecate, the Greek goddess of night, moon, and magic. When Tagore was 19 years old, he dedicated his famous lyrics to Kadambari –

Tomarei koriachhi jibaner dhrubo tara (Thou art the guiding beacon of my life)” [12] Feminism In India

Kadambari committed suicide on 21 April 1884 in mysterious circumstances. Kadambari’s death left Tagore completely broken. After her death, Tagore wrote a letter to his close associate C. F. Andrews in which he expressed his grief for Kadambari, he wrote –

But where is the sweetheart of mine who was almost the only companion of my boyhood and with whom I spent my idle days of youth exploring the mysteries of dreamland? She, my Queen, has died and my world has shut against the door of its inner apartment of beauty which gives on the real taste of freedom.” [13] Feminism In India

Tagore went on to write many poems and songs in her memory. In one such lyrics, which is also a popular Rabindra Sangeet, Tagore wrote –

Tobu Mone Rekho (Pray, love, remember)”

In another song that he composed in Kadambari’s memory, he wrote –

Amaar praner pore chole gelo ke (The one who went out of my life)” [14] Feminism In India

A Complicated Relationship

Rabindranath Tagore had a brief romantic encounter with an Argentine writer and intellectual, Victoria Ocampo (born on 7 April 1890; died on 27 January 1979). [15] The Week

Rabindranath Tagore and Victoria Ocampo (both sitting)

Victoria was a great admirer of Tagore’s literary works. In November 1924, while Tagore was on his way to Peru to attend the centenary celebrations of independence, he had to stop in Buenos Aires for medical rest on 6 November 1924. When Victoria came to know about Tagore’s arrival in Buenos Aires, she offered to take care of him, and she took care of Tagore during his 58-day stay in the city. Reportedly, it was during this time that Tagore developed a romantic relationship with Ocampo.

Rabindranath Tagore with Victoria Ocampo

At the time of Tagore’s visit, Ocampo was going through a state of transition after the break up with her husband and having a love affair with her cousin. Amid this mental turmoil, Ocampo looked up to Tagore as a Guru from the East who might enlighten her soul and pave a new path for her; however, the 63–year-old widower poet mistook the 34-year-old Ocampo’s devotion as inviting signals. For Tagore, it was a kind of love that he had been waiting for a long time to vanish his intellectual loneliness; Tagore expressed this feeling in his poem Shesh Basanth (the last spring) that he wrote on 21 November 1924 during his stay as the guest of Ocampo. Tagore wrote,

While walking on my solitary way I met you at the dusk of nightfall I was about to ask you take my hand When I gazed at your face and was afraid For I saw there the glow of the fire that lay asleep In the deep of your heart’s dark silence”

In her autobiography, Ocampo described Tagore’s advances. She wrote,

One afternoon, as I came into his room while he was writing, I leaned towards the page which was on the table. Without lifting his head towards me he stretched his arm, and in the same way as one gets hold of a fruit on a branch, he placed his hand on one of my breasts. I felt a kind of shudder of withdrawal like a horse whom his master strokes when he is not expecting it. The animal cried at once within me. Another person who lives inside me warned the animal, ‘ be calm… fool’ It is just a gesture of pagan tenderness. The hand left the branch after that almost incorporeal caress. But he never did it again. Every day he kissed me on the forehead or the cheek and took one of my arms, saying “such cool arms.”

Victoria Ocampo gifted Tagore an armchair to take to India from Buenos Aires. Tagore used to sit on the chair for about two months during November-December in 1924 during his stay in Buenos Aires as Ocampo’s guest; the chair is still preserved in Shantiniketan. Reportedly, in his last years, Tagore used to relax in that chair, and he even wrote a poem about it in April 1941. He wrote,

Yet again, if I can, will l look for that seat On the top of which rests, a caress from overseas I knew not her language Yet her eyes told me all Keeping alive forever A message of pathos” Rabindranath Tagore sitting on the armchair gifted by Victoria Ocampo

On Tagore’s demise, Ocampo sent a telegram to Tagore’s son that read ‘Thinking of him’ (pensando en el); this inspired the title of the 2018 Argentine film ‘Thinking of Him’ that explores the relationship between Rabindranath Tagore and Victoria Ocampo.

Thinking of Him film poster

Religion/Religious Views

Although Rabindranath Tagore adhered to Brahmoism, a philosophy of Brahmo Samaj founded by Raja Rammohan Roy, he never believed in any religious institutions or practices, whether they constituted Hinduism, Islam, or Christianity . Tagore’s religion was, in fact, based on the ‘divinization of man’ and the ‘humanization of God.’ While explaining the meaning of the ‘humanization of God,’ Tagore said,

Humanization of God does not merely mean that God is God of humanity but also it mean that it is the God in every human being.”

Tagore’s conception of God, unity, and equality found spontaneous expression in several of his addresses, poems, and novels. Tagore was born when India was transitioning from medieval to modern times. He grew up in an atmosphere of religious fervor. While growing up, among Tagore’s greatest influences was the liberalism of the Brahmo Samaj, founded by Raja Rammohan Roy on the basis of a synthesis of all religions. He was also greatly impressed by the Baul singers of Bengal; Baul singers are wandering saints who do not belong to any religious establishment nor do they go to any place of worship. In the article ‘An Indian Folk Religion’ in his book Creative Unity, Tagore formally interprets the humanistic philosophy of Baul singers. Tagore was also influenced by the philosophy of Kabir, and he translated almost one hundred couplets of Kabir into English; in Kabir, he found religious philosophy of love, a unbiased view of religion, and a spiritualist faith in man. Tagore quoted Kabir’s philosophy in Gitanjali. He wrote,

He is there where the tiller is tilling the hard ground and where the path-maker is breaking stones.”

A major influence on Tagore’s approach to religion was the Upanishads and the Bhagavad Gita. In the preface of his book Sadhana, a book on spirituality, Tagore wrote,

To me, the verses of the Upanishads and the teachings of Buddha have ever been things of the spirit and therefore endowed with boundless vital growth, and I have used them, both in my own life and in my preaching as being instinct with special meaning for me.”

Despite the fact that Tagore was heavily influenced by Upanishad thinkers, the humanistic teachings of Lord Buddha and the Bauls, and the mystic teachings of saints, his philosophy of religion is the product of his own thought process. [16] International Journal of English Language, Literature in Humanities – Volume 6, Issue 1

According to Prabhat Kumar Mukhopadhyaya, one of the biographers of Rabindranath Tagore, the Tagores were Rarhi Brahmins who belonged to a village named Kush in the Burdwan district of West Bengal, and their original surname was Kushari. Prabhat Kumar Mukhopadhyaya wrote in the first volume of his book Rabindrajibani O Rabindra Sahitya-prabeshak that,

The Kusharis were the descendants of Deen Kushari, the son of Bhatta Narayana; Deen was granted a village named Kush (in Burdwan zilla) by Maharaja Kshitisura, he became its chief and came to be known as Kushari. [17] Rabindrajibani O Rabindra Sahitya-prabeshak by Prabhat Kumar Mukhopadhyaya

Some sources claim that Rabindranath Tagore belonged to the inferior caste of Pirali Brahmans, which was considered to be polluted because of their social interactions with Muslims. [18] Sahapedia

Initial Literary Works

The highly cultural and literary environment in the Tagore family inspired Rabindranath to start writing poetry at a very early age. Initially, he published many poems; some anonymously and some under his pen name “Bahanusingha.” Soon, Tagore started contributing to various Bengali magazines, including “Balak” and “Bharati.” Rabindranath Tagore debuted in the world of literature by writing a short story, “Bhikharini” (The Beggar Woman), in 1877. When the 16-year-old Tagore wrote Bhikharini,” it became the first short story in Bengali-language.

Bhikharini by Rabindranath Tagore

In 1882, he published a volume of Bengali verse, Sandhya Sangeet, and it included his famous poem Nirjharer Swapna Bhanga (The awakening of the fountain).

Title page of the first edition of Sandhya Sangeet by Rabindranath Tagore

Between 1884 and 1890, Tagore wrote many poems, prose articles, criticism, plays, and novels.

Shelaidaha (1878–1901) – The period of his Sadhana

In 1890, Tagore visited the United Kingdom for the second time; however, he came back just after a month to look after the family estate, Kuthibari, a three-storied pyramid-shaped terraced bungalow in eleven acres of land, in Shelaidaha (now a region of Bangladesh), where he intimately experienced the wretched life led by the poor Bengali peasants.

Rabindranath Tagore’s Kuthibari or family estate in Bangladesh

Tagore’s wife and children joined him at Shelaidaha in 1898. During his stay in Shelaidaha, he was overwhelmed by the social, political, and economic misery in which the peasants lived. In an article, Tagore described the peasants’ misery, he wrote,

Our so-called responsible classes live in comfort because the common man has not yet understood his situation. That is why the landlord beats him. The money-lender holds him in his clutches; the foreman abuses him; the policeman fleeces him; the priest exploits him; and the magistrate picks his pocket.” Rabindranath Tagore having lunch at Kuthibari in Bangladesh

While managing his family’s ancestral estate in Shelaidaha as a young landlord, Rabindranath Tagore realized that rural life can be transformed by introducing education and co-operation. While speaking on ‘The Vicissitudes of Education,’ he strongly campaigned for the use of the mother-tongue. Reportedly, it was this time that his experiments in teaching came for the first time. Soon, Tagore started his own school in Seliadah, where he sent his own children to study under the tutelage of many skilled teachers including an Englishman who taught them the English language. [19] Tagore’s School and Methodology by Thomas B. KANE, Edinburgh Napier University Apart from starting a school, he also organized co-operatives and hospitals in the villages of his family estate and tried to introduce new and improved farming methods. While pursuing these rural reforms, he continued his creative writing. The greenery, the rivers, and the simplicity of rural Bengal inspired Tagore to write many of his famous essays, short stories, and poems including Sonar Tori, Kotha o Kahini, Chitra, and Chaitali. In 1890, he published Manasi, a collection of poems, which is considered one of his best-known literary works.

Manasi by Rabindranath Tagore

In 1900, he came out with another masterpiece Galpaguchchha, a three-volume composition of 84 stories.

Hardcover of Galpaguchchha by Rabindranath Tagore

During this time, he wrote many letters to his niece, which were subsequently published as Chhinnapatra (Torn letters) and Chhinnapatravali (A collection of torn letters). Most of the poems of Kheya and Naibedya, and many songs, which formed part of Gitanjali and Geetimalya, were also written during his stay in Shelaidaha. It was here in Shelaidaha that he started translating Gitanjali into English in 1912. [20] National Herald These literary works are considered to be landmarks in the writing of Bengali prose and in describing the countryside of Bengal. According to Tagore, the period 1891–1895 was the period of his Sadhana; this period is considered to be his most productive. During his stay in Shelaidaha, Tagore used the family boat (bajra or budgerow), Padma, to criss-cross the Padma River to visit villages to collect token rents. During these visits, he would talk to villagers and listen to their problems; this experience paved the way for Tagore’s later educational experiments.

Tagore family boat, Padma

Santiniketan (1901–1932) – Middle years of Rabindranath Tagore

A map of Tagore’s Santiniketan

Boarding School

In 1901, Tagore left Shelaidaha and moved to Santiniketan, where he started a boarding school, Brahamacharyashram (or Ashram) School, which was inaugurated on 22 December 1901 with only a few pupils, his son being one of them. The theme of the school was to encourage a close bonding between teachers and pupils as they lived together, willingly accepting an austere standard of living. Tagore didn’t accept fees from students and bear all expenses by himself. Later, this Ashram School expanded, growing the poet’s reputation.

Rabindranath Tagore (seated, to the left of man at blackboard) at an open-air classroom, Shantiniketan, West Bengal

Literary Work

While living at Santiniketan, Tagore wrote about India’s past and present, and stories of noble self-sacrifice. During this time, he published some of his most popular realistic novels including Choker Bali (1901), Naukadubi (1903), and Gora (1910).

The cover of Naukadubi by Rabindranath Tagore

Nobel Prize

The well-known English painter Sir William Rothenstein and the poet W. B. Yeats became highly impressed by some of Tagore’s poems and writings, which had already been translated into English. In 1912, during his third visit to the United Kingdom, Tagore was accepted as a great poet and intellectual. In November 1913, Rabindranath Tagore was awarded that year’s Nobel Prize in Literature for Gitanjali, Tagore’s best-known collection of poetry, making him the first Asian and first non-European to receive a Nobel Prize in Literature. The Swedish Academy, in its statement, said,

The Nobel Prize in Literature 1913 was awarded to Rabindranath Tagore “because of his profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful verse, by which, with consummate skill, he has made his poetic thought, expressed in his own English words, a part of the literature of the West.” Rabindranath Tagore Nobel Prize in Literature 1913

In the 1915 Birthday Honours, Rabindranath Tagore was awarded a knighthood by King George V; however, after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, Tagore renounced the knighthood by writing a letter to the then British Viceroy of India, Lord Chelmsford. In the letter, Tagore wrote,

The disproportionate severity of the punishments inflicted upon the unfortunate people and the methods of carrying them out, we are convinced, are without parallel in the history of civilised governments…The time has come when badges of honour make our shame glaring in their incongruous context of humiliation, and I for my part wish to stand, shorn of all special distinctions, by the side of my country men.” Rabindranath Tagore’s letter to renounce his knighthood

Visva Bharati

In 1916, Tagore visited Japan and the United States of America, where he delivered lectures, which were later published in two volumes as Nationalism (1917b) and Personality (1917c). Between 1878 and 1932, Tagore travelled more than thirty countries on five continents. This international experience inspired him to establish an institution that emphasized the unity of the world’s cultures and streams of knowledge. On 24 December 1918, he laid the foundation of Visva Bharati in Shantiniketan, West Bengal; Visva Bharati went on to become an international centre of culture and humanistic studies.

Rabindranath Tagore’s Visva Bharati University

Sri Niketan – Abode of Welfare

From 1901 to 1921, Santiniketan developed continuously; however, Tagore wanted some new form of schooling for the village children in India based on life in the countryside. In 1921, Tagore, along with agricultural economist Leonard Elmhirst, started a new school called Shikshasastra in Surul at Sri Niketan to provide an all-round education for village children; the main emphasis of this new school was on agricultural research. At Sri Niketan, handicraft became an essential thing, and it was compulsory for all students to learn a trade.

Rabindranath Tagore’s dream project Sri Niketan

Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi

Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi, the two great representatives of Modern India, shared a great rapport with each other, in fact, the two giants of Modern India are best known by the monikers “Mahatma” (given to Gandhi by Tagore) and “Gurudev” (given to Tagore by Gandhi). Reportedly, Tagore was the first to refer to Gandhi as “Mahatma,” and in respect, Gandhi called him “Gurudev.” It was an Englishman, Charles Freer Andrews, who acted as the link between these two. On Mahatma Gandhi’s return to India, Andrews suggested Tagore invite the members of Mahatma Gandhi’s “Phoenix family” at Santiniketan. In March 1915, Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore met for the first time at Santiniketan.

Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi at Santiniketan in March 1915

After their first meeting, they went on to meet many times. Apart from politics and philosophy, they used to discuss other things like food and diet. Once, Mahatma Gandhi, who was a strict fruitarian, told Tagore,

To fry bread in ghee or oil to make puris is to turn good grain into poison. It must be a slow poison.”

To this, Tagore replied,

I have been eating puris all my life and it has not done me any harm so far.” [21] mkgandhi.org A rare photo of Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi

Although they had developed a good rapport, both had their ideological differences and had different views on science, social and economic development, nationalism, and patriotism. [22] The Economic Times Tagore was sceptical about Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-cooperation Movement and didn’t agree with Gandhi’s philosophy towards “Charkha.” Tagore also criticized Gandhi for linking the Bihar earthquake to the sin of untouchability. Gandhi always took Tagore’s criticisms positively, and they never let their mutual respect for each other to diminish. On his differences with Tagore, Mahatma Gandhi once said,

I started with a disposition to detect a conflict between Gurudev and myself, but ended with a glorious discovery that there was none.” [23] mkgandhi.org Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi greeting each other

In 1940, when Mahatma Gandhi visited Santiniketan along with his wife, Kasturba, it proved to be his last meeting with Tagore. During their meeting, when Tagore requested Gandhi to take Santiniketan under his protection, Gandhi replied,

Who am I to take this institution under my protection?… It carries God’s protection because it is the creation of an earnest soul.” [24] mkgandhi.org Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi

In 1945, Mahatma Gandhi visited Santiniketan for the last time in his life; however, Tagore was not there to host him that time as he had died back in 1941. In his address to the Santiniketan community, Mahatma Gandhi said,

It is my conviction arrived at after a long and laborious struggle that Gurudev as a person was much bigger than his works; bigger even than this institution.” [25] mkgandhi.org

Literary and Artistic Works

Although Tagore is mostly known for his poetry, his dramas, short stories, essays, novels, travelogues, and songs are equally popular. In most of his literary works, the reflection of the lives of common people is very prominent.

The best-known work in poetry by Tagore is Gitanjali that made him the first Asian to win a Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. Besides Gitanjali, Tagore delivered many more masterpieces including Manasi, Sonar Tori (Golden Boat), and Balaka (Wild Geese). Tagore’s poetic style has a variety of ranges from classical formalism to the comic, visionary, and ecstatic. Tagore’s poetic style is influenced by the works of Vyasa, Kabir, and Ramprasad Sen. The mystic Baul ballads like those of the bard Lalon also influenced Tagore’s poetic style.

Title page of the 1913 Macmillan edition of Tagore’s Gitanjali

Rabindranath Tagore published eight novels, Nastanirh (The Broken Nest) in 1901, Chokher Bali in 1903, Noukadubi in 1906, Gora (Fair-Faced) in 1910, Ghare Baire (The Home and the World) in 1916, Chaturanga in 1916, Shesher Kabita in 1928, and Jogajog or Yogayog (Crosscurrents) in 1929. Through these novels, Tagore explained Indian nationalism, Indian identity, self-identity, personal freedom, loneliness, etc.

When Tagore was just sixteen, he began his experiences with drama with his brother Jyotirindranath. At the age of twenty, Tagore wrote his first original dramatic piece, Valmiki Pratibha. Tagore’s 1890 drama Visarjan is considered to be his finest drama. Most of his dramas used more philosophical and allegorical themes. Some of his popular dramas are Dak Ghar (1912), Raktakarabi (1926), and Chandalika (1933). His dance-drama adaptations Chitrangada, Chandalika, and Shyama together are known as Rabindra Nritya Natya.

Short Stories

In 1877, when 16-year-old Tagore wrote Bhikharini, it began his short story writing spree. Tagore is credited to invent the Bengali-language short story genre. Most of his short stories reflect the lives of India’s poor and common people. Some of his most popular short stories are Kabuliwala (published in 1892), Kshudita Pashan (published in 1895), and Atithi (published in 1895).

Songs – Rabindra Sangeet

Tagore was an accomplished song-writer and composer. With around 2,230 songs to his credit, he gave a new category to songs known as Rabindra Sangeet. Most of his songs are influenced by the thumri style of Hindustani music. Tagore’s songs are known to express the entire gamut of human emotion. It is said that –

In Bengal no cultured home where Rabindranath’s songs are not sung or at least attempted to be sung… Even illiterate villagers sing his songs.”

Painting and Drawing

Apart from his literary works, Tagore is also known for his artworks including drawing and painting that he took up at the age of sixty. He made debut appearances in many art galleries in Paris and throughout Europe.

Rabindranath Tagore as a painter

Controversies

Hypocrisy in child marriage.

Tagore is heavily criticized for marrying his three daughters when they were still in their childhood. This is surprising as Tagore had started speaking against child marriages as early as 1887. Bizarrely, Tagore, in his Bengali novella Nashtanirh (The Broken Nest) he wrote at the same time when he was arranging his daughters’ marriages, describes the agony of child marriages. [26] The Scottish Centre of Tagore Studies

German funds against the British Raj

He was allegedly implicated in overthrowing the British Raj from India through German funds, these allegations were based on his dealings with Indian nationalists Subhas Chandra Bose and Rash Behari Bose, and papers confiscated from Indian nationalists in New York. [27] CNN

Aggressive lectures on nationalism

Tagore’s aggressive lectures on nationalism attracted severe criticism from the press, and in 1916, when he visited the USA, a group of radical Indians even conspired to assassinate him; however, he escaped assassination narrowly as his would-be assassins fell into an argument. [28] The Statesman

Waning Years (1932-1941)

During his waning years, Tagore developed more respect for scientific laws, and he used various concepts of biology, physics, and astronomy in his poetry. His stories Se (1937), Tin Sangi (1940), and Galpasalpa (1941) also incorporated scientific intellect in them. Although the last five years of Tagore’s life were marked by chronic pain and illness, the poetry that he wrote during this period is considered among his finest including his politically charged compositions “Chitto Jetha Bhayshunyo” and “Ekla Chalo Re.”

Rabindranath Tagore’s Ekla Chalo Re

In late 1940, Tagore became unconscious and remained comatose for a long time, and after a prolonged agony, the 80-year-old Tagore died on 7 August 1941 in an upstairs room of the Jorasanko mansion, where he was raised in.

The room at Jorasanko Thakur Bari where Rabindranath Tagore breathed his last

Earlier, he had experienced a similar spell of comatose in late 1937 and also underwent a kidney operation. According to some sources, one of the reasons behind his death was prostate cancer. [29] The Times of India

Rabindranath Tagore’s death news in The New York Times

On 30 July 1941, almost a week before his death, Tagore dictated a few lines to A. K. Sen (brother of  Sukumar Sen who was the first chief election commissioner of India), which probably became his last poem –

I’m lost in the middle of my birthday. I want my friends, their touch, with the earth’s last love. I will take life’s final offering, I will take the human’s last blessing. Today my sack is empty. I have given completely whatever I had to give. In return if I receive anything—some love, some forgiveness—then I will take it with me when I step on the boat that crosses to the festival of the wordless end.”

Rabindranath Tagore’s last photo clicked in 1941

Tagore’s Legacy

After his demise in 1941, Tagore left behind a legacy of literary intellect, and there are many festivals, awards, buildings, places, and institutions named after him.

There are many festivals named after Tagore that are held every year across the globe including Rabindra Jayanti, an annual cultural festival, prevalent among people who love Tagore and his works; the festival is celebrated in early May, on the 25th day of the Bengali month of Boishakh. Tagore International Literature and Arts Festival is another such annual festival that is celebrated across the globe. On important anniversaries, a procession called Rabindra Path Parikrama takes place during which followers of Tagore walk from Kolkata to Santiniketan reciting his poetry and verses.

Awards & Prizes

There are many awards and honours named after this great polymath including Rabindranath Tagore Literary Prize that was founded in 2018 by US-based independent and non-profit publishing house Maitreya Publishing Foundation (MPF). In 2011, the Government of India established the Tagore Award that carries an amount of Rupees One Crore, a Citation in a Scroll, a Plaque as well as an exquisite traditional handicraft/handloom item. The Rabindra Puraskar or the Rabindra Smriti Puraskar is the highest honorary literary award in West Bengal administered by the Government of West Bengal. In 2011, Sangeet Natak Akademi sponsored Tagore Ratna and Tagore Puraskar; these awards were conferred on the occasion to commemorate 150 birthday of Rabindranath Tagore.

In May 2020, Israel named a street, Rehov Tagore, in Tel Aviv after Rabindranath Tagore on the occasion of the poet’s 159th birthday.

Rehov Tagore, the street named after Rabindranath Tagore in Tel Aviv, Israel

In July 2017, an area in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, was named after Rabindranath Tagore; the area is named Thakurova and has a bust of the Nobel laureate.

A bust of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in Thakurova area of Prague, the Czech Republic

The Tagore Garden Metro Station, located on the Blue Line of the Delhi Metro, is named after Tagore, and it was opened on 31 December 2005.

The Tagore Garden Metro Station

Rabindranath Tagore Nagar or simply R. T. Nagar is an area in Bangalore, India, that was developed by Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) in the 1970s.

RT Nagar Bengaluru

Rabindra Sarobar (previously known as Dhakuria Lake) is an artificial lake in South Kolkata, which was named after Rabindranath Tagore by the Calcutta Improvement Trust (CIT) in 1958.

Rabindra Sarobar, an artificial lake in South Kolkata

Tagore Town, a neighborhood in Allahabad, India, is named after Rabindranath Tagore; it was built in 1909.

Many universities and institutes have been named after Rabindranath Tagore in various cities across the globe including Rabindra Bharati University in Kolkata, India, Rabindranath Tagore Medical College in Udaipur, Rajasthan, Rabindranath Tagore University in Hojai, Assam, India, Rabindra Srijonkala University in Keraniganj, Dhaka, Bangladesh, and Rabindranath Tagore Secondary School in Mauritius.

There are many buildings in various cities across the globe that are named after Rabindranath Tagore including Rabindra Sadan, a cultural centre and theatre in Kolkata, Rabindra Library (Central) in Assam University, India, Rabindra Nazrul Art Building, Arts Faculty, in Islamic University, Bangladesh, Rabindra Parishad, a multi-purpose cultural centre in Patna, Bihar, India, Tagore Theatre in Chandigarh, India, and Rabindranath Tagore Memorial Auditorium, in Sri Lanka.

Rabindra Sadan in Kolkata

Some of the popular museums named after Rabindranath Tagore are Rabindra Bharati Museum, at Jorasanko Thakur Bari in Kolkata, India, Tagore Memorial Museum, at Shilaidaha Kuthibadi in Shilaidaha, Bangladesh, Rabindra Memorial Museum at Shahzadpur Kachharibari in Shahzadpur, Bangladesh, and Rabindra Bhavan Museum, in Santiniketan, India.

The popular Howrah Bridge over the Hooghly River in West Bengal was renamed Rabindra Setu after Rabindranath Tagore on 14 June 1965.

Rabindra Setu

B. tagorei. Barapasaurus, the only species of a genus of basal sauropod dinosaur from Early Jurassic rocks of India, is named after Rabindranath Tagore.

Facts/Trivia

• His paternal grandfather, Dwarkanath Tagore, was the first Indian to travel to Europe, defying the Hindu religious ban of those times that had imposed a ban on travel to Europe.
• During his second visit to London, the manuscript of Gitanjali went missing in the London Tube. This thrilling adventure happened when he was on a visit to London to show the English translation of his book Gitanjali to the English painter and art critic William Rothenstein, anticipating he could lobby William Butler Yeats to write an introduction. Tagore took the Tube to Rothenstein’s Hampstead residence and mid-way, he lost the briefcase in which he carried the manuscript. Later, when his son, Rathindranath, inquired with the London Tube authorities, the briefcase was recovered, and thus, the book that brought India its first Nobel saw the light of day. [30] The Hindu
• On 25 March 2004, Tagore’s Nobel Prize was stolen from the safety vault of the Visva-Bharati University. Later, the Swedish Academy issued two replicas of Tagore’s Nobel Prize. In 2016, the stolen Nobel Prize was recovered after a baul singer named Pradip Bauri accused of sheltering the thieves was arrested. [31] The Hindu
• The 2012 Bengali language film Nobel Chor is inspired by the theft of Tagore’s Nobel Prize.

Rabindranath Tagore in Natir Puja

• During India’s struggle for independence, when Mahatma Gandhi and B. R. Ambedkar had a dispute involving separate electorates for untouchables, it was Tagore who intervened and resolved the dispute.

Was the gown lying in the post office or was it really missing, with the post office lying about its disappearance?” [34] Selected Letters of Rabindranath Tagore

• Even after religiously following Islamic and Hindu traditions, Tagore’s family played a significant role to introduce Western education in India. They opened many schools and colleges for the study of science and medicine. This amalgamation of tradition and science significantly characterized Tagor’s attitude towards life.

The golden temple of Amritsar comes back to me like a dream. Many a morning have I accompanied my father to this Gurudarbar of the Sikhs in the middle of the lake. There the sacred chanting resounds continually. My father, seated amidst the throng of worshippers, would sometimes add his voice to the hymn of praise, and finding a stranger joining in their devotions they would wax enthusiastically cordial, and we would return loaded with the sanctified offerings of sugar crystals and other sweets.” [35] Mainstream Weekly

• Tagore was so inspired by Sikhism that he went on to write six poems on Sikh heroism and martyrdom. He also wrote numerous articles about Sikhism in a Bengali child magazine. [36] Mainstream Weekly
• The first time when Tagor was in close proximity to nature was when his father took him to Dalhousie, where they stayed in the Himalayan foothills. At that time, Tagore was in his teenage.
• Tagore’s son, Rathindranath wrote in his memoir, On the Edges of Time (1958), that throughout his life, his father “felt lonely.” Rathindranath termed his father’s condition as “intellectual loneliness.” [37] The Statesman

Tagore Memorial and Museum in Bangladesh

The boat used by Rabindranath Tagore at the pond of Shelaidaha Kuthibari, Kushtia

• After the death of his father in 1905, the Maharaja of Tripura issued him monthly payments as part of his inheritance and income. Besides, he was also benefitted from sales of his family’s jewellery, his seaside bungalow in Puri, and a derisory Rs. 2,000 in book royalties.  [38] Rabindranath Tagore: The Myriad-Minded Man by Krishna Dutta, Andrew Robinson
• Rabindranath Tagore’s second experiment with the education that he initiated with the inception of Sri Niketan was so future-oriented that the entire programme followed at Sri Niketan for rural development was adopted by India’s five-year plans.

Our passions and desires are unruly, but our character subdues these elements into a harmonious whole. Does something similar to this happen in the physical world? Are the elements rebellious, dynamic with individual impulse? And is there a principle in the physical world which dominates them and puts them into an orderly organization?” Rabindranath Tagore with Albert Einstein

• On 5 May 1930, Tagore sent a message to America in which he quoted that the shrinking of the distance between countries should be used to promote spiritual values, not just commerce.

The Essential Tagore

• Tagore had a partial colour vision deficiency, and he was likely red-green colour blind. [40] Natsy by Design
• Rabindranath Tagore is the only person in the world whose songs have been adapted as the national anthem in three countries – Jana Gana Mana (India’s national anthem; adopted in 1950), Sri Lanka Matha (Sri Lanka’s national anthem; adopted in 1951), and Amar Shonar Bangla (Bangladesh’s national anthem; adopted in 1971).

References [+] [−]

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Rabindranath Tagore: Biography

Last updated on April 8, 2024 by ClearIAS Team

Rabindranath Tagore was an iconic figure in the Indian cultural renaissance. He was a polymath poet, philosopher, musician, writer, and educationist.

Rabindranath Tagore became the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize in 1913 for his collection of poems, Gitanjali.

He was called Gurudev, Kabiguru, and Biswakabi affectionately and his songs are popularly known as Rabindrasangeet.

The national anthems of India and Bangladesh – the Jana Gana Mana and the Amar Shonar Bangla respectively are from the Rabindrasangeet.

Table of Contents

The early life of Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore was born on 7 th May 1861 in Calcutta as the youngest son of Debendranath Tagore and Sarada Devi.

His grandfather Dwarkanath Tagore was a rich landlord and social reformer. His father, Debendranath Tagore was a leader of the Brahmo Samaj , a new religious sect in nineteenth-century Bengal which attempted a revival of the ultimate monistic basis of Hinduism as laid down in the Upanishads.

The Tagore family was a treasure trove of talent in every field. They hosted the publication of literary magazines; theatre and recitals of Bengali and Western classical music featured there regularly. Tagore’s father invited several professional musicians to stay in the house and teach Indian Classical music to the children.

Tagore’s oldest brother Dwijendranath was a philosopher and poet. Another brother, Satyendranath, was the first Indian appointed to the formerly all-European Indian Civil Service. Another brother, Jyotitindranath, was a musician, composer, and playwright. His sister Swarnakumari became a novelist.

Also read: Modern Indian Sculpture

Rabindra Nath Tagore had his initial education in Oriental Seminary School. But he did not like the conventional education and started studying at home under several teachers. He was mostly trained by his siblings both in literary as well as physical activities like gymnastics and martial arts.

Tagore was a child prodigy when it comes to writing as he has started writing and publishing poetry by the age of eight.

In 1873, at the age of eleven, Tagore and his father left Calcutta to tour India for several months. He visited his father’s Santiniketan estate and Amritsar before reaching the Himalayan hill station of Dalhousie where he read biographies, studied history, astronomy, modern science, and Sanskrit, and examined the classical poetry of Kalidasa.

At the age of seventeen, he was sent to England for formal law schooling but he did not finish his studies there. He rather took up independent studies of Shakespeare.

He returned from England in 1880 and regularly published poems, stories, and novels in Bengali, slowly starting to transform Bengali literature.

In 1883, he married Mrinalini Devi, a child bride as was the tradition in those times.

Rabindranath Tagore in Santiniketan

Tagore moved to Santiniketan ashram in 1901, where he started an experimental school based on traditional guru-shishya teaching methods from the Upanishads. He hoped that the revival of the ancient methods of teaching will be more beneficial than the British imparted modern education system.

His wife and two of their children died during this time which left him distraught.

After his return from England and during his stay in Santiniketan, Tagore wrote several literary works of poetry, stories, and novels. His works had started gaining immense popularity in India as well as abroad.

In 1909, Rabindranath Tagore started writing Gitanjali. In 1912, Tagore went to Europe for the second time. On the journey to London, he translated some of his poems/songs from Gitanjali to English. He met William Rothenstein, a noted British painter, in London who was impressed by the poems, made copies, and gave to Yeats and other English poets. Yeats was enthralled and later wrote the introduction to Gitanjali when it was published in September 1912 in a limited edition by the India Society in London. And in 1913, this collection of poems won the Nobel Prize in Literature. He was the first non-European to receive the prestigious award.

In 1915, he was awarded a knighthood by King George V.

Rabindranath Tagore in Independence movement

Tagore participated in the Indian nationalist movement from time to time, though in his own non-sentimental and visionary way; and Gandhi, the political father of modern India , was his devoted friend. Tagore came to be recognized as one of the architects of modern India.

India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru , wrote in  Discovery of India , “Tagore and Gandhi have undoubtedly been the two outstanding and dominating figures in the first half of the twentieth century. Tagore’s influence over the mind of India, and especially of successive rising generations has been tremendous. Not Bengali only, the language in which he wrote, but all the modern languages of India have been molded partly by his writings. More than any other Indian, he has helped to bring into harmony the ideals of the East and the West, and broadened the bases of Indian nationalism.”

In 1905, Viceroy Curzon decided to divide Bengal into two parts. Rabindranath Tagore strongly protested against this decision. Tagore wrote many national songs and attended protest meetings. He initiated the Rakhibandhan ceremony, symbolizing the underlying unity of undivided Bengal.

In 1919, following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre , Tagore renounced his knighthood condemning the act. He was a supporter of Gandhiji but he stayed out of politics. He was opposed to nationalism and militarism as a matter of principle, and instead promoted spiritual values and the creation of a new world culture founded in multi-culturalism, diversity, and tolerance.

Tagore the educationalist

1n 1921, Rabindranath Tagore established Viswabharati University and gave all his money from Nobel Prize and royalty money from his books to this University.

Tagore was quite knowledgeable of Western culture, especially Western poetry and sciences. Tagore had a good grasp of modern – post-Newtonian – physics and was well able to hold his own in a debate with Einstein in 1930 on the newly emerging principles of quantum mechanics and chaos. His meetings and tape-recorded conversations with his contemporaries such as Albert Einstein and H.G. Wells, epitomize his brilliance.

In 1940 Oxford University arranged a special ceremony in Santiniketan and awarded Rabindranath Tagore with a Doctorate of Literature.

Literary works of Rabindranath Tagore

Although Tagore wrote successfully in all literary genres, he was, first of all, a poet. Among his fifty and odd volumes of poetry are:

Manasi  (1890) (The Ideal One),  Sonar Tari  (1894) (The Golden Boat),  Gitanjali (1910) (Song Offerings), Gitimalya  (1914) (Wreath of Songs), and  Balaka  (1916) (The Flight of Cranes).

The English renderings of his poetry, which include  The Gardener  (1913),  Fruit-Gathering  (1916), and  The Fugitive  (1921), do not generally correspond to particular volumes in the original Bengali.

Tagore’s major plays are  Raja  (1910) [The King of the Dark Chamber],  Dakghar  (1912) [The Post Office] ,   Achalayatan  (1912) [The Immovable],  Muktadhara  (1922) [The Waterfall], and  Raktakaravi  (1926) [Red Oleanders].

He is the author of several volumes of short stories and many novels, among them Gora  (1910),  Ghare-Baire  (1916) [ The Home and the World ], and  Yogayog  (1929) [Crosscurrents].

Besides these, he wrote musical dramas, dance dramas, essays of all types, travel diaries, and two autobiographies, one in his middle years and the other shortly before his death in 1941. Tagore also left numerous drawings and paintings, and songs for which he wrote the music himself.

He also played the title role in his first original dramatic piece- Valmiki Pratibha.

After an extended period of suffering, Tagore died on August 7, 1941, in the same mansion in which he was brought up.

Legacy of Rabindranath Tagore:

Rabindranath Tagore changed the way Bengali literature was perceived as he left an everlasting impression on the readers.

Many countries have his statues erected and host many yearly events to pay tribute to the legendary writer.

Many of his works have been made global, thanks to a host of translations by many famous international writers.

There are five museums dedicated to Tagore. While three of them are situated in India, the remaining two are in Bangladesh. The museums’ house his famous works, and are visited by millions every year.

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• Rabindranath Tagore Biography

Introduction

Rabindranath Thakur was a man of various talents. He was recognized by people all over the globe for his literary works - poetry, philosophies, plays, and especially his songwriting. Rabindranath Tagore was the man who gave India, its National Anthem. He was one of the greatest entities of all time and the only Indian to receive a Nobel Prize.

Rabindranath Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize in 1913, becoming the first non-European to receive the honour. He was only sixteen years old when he was to publish his first short story called “Bhanisimha”, was published. Rabindranath Tagore was born on the 07th of May, 1861 in Kolkata. Rabindranath Tagore was the son of Debendranath Tagore, one of Brahmo Samaj’s active members, a known and celebrated philosopher, and literate. R.N Tagore died after a prolonged illness on the 07th of August, 1941.

Rabindranath Tagore Childhood and Education

While growing up, R.N Tagore shared a very intimate relationship with his elder brother and his sister-in-law. Rabindranath Tagore's father's name is Debendranath Tagore, and his mother’s name is Sarada Devi. Rabindranath Tagore's birthday is on the 7th of May, 1861, and he was born in Calcutta, Bengal Presidency then. It is believed that they did everything together. Rabindranath Tagore's education didn’t seem too impressive. 

R.N Tagore did not enjoy schooling, and he was mostly found procrastinating and pondering for hours. He went to one of the most prestigious St. Xavier’s School, and later, he went to the University of London in Bridgton, England, to study law and become a barrister. Still, as we know, he did not enjoy schooling much; he returned home in two years but without a degree. Even though he did not enjoy schooling much, he was always found with books, pen, and ink. He would always be scribbling things in his notebook; however, he was shy to reveal his writings.

Growing Years and Career

R.N Tagore was only eight years old when he first wrote a poem. By the age of sixteen, his short story got published, titled “Bhanusimha”. R.N Tagore’s contribution to literature is beyond any measure. He was the one who had introduced new verses and prose and also lingua franca in his mother tongue, which is Bangla. R.N Tagore after returning to India after leaving his education, but he did not leave literature. 

R.N Tagore published several books of Rabindranath Tagore poems and short stories, plays, and songs. His most renowned work, called “Gitanjali”, was very well received all over India and England. He is the author of two National Anthems, which are “Amar Sonar Bangla” for Bangladesh and  “Jana Gana Mana” for India. He worked with very unfamiliar and different styles in Bangla Language. Some of them are heavily immersed in social and political satire. He was one of those who believed in global peace and equality. He is one of the pioneers of contemporary Bengali literature. 

After returning to India, he completed and published his book of poems called “Manasi” which was believed to contain his best poems. “Manasi” contained several verse forms which were fresh to contemporary Bengali literature, and it also contained some political and social satire that questioned and mocked R.N Tagore’s fellow Bengalis. 

Besides writing and working on literature, R.N Tagore also participated in the family business. In 1891, he went to East Bengal, which is now in Bangladesh, to look after his ancestral estates and lands at Shahzadpur and Shilaidaha for almost 10 years. He spent some time in a houseboat at Padma river, and his sympathy for village folk became the keynote of most literature later in his life. In East India, poems and other works of Rabindranath Tagore were published as a collection in the book called “Sonar Tari” and a very notable and celebrated play called “Chitrangada”. He has written over two thousand songs which are very popular in Bengal until now. When R.N Tagore was in his 60s, he tried his hand at painting, and for the talented man he was, his works won him a good name among India’s topmost contemporary artists.

Rabindranath Tagore and Shantiniketan

Rabindranath Tagore received his nickname “Gurudev”, out of respect by his pupils at his very unique and special school, which he established in Shantiniketan, called “Visva Bharati University” Santiniketan was developed and founded by the Tagore family. This little town was very close to Rabindranath Tagore. 

R.N Tagore wrote several poems and songs about this place. Unlike other universities, “Visva Bharati” University was open to each student who was eager to learn. The classrooms and the scope for learning in this university were not confined within four walls. Instead, classes took place in open space, beneath the massive banyan trees on the university grounds. To this date, this ritual of attending classes in open spaces is practiced by the students and the teachers. R.N Tagore permanently moved to the school after.

Rabindranath Tagore Death and His Encounters with Death

R.N Tagore was only fourteen years old when Sharada Devi, his mother, passed away. After his mother's sudden and heartbreaking demise, R.N Tagore was mostly seen avoiding classrooms and schooling. Instead, he would roam about his town Bolpur. He had to face the death of several of his loved ones, that too, one after the other, which left him devastated and heartbroken. After his mother, R.N Tagore lost a very close friend and a very significant influence, Kadambari Devi, his sister-in-law. It is presumed that R.N Tagore’s novella called “Nastanirh” was about Kadambari Devi.

It is also believed that she had committed suicide four months after R.N Tagore’s marriage to Mrinalini Devi. There are some serious speculations made about R.N Tagore, and his sister-in-law sharing a very intimate relationship and that maybe the two were in love; however, there has been no confirmation on the same. Later, his wife, Mrinalini Devi, too died due to an illness. He lost his two daughters, Madhurilata, who R.N Tagore adored and was fond of the most due to tuberculosis, and Renuka and his son Shamindranath due to cholera. These deaths shook him to the core, but he never failed to pick up his pen again. Even though all these encounters with death gave him shaping his personality and writing style, he kept longing for a companion who shares the same interests as he does. 

Life was a little less cruel to him at this point. When he found that companion, he had been longing for - his niece Indira Devi, who was highly educated and well-read. R.N Tagore wrote to her about some sensitive details about his life. These letters to Indira Devi witnessed the sheer vulnerability of his emotional state, sensibilities, and experiences. Since Indira Devi had copied all his letters in a notebook; it eventually got published. “Chinnapatra” can give one a glimpse of Tagore’s growth as a human and as an artist. Grief had been a constant part of R.N Tagore’s life, which is often reflected in his literary works; after losing Rabindranath Tagore's wife and daughters, he lost his father too. These years of sadness and sorrow, which were very actively reflected in his literary works, were introduced as “Gitanjali” which won him the Nobel Prize.

Rabindranath Tagore and His Nationalism

R.N Tagore was politically very aware and very critical at the same time, he not only criticized the British Raj, but he was also very vocal about the mistakes his fellow Bengalis and Indians made. These were reflected in the socio-political satires he wrote and published. When R.N Tagore had been awarded a knighthood, as a sign of protest against the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre, he repudiated the award. Recognition, fame, money nothing mattered to him when it came to his country. He loved his country, the lands, rivers, and the people of his country very much. 

It is thus quite right to say that Tagore opposed European colonialism and supported Indian nationalists. He also shunned the Swadeshi Movement and urged Indians to accept that education is the way forward. A blind revolution will only lead to the loss of lives and unwanted and unnecessary loss of life.

Rabindranath Tagore and His Love For Literature, Art, and Music

Some of the most renowned works of Tagore which are highly recommended works of literature are “Noukadubi'', “Shesher Kobita”, “Chaturanga”, “Gora”, “Char Adhyay”, “Jogajog”, “Ghare Baire”. “Ghare Baire'' was also produced as a film by another precious talent Satyajit Ray. His novels were very underappreciated in his time but gained a lot of respect after film directors like Tapan Sinha, Tarun Majumdar and of course, Satyajit Ray adapted and made feature films based on his novels. In popular culture, even his songs, poems and novels are employed in Movies and as background scores. The genre of the songs by Rabindranath Tagore are known as “Rabindra Sangeet'' and movies have been adapted and made out of his novels “Noukadubi” and “Chokher Bali”. It is highly recommended to read “Gitanjali'' to appreciate Tagore's poetic style and to appreciate some very heartfelt and moving songs that he wrote, it is recommended to listen to “Tobu Mone Rekho”. 

In addition to all this, Rabindranath Tagore was a commendable artist and musician too. His paintings are celebrated both nationally and internationally and have received wide acclaim. His songs are considered to be at the heart of Bengal culture and his compilations are fondly termed Rabindra Sangeet. These songs elaborate on themes of love, worship, devotion, and so on. RN Tagore started painting at the age of 60. His brilliant artwork is displayed to this day in several museums globally.

Rabindranath Tagore And His Last Days

Rabindranath Tagore died in the place he loved the most. However, the last few years of his life were quite painful.  He was affected by chronic illness during the last 4 years of his life. In 1937, he went into a comatose condition due to this prolonged suffering he was enduring. On August 7th in 1941, this great novelist, poet, musician, and painter passed away quietly in the same Jorasanko mansion in which he was brought up.

Conclusion 

Here is everything students should know about Rabindranath Tagore, his life, his works and his achievements in life.

FAQs on Rabindranath Tagore Biography

1. What are the Famous Books Written by Rabindranath Tagore?

We all know that Rabindranath Tagore took a keen liking to write from a young age. Although he was frequently seen skipping school, you could always find him scribbling something in his notebook. This paved the way for a great future novelist who even received the Nobel Prize for Literature. His works talked about nationalism, social evils, and the need for harmony between Indians. Gitanjali is RN Tagore’s most acclaimed work. It has received critical praise internationally and is loved by all literary aficionados. Here are some famous books are written by Rabindranath Tagore: 

The Home and the world

The Post Office

2. Why is Rabindranath Tagore so Famous?

Rabindranath Tagore is famous for the Nobel Prize Award for literature and he was the first Indian to achieve such huge respect and honour. He had many talents apart from writing great poems. It should be noted that RN Tagore’s popularity in English speaking nations grew in leaps and bounds after the publication of his book Gitanjali. Later in 1913, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature for this critically acclaimed book. Another huge factor contributing to Tagore’s growing popularity was the renunciation of his knighthood. He did not accept this honour conferred by the British crown on him in protest against the Jalianwala Bagh massacre. This great poet also toured extensively around Japan and the U.S., where he talked about the importance of nationalism. This helped him earn deep admiration and respect from foreigners all over the world.

3. Why Did Rabindranath Tagore Receive the Nobel Prize for Literature?

The Nobel Prize award was awarded to Rabindranath Tagore in the year 1913 because of his sensitive, impeccable, fresh, unique, and beautiful verse. He expressed his poetic thoughts in his own words that are mostly followed in the West. Rabindranath Tagore is considered responsible for the modernization of Bengali literature. He preserved the cultural heritage of this beautiful language all while breathing some new life into it. Gitanjali is a collection of song offerings that have been penned down by this legendary novelist and poet. It was this book that won him the revered Nobel Prize in Literature. In total, there were 157 poems in that book that touched upon various themes such as devotion, nationalism, worship, etc.

4. What was Tagore’s Stint as an Actor?

We all know that Rabindranath Tagore is famous for writing many dramas that have derived inspiration from Indian mythology and contemporary social issues facing society in those days. He began his drama career writing alongside his brother when he was only a young teenager. At 20 years of age, RN Tagore penned a drama named ‘Valmiki Pratibha’ and also played the lead role of the titular character in it. The drama was based on stories about the legendary dacoit named Valmiki. It is Valmiki who later changed his ways and wrote one of the two greatest Indian epics – Ramayana. This was Tagore’s short stint as an actor.

5. Did RN Tagore Receive a Formal Education?

Rabindranath Tagore’s family always wished that he became a barrister. They sent him to elite schools and universities, in the hopes that he would pursue a career in law. However, young Rabindranath always shied away from rote learning and spent most of his time scribbling down ideas in his notebook. RN Tagore was also enrolled in the University College in London but he dropped out without completing his formal education. However, his love for English, Irish, and Scottish literature soon helped him morph into the much revered and loved novelist he is known as today.

Rabindranath Tagore Biography: A Journey Through His Life and Legacy

Table of Contents

Rabindranath Tagore , also known as Gurudev, was a multifaceted Indian polymath renowned for his contributions to literature, music, art, and education. He was the first Asian to be awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his collection of poems titled “ Gitanjali ” (Song Offerings). Tagore’s literary legacy extends far beyond poetry; he authored novels, essays, and plays, leaving an indelible mark on Indian and global literature.

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Rabindranath Tagore was Born in Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1861, Tagore was not only a prolific writer but also a philosopher and educator who founded the prestigious Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan , emphasizing the value of holistic education. His works have been translated into numerous languages, including Hindi, making them accessible to a wide audience.

About Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore, also known as Gurudev , was a multifaceted genius whose contributions spanned literature, art, music, and social reform. Rabindranath Tagore Birthday is May 7, 1861, in Calcutta, British India (now Kolkata, India), he was the youngest of 13 children in the Tagore family. His impact on the world is immeasurable, and his legacy endures as an indelible part of India’s cultural heritage.

Facts about Rabindranath Tagore

• Literary Prodigy: Rabindranath Tagore was a prolific writer and poet. He wrote poetry, short stories, novels, essays, and plays. His most famous work, “Gitanjali” (Song Offerings), earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, making him the first non-European to receive this prestigious award.
• National Anthem: Tagore composed the national anthems of two countries – India’s “ Jana Gana Mana ” and Bangladesh’s “ Amar Shonar Bangla .”
• Educational Visionary: He founded Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan, emphasizing a holistic and progressive education system that celebrates creativity and individuality.
• Artistic Versatility: Tagore was not just a literary giant but also a painter and composer. His paintings and songs are celebrated for their aesthetic and emotional depth.
• Social Reformer: He was deeply involved in social and political issues, advocating for Indian independence and promoting harmony between different communities.

Few Lines about Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore, an iconic figure in Indian history, was a poet, philosopher, musician, and freedom fighter. His timeless literary works continue to inspire generations, transcending borders and languages. Tagore’s artistic creativity knew no bounds, and his contributions to literature and education remain unmatched. His legacy lives on through his words, music, and the enduring impact of his ideas.

About Rabindranath Tagore in Bengali (প্রবন্ধ রবীন্দ্রনাথ ঠাকুর)

রবীন্দ্রনাথ ঠাকুর, জানা গুড়েব, একজন বহুদিশের জন্ম সদস্য ছিলেন যার যোগদান সাহিত্য, শিল্প, সংগীত এবং সামাজিক সুধার বিভিন্ন ক্ষেত্রে ছড়িয়ে গিয়েছে। তিনি ১৮৬১ সালে, ব্রিটিশ ইণ্ডিয়ার কলকাতা (বর্তমান কলকাতা, ভারত) জন্মগ্রহণ করেন এবং তিনি ছিলেন তাগোর পরিবারের ১৩টি সন্তানের সবচেয়ে ছোট সদস্য।

তাগোরের জগতে অসীম প্রভাব ছিল, এবং তার প্রতি ভারতের সাংস্কৃতিক ঐতিহ্য হোক তা অমূল্য দান করেছে।

Rabindranath Tagore’s life and work continue to inspire people worldwide, and he is rightfully celebrated as one of the most remarkable individuals in modern Indian history. His literary masterpieces and artistic endeavors have left an indelible mark on the world, ensuring that his legacy remains alive for generations to come.

Rabindranath Tagore Jana Gana Mana

“ Jana Gana Mana ” is the national anthem of India, and it was composed by the renowned poet, philosopher, and polymath Rabindranath Tagore. This iconic composition holds a special place in the hearts of every Indian and serves as a symbol of unity and patriotism.

The story behind “Jana Gana Mana” is as poetic as the anthem itself. Rabindranath Tagore wrote the song in Bengali in 1911 during a period of great political and social change in India. It was first published in “ Tatwabodhini Patrika ” on December 11, 1911. The song was later set to music by Tagore himself.

Rabindranath Tagore Jana Gana Mana Lyrics

The lyrics of “Jana Gana Mana” are a reflection of the diversity and unity of India. It encompasses verses in Sanskritized Bengali and acknowledges the nation’s geographical and cultural diversity. The song pays tribute to the “Dispenser of India’s destiny” and prays for the well-being and prosperity of the nation and its people.

Rabindranath Tagore Jana Gana Mana Song

“Jana Gana Mana” was first sung on December 27, 1911, at the Calcutta Session of the Indian National Congress . It quickly gained popularity and was adopted as India’s national anthem on January 24, 1950, when the country became a republic.

The song transcends linguistic, cultural, and regional boundaries, serving as a unifying force for the diverse people of India. Its rich and profound lyrics, composed by Rabindranath Tagore, have a timeless appeal that continues to evoke feelings of patriotism and reverence for the nation.

In conclusion, “Jana Gana Mana” by Rabindranath Tagore is more than just a national anthem; it is a poetic masterpiece that encapsulates the essence of India’s unity in diversity and is a source of pride for every Indian.

Rabindranath Tagore Poems

Rabindranath Tagore , the renowned Indian poet, philosopher, and Nobel laureate, is celebrated for his profound and evocative poems that have left an indelible mark on world literature. Tagore composed his poems primarily in Bengali, but many have been translated into various languages, including English and Hindi. His poetry encompasses a wide range of themes, from nature and love to spirituality and the human condition.

• “Gitanjali” (Song Offerings): This collection of poems earned Tagore the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. It includes verses that reflect his spiritual quest, devotion, and deep connection to the divine.
• “Kabuliwala” (The Fruitseller from Kabul): This poignant poem explores the bond between a fruit seller from Kabul and a young girl, emphasizing the universality of human emotions.
• “ Where the Mind is Without Fear”: A patriotic and inspirational poem, it envisions an ideal world free from fear, prejudice, and narrow-mindedness.
• “The Gardener”: A collection of lyrical and romantic poems, “The Gardener” celebrates love, longing, and the beauty of nature.
• “Bhagavad Gita Anudharan” (The Song of God): Tagore’s poetic rendition of the Bhagavad Gita, a sacred Hindu scripture, captures the essence of Lord Krishna’s teachings to Arjuna.

Rabindranath Tagore Poems in Different Languages

• Rabindranath Tagore Poems in Bengali: Tagore’s original poems in Bengali are celebrated for their lyrical beauty and cultural significance. They are an integral part of Bengali literature.
• Rabindranath Tagore Poems in English: Tagore’s poems have been widely translated into English, allowing readers worldwide to appreciate his poetic genius. “Gitanjali” is one of the most famous collections available in English.
• Rabindranath Tagore Poems in Hindi: Many of Tagore’s poems have been translated into Hindi, making them accessible to Hindi-speaking audiences. His universal themes resonate deeply with readers in Hindi as well.

Rabindranath Tagore Famous Poems

Tagore’s famous poems, such as “Where the Mind is Without Fear” and “Gitanjali,” continue to inspire and uplift readers with their timeless messages of hope, love, and spirituality. His contributions to literature and poetry have earned him a permanent place in the literary pantheon, and his works remain cherished by people of diverse backgrounds around the world.

Rabindranath Tagore Quotes

Rabindranath Tagore, a renowned Indian polymath and Nobel laureate, is celebrated not only for his literary contributions but also for his profound philosophical insights and inspirational quotes. His wisdom transcends language barriers, as his quotes have been translated into various languages, including Bengali, English, and Hindi. Let’s delve into some of his most iconic quotes:

Rabindranath Tagore Quotes in English

• “Don’t limit a child to your own learning, for they were born in another time.”
• “The butterfly counts not months but moments and has time enough.”

Rabindranath Tagore’s quotes in English often revolve around the themes of education, time, and the value of individuality. They encourage us to broaden our perspectives and appreciate the unique qualities of every individual.

Rabindranath Tagore Quotes in Bengali

• “তোমাদের আমার আরেকটি চরণে যেতে হবে, সেটি দিয়ে আমি সুরক্ষিত আছি।”
• “একটি চুরাশি তাকে নিজের দেখা মুখে ফেলে দেয় না।”

Rabindranath Tagore’s quotes in Bengali often carry deep emotional and spiritual meanings. The first quote translates to “You must leave another footprint to reach me,” symbolizing the ever-evolving nature of the self. The second quote suggests the importance of humility.

Rabindranath Tagore Quotes in Hindi

• “अपने आप को जीने का तरीका एक ऐसी खोज है, जिसमें हमें खुद का पारिश्रमिक निष्कर्षण बनाना होता है।”
• “यह जीवन नहीं, सिर्फ एक विचार है, जिसे हमें जीते जाने की आजादी है।”

In Hindi, Rabindranath Tagore’s quotes emphasize self-discovery and the freedom to live life with purpose and introspection. His words resonate with readers across the world, irrespective of their native languages.

Rabindranath Tagore’s quotes continue to inspire generations, offering profound insights into life, love, education, and spirituality. They serve as timeless reminders of the wisdom of this literary giant and his enduring impact on literature and philosophy.

Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti

Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti is an annual celebration in India that commemorates the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, one of the nation’s most iconic figures. Born on May 7, 1861, Tagore was a prolific poet, philosopher, musician, playwright, and artist. His contributions to literature, art, and social reform left an indelible mark on Indian and global culture.

Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2021

In 2021, Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti marked the 160th birth anniversary of the Nobel laureate. Celebrations typically include special events at educational institutions, cultural programs, and discussions about his works and philosophy. Tagore’s timeless poems and songs, including the national anthems of both India and Bangladesh, continue to resonate with people of all generations.

Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2022

The following year, in 2022, the celebration continued, with various cultural organizations and educational institutions paying homage to Tagore’s multifaceted genius. His works, such as “Gitanjali” (Song Offerings), “Kabuliwala,” and “The Home and the World,” are studied and appreciated globally.

Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2023

Rabindranath Tagore Jayanti 2023 will mark the 162nd birth anniversary of this literary luminary. The celebrations will undoubtedly be grand, as Tagore’s influence remains as relevant today as it was during his lifetime. His thoughts on education, nationalism, and spirituality continue to inspire scholars and artists alike.

During Tagore Jayanti, it’s common to see performances of his songs and recitations of his poems. Schools and universities often organize competitions, seminars, and exhibitions to honor his legacy. People across India and beyond take this occasion to reflect on his profound contributions to literature, music, and philosophy.

Exploring the Visual Artistry of Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore’s multifaceted talents weren’t confined to just his literary prowess. He was also a skilled artist, and his creative expressions took various forms, including sketches, drawings, paintings, and photographs.

• Rabindranath Tagore Sketches: Tagore’s sketches and drawings capture his unique perspective and artistic vision. They provide a glimpse into his creativity beyond the realm of words.
• Rabindranath Tagore Paintings : Tagore’s paintings are revered for their beauty and symbolism. His art often reflected his philosophical and emotional depth, making his paintings an integral part of his artistic legacy.
• Rabindranath Tagore Photo: Photographs of Rabindranath Tagore offer a visual record of his life and times. These images provide a glimpse into his personal and public life, allowing us to connect with the man behind the words and brushstrokes.

Exploring Rabindranath Tagore’s artistic side through sketches, drawings, paintings, and images enriches our understanding of this iconic figure and the diverse ways in which he expressed his creativity.

Rabindranath Tagore Death

Rabindranath Tagore death date was August 7, 1941, marking a profound loss for the world of literature, art, and culture. Rabindranath Tagore death anniversary is observed annually as a day of remembrance and reflection on his incredible contributions to the world.

Tagore’s passing occurred at his family estate, Jorasanko Thakur Bari, in Kolkata, India, where he had spent most of his life. He was 80 years old at the time of his death.

Rabindranath Tagore is celebrated not only for his literary prowess but also for his multifaceted talents and his role in shaping the cultural and intellectual landscape of India and beyond. He was a prolific writer, penning poems, short stories, novels, and plays that explored themes of love, humanism, and the beauty of nature. His most famous work, “Gitanjali” (Song Offerings), earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, making him the first non-European to receive this prestigious honor.

Tagore was not only a literary giant but also a prominent thinker and educational reformer. He founded the Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan , which aimed to foster a holistic and culturally rich educational environment. His belief in the interconnectedness of arts, culture, and education continues to inspire generations.

Every year on the anniversary of his death, Rabindranath Tagore’s admirers and followers pay tribute to his enduring legacy through various cultural events, readings of his works, and discussions on his philosophy. His influence transcends borders, and his words continue to resonate with people worldwide, reminding us of the profound impact of his life and work.

FAQs on Rabindranath Tagore Biography

What was rabindranath tagore famous for.

Rabindranath Tagore was famous for his multifaceted talents, including being a poet, philosopher, composer, and playwright. He was also the first Asian to win a Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913 for his book of poems, 'Gitanjali' (Song Offerings)

Who was the love of Rabindranath Tagore?

Rabindranath Tagore's wife, Mrinalini Devi, was the love of his life. He had a deep and loving relationship with her.

What Rabindranath Tagore wrote?

Rabindranath Tagore wrote a vast body of work, including poetry, short stories, novels, essays, plays, and songs. His literary masterpiece is 'Gitanjali,' a collection of poems.

Why is Tagore the greatest?

Tagore is considered one of the greatest literary figures due to his profound contributions to literature, his artistic versatility, and his philosophical insights that continue to resonate with people around the world.

Who is the national poet of India?

Rabindranath Tagore is often referred to as the national poet of India.

What is the history of Rabindranath Tagore in English?

The history of Rabindranath Tagore in English includes his translation of many of his works into English, helping to introduce his literature to a global audience.

What was the early life of Rabindranath Tagore?

Rabindranath Tagore was born into a prominent Bengali family on May 7, 1861, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India.

who is rabindranath tagore?

Rabindranath Tagore was a multifaceted Indian polymath who is best known for his literary and artistic contributions.

when was rabindranath tagore born?

Rabindranath Tagore was born on May 7, 1861.

where the mind is without fear by rabindranath tagore?

'Where the mind is without fear' is a famous poem by Rabindranath Tagore that reflects his vision for a free and enlightened India.

where was rabindranath tagore born?

Rabindranath Tagore was born in Calcutta (Kolkata), India

when did rabindranath tagore died?

Rabindranath Tagore passed away on August 7, 1941.

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Rabindranath Tagore Biography: Birth, Family, Education, National Anthem, Nobel Prize, Notable Works and Death

The minister of state for education, subhas sarkar, made controversial comments about nobel laureate rabindranath tagore at a programme at visva bharti university on 18 august 2021. let us have a look at the controversial remarks made by the union minister and the life of rabindranath tagore. .

Union Minister Subhas Sarkar sparked a controversy with his remarks about Rabindranath Tagore's mother that she refused to cradle him in her arms because he was dark.  

While speaking at Visva Bharti University in West Bengal on 18 August 2021, the Union Minister said, "Tagore was dark compared to other members of his family. That is why his mother and others refused to take him in their laps."  

He went on to say, "There are two types of fair-skinned people. One that is very fair with a yellowish hue and those who are fair but with a reddish tinge. Kabiguru belonged to the second category,"

He concluded his remarks by saying that the same person won the world for India. 

About Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore was a poet, musician, polymath, Ayurveda-researcher and artist who recast music, Bengali literature and Indian art in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1913, Rabindranath Tagore was the first non-European to win Nobel Prize in Literature. Rabindranath Tagore was also referred to as 'the Bard of Bengal'.  Today is Rabindranath Tagore's 159th Jayanti or Birth Anniversary. 

Rabindranath Tagore: Birth, Early Life, Family and Education

Rabindranath Tagore was born as Robindronath Thakur on May 7, 1861, to Debendranath Tagore and Sarada Devi in Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India(present-day Kolkata, West Bengal, India). Tagore's mother Sarada Devi died when he was a child and his father  Debendranath Tagore travelled a lot. Therefore, Tagore was raised by servants. Dwijendranath, Rabindranath Tagore's oldest brother, was a philosopher and poet. Tagore's other brother Satyendranath was the first Indian to be appointed in the Indian Civil Service. His brother,  Jyotirindranath, was a musician, composer, and playwright while his sister Swarnakumari was a novelist. 

Rabindranath's brother Hemendranath taught him anatomy, geography and history, literature, mathematics, Sanskrit, and English. At the age of 11 after his Janeu, Tagore toured India with his father. Rabindranath Tagore visited his father's Santiniketan estate and stayed in Amritsar for a month before reaching the Himalayan hill station of Dalhousie where Tagore read biographies, studied history, astronomy, modern science, Sanskrit, and examined the classical poetry of 'Kalidasa'. Tagore was highly influenced by the Gurbani and Nanak Bani which were sung at Golden Temple, Amritsar. In 1882, Tagore made his debut with a short story in Bengali 'Bhikarini'. 

In 1878, Rabindra Nath Tagore enrolled himself at a public school in England because his father wanted him to be a barrister. Tagore read law at University College, London, but opted out again to study independently. He read  Shakespeare's plays Coriolanus, and Antony and Cleopatra and the Religio Medici of Thomas Browne which highly impressed him. 

Rabindranath Tagore: Death 

Rabindranath tagore: personal life and notable works.

In 1883, Tagore married Mrinalini Devi (who was 10 years old at that time) and the couple had 5 children (2 died in early childhood). In 1890, Tagore started managing his ancestral estates in Shelaidaha (present-day in Bangladesh) and his wife joined him in 1898 with their children. In 1890, Tagore released one of his best poems 'Manasi'. During 1891-1895, Tagore wrote more than half of the stories of 'Galpaguchchha'. 

In 1901, Rabindranath Tagore moved to Santiniketan where he found 'The Mandir' which was an experimental school having trees, gardens and a library. Tagore's wife and 2 children died at Santiniketan and Tagore lost his father in 1905. Tagore received monthly payments from Maharaja of Tripura (as part of his inheritance), sales of his family's jewellery, his seaside bungalow in Puri, and a derisory 2,000 rupees in book royalties. In 1901, Tagore published 'Naivedya' and in 1906, he published 'Kheya'. 

In 1913, Tagore won  Nobel Prize in Literature. King George V awarded Tagore with  1915 Birthday Honours which the later abandoned after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 and wrote a letter for the same to  Lord Chelmsford, the then British Viceroy of India. 

In 1919, Rabindranath Tagore was invited by Syed Abdul Majid (also known as Kaptan Miah) to visit Sylhet, where over 5000 people gathered. Syed Abdul Majid was the president and chairman of Anjuman-e-Islamia. 

In 1921, Tagore along with Leonard Elmhirst (agricultural economist), set up the 'Institute for Rural Reconstruction' which was later renamed 'Shriniketan' in Surul. Tagore started receiving donations from Indians and around the world to free the Indian villages from the shackles of helplessness and ignorance by strengthening their knowledge. In 1930, Tagore lectured against 'abnormal caste consciousness' and 'untouchability'. He campaigned against these issues, penned several poems and finally managed to open the doors of Guruvayoor Temple to Dalits. 

Rabindranath Tagore: Drama

Rabindranath tagore: songs, rabindranath tagore: artistic works.

Rabindranath Tagore at the age of sixty years started drawing and painting. After the encouragement by artists of France, Tagore's work made a debut appearance in Paris. It is said that Tagore was red-green colour blind and his artworks reflect strange colour schemes. In 1900, Tagore wrote to Jagadishchandra Bose about his drawings. Tagore withdrew from painting as he was using eraser more than the pencil and was dissatisfied with his artwork. Currently, Tagore's 102 works are listed by India's National Gallery of Modern Art lists in its collections. 

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Rabindranath Tagore Biography: Early Life, Education, Literary Work, Achievements & More

Rabindranath Tagore Biography along with all details like Rabindranath Tagore Family, Education, Birth and Death are all given here. Check out the complete Rabindranath Tagore Biography.

Rabindranath Tagore Biography is one of the most important topics for understanding the scenario and role of Indian Literary work in Indian Independence. Rabindranath Tagore, a Nobel laureate poet, writer, and philosopher from India, is renowned for his contributions to literature, music, and art. 

Tagore’s impact extends globally, shaping cultural understanding and inspiring generations with his profound insights and creativity. Rabindranath Tagore voiced nationalist sentiments through his writings, promoting Indian independence and cultural pride, contributing to the freedom movement’s intellectual and emotional landscape.

Let us have a look at the Rabindranath Tagore Biography along with other details related to Rabindranath Tagore Early Life, Education and Awards. The literary works of Rabindranath Tagore and his involvement in the Indian Freedom Struggle is also given.

Rabindranath Tagore Biography

Rabindranath Tagore was a popular figure in the Indian cultural renaissance. Rabindranath  Tagore was a polymath poet, philosopher , musician, writer, painter and educationist. Rabindranath Tagore was the first Asian to win the Nobel Prize in 1913 for his collection of poems, Gitanjali.

Rabindranath Tagore had introduced the fresh prose and verse styles along with colloquial language, liberating Bengali literature from the confines of classical Sanskrit norms. Rabindranath Tagore bridged the gap between Indian and Western cultures, enriching both sides through his contributions.

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Rabindrath Tagore Brief Overview

Rabindranath Tagore was called Gurudev, Kabiguru , and Biswakabi affectionately and his songs are popularly known as Rabindrasangeet. Rabindranath Tagore penned down the national anthems of India and Bangladesh – the Jana Gana Mana and the Amar Shonar Bangla respectively are from the Rabindrasangeet.

The table below contains the overview of life of Rabindrath Tagore from his birth to death, Family and other details:

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Rabindranath Tagore Biography: Early Life

Rabindranath Tagore, born on May 7, 1861, in Kolkata, India. He was born into a distinguished family in Kolkata (formerly Calcutta), West Bengal, India. 

• He was the youngest of thirteen children born to Debendranath Tagore and Sarada Devi. Debendranath Tagore was a prominent philosopher, religious leader, and reformer, while Sarada Devi was deeply engaged in cultural and social activities.

Rabindranath Tagore’s childhood and upbringing were greatly influenced by the cultural and literary environment of his family. He showed an early interest in literature, music, and art, and his talents were nurtured in a nurturing and intellectually stimulating household.

• By the age of sixteen, Tagore had already written his first collection of poems, “Kabi Kahini” (Tales of a Poet). This marked the beginning of his journey as a poet, and he soon began experimenting with various literary forms, infusing his work with his unique insights into human emotions and nature.

Rabindranath Tagore Biography: Early Education 

His early education began at home under the guidance of private tutors. He also attended various schools in Kolkata, where his unconventional approach to learning set him apart. Tagore was more interested in exploring his own interests and curiosities than adhering to traditional educational methods.

Rabindranath Tagore Family

.Rabindranath Tagore came from a distinguished and culturally rich family. His father, Debendranath Tagore, was a prominent philosopher and social reformer in Bengal, India. His mother was Sarada Devi. Rabindranath Tagore was the youngest of thirteen children.

1. Rabindranath Tagore Father – Debendranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore’s father was Debendranath Tagore. He was a prominent figure in the Bengali Renaissance and a leader of the Brahmo Samaj, a reformist Hindu movement. Debendranath Tagore was not only a philosopher and religious reformer but also a writer and composer of devotional songs. He played a significant role in shaping Rabindranath Tagore’s upbringing and education, fostering his creativity and intellectual development.

2. Rabindranath Tagore Mother – Sarada Devi

Rabindranath Tagore’s mother was Sarada Devi. She was a significant influence on Tagore’s life, particularly in his formative years. Sarada Devi was a devout and compassionate woman who played a crucial role in shaping her son’s values, spirituality, and worldview. Tagore had deep respect and admiration for his mother, and her teachings and affection profoundly impacted his literary and philosophical works.

3. Rabindranath Tagore Brothers

Rabindranath Tagore, the renowned poet, novelist, playwright, and composer, had several siblings. His brothers were significant figures in their own right, though their accomplishments might not be as widely recognized as Rabindranath’s.

• Dwijendranath Tagore: He was Rabindranath’s eldest brother, born in 1840. Dwijendranath was a philosopher, poet, and social worker. He was actively involved in social reforms and played a crucial role in the Brahmo Samaj movement, advocating for religious and social reforms in India.
• Satyendranath Tagore: Born in 1842, Satyendranath was another of Rabindranath’s older brothers. He was a distinguished civil servant in the Indian Civil Service under the British Raj. He was also a writer and the first Indian to join the Indian Civil Service (ICS).
• Jyotirindranath Tagore: Jyotirindranath was born in 1849 and was Rabindranath’s younger brother. He was a playwright, musician, painter, and theatre director. He collaborated closely with Rabindranath on various creative projects and was also involved in the Brahmo Samaj movement.

4. Rabindranath Tagore Wife – Mrinalini Devi

Rabindranath Tagore’s wife was Mrinalini Devi. They were married in 1883 when Tagore was just 22 years old. Mrinalini Devi was the daughter of Beni Madhab Sil, a wealthy landlord. Their marriage was arranged by Tagore’s father, Debendranath Tagore, who was a prominent figure in the Brahmo Samaj, a socio-religious reform movement in India.

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Rabindranath Tagore Biography Education at University College London

In 1878, Rabindranath traveled to London for studies. He began studying law at University College London but left before completing it. Instead, he delved into English Literature and explored the music of England, Ireland, and Scotland. Writing had been a passion for Rabindranath since childhood. His first poem, “Abhilash,” was written at the age of 13 and was published in Tattvabodhini magazine in 1874.

Rabindranath Tagore Biography: Return to India & Artistic Fusion in India

Following his time abroad, Rabindranath returned to India. It was during this period that he immersed himself in the essence of English, Irish, and Scottish literature and music. His exposure to these cultural facets significantly influenced his artistic development. It was also around this time that he entered into matrimony with Mrinalini Devi, who was merely ten years old at the time.

Rabindranath Tagore Biography: A Literary Journey Through Nature, Music, and Storytelling

Rabindranath Tagore’s educational journey was a blend of both conventional schooling and his own passionate pursuit of literature and the arts, ultimately shaping his unique and creative perspective that would go on to influence his remarkable contributions to the world of culture and literature. 

His relationship with nature also played a significant role in shaping his worldview and artistic expressions. Tagore’s close connection to the natural world is often reflected in his poetry, where he seamlessly weaved elements of nature with human emotions.

Rabindranath also wrote songs and the biggest admirer of his songs was Swami Vivekananda himself. His music was influenced by classical music, Carnatic music, Gurbani, and Irish music. He also started writing stories from a young age.

Rabindranath Tagore At Shantiniketan

Rabindranath Tagore’s association with Shantiniketan marked a significant chapter in his life. Shantiniketan, located in Birbhum district of West Bengal, India, became a hub of learning, creativity, and cultural exchange under his guidance.

In 1901, Tagore established an experimental school named “Patha Bhavana” in Shantiniketan, which later grew into Visva-Bharati University. His vision for education was unconventional, emphasizing a holistic approach that harmonized nature, arts, and intellectual pursuits. He aimed to break away from rote learning and cultivate a sense of free thought and creativity among students.

The open-air classrooms at Shantiniketan showcased Tagore’s belief in the symbiotic relationship between education and nature. Underneath the trees, students engaged in discussions, imbibing knowledge in a serene environment. The curriculum encompassed a fusion of Western and Indian educational philosophies, encouraging students to explore a wide spectrum of disciplines.

Tagore invited scholars, artists, and thinkers from around the world to Shantiniketan, fostering a global exchange of ideas and cultural influences. This unique approach enriched the educational experience, exposing students to diverse perspectives.

Integral to Shantiniketan was Tagore’s concept of “Gurudev” or the teacher-student relationship based on mutual respect and learning. He considered education a lifelong journey and envisioned Shantiniketan as a center for the cultivation of the mind, spirit, and character.

Tagore’s own contributions to literature, music, and art deeply influenced the atmosphere at Shantiniketan. His compositions, known as Rabindrasangeet, were taught and performed with zeal, echoing his belief in the power of art to connect individuals and communities.

Recently Santiniketan became the 41st UNESCO World Heritage Site in India and the third in West Bengal, after the Sundarbans National Park and the Darjeeling Mountain Railways. Last year, the state’s Durga Puja got space in “Intangible Cultural Heritage of humanity” under UNESCO .

Rabindranath Tagore: A Nobel Prize winner

Internationally, Gitanjali Tagore’s best-known collection of poetry, for which he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913. Tagore was the first non-European to receive a Nobel Prize in Literature and the second non-European to receive a Nobel Prize after Theodore Roosevelt.

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Rabindranath Tagore Literary works – Poetry, Prose, Novels, Plays, Short Stories, and Songs

Rabindranath Tagore’s literary works span a vast and diverse range of genres, including poetry, prose, fiction, drama, and songs. His creative output is celebrated for its profound philosophical insights, emotional depth, and innovative exploration of human experiences. Here are some of his notable literary contributions:

The table below contains the Genre wise list of notable literary contributions of Rabindranath Tagore:

Rabindranath Tagore Biography: From Literary Genius to Pioneering Painter

At the age of sixty, Rabindranath Tagore took up drawing and painting, showcasing his works in successful exhibitions across Europe after making his debut appearance in Paris, encouraged by artists he met in the south of France.

• Influenced by various styles, including scrimshaw from the Malanggan people of Papua New Guinea, Haida carvings from the Pacific Northwest, and woodcuts by the German Max Pechstein, Tagore demonstrated a diverse artistic approach.
• His keen artist’s eye extended to handwriting, evident in artistic and rhythmic leitmotifs adorning his manuscripts’ scribbles, cross-outs, and word layouts. Some of his lyrics even resonated synesthetically with specific paintings.

Despite his natural talent for writing, music, playwriting, and acting, painting proved elusive for Tagore. He expressed his desire to paint in letters and reminiscences, attempting to master the art.

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In a letter to Jagadish Chandra Bose in 1900, at nearly forty and already a celebrated writer, Tagore revealed his attempts at sketching, acknowledging that his pictures were not intended for prestigious salons in Paris. He humorously acknowledged using the eraser more than the pencil and, dissatisfied with the results, decided that becoming a painter was not his path.

The National Gallery of Modern Art in India houses 102 works by Tagore in its collections, reflecting his exploration of visual art alongside his literary and musical endeavors.

Rabindranath Tagore Biography Patriotism and Poetry

Rabindranath Tagore was very involved in politics and strongly supported Indian nationalists fighting against British rule. He created many patriotic songs to inspire people to fight for Indian independence.

His literary works were widely praised, even by Mahatma Gandhi . Rabindranath Tagore’s poems have been written in the spirit of freedom, independence, and patriotism. 

• When the British divided Bengal in 1905, he composed “Amar Shonar Bangla” which later became the national song of Bangladesh. The song “Ekla Chalo Re” written by him with the aim of continuing the struggle against injustice became very popular.

A significant moment in Tagore’s political journey was when he gave up his knighthood in protest against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, showing his deep dedication to Indian independence.

Besides being a famous writer, Tagore was also a patriotic Indian involved in literature, art, music, and politics. His various contributions have had a lasting impact on India’s culture and politics. “Jana Gana Mana” written by Rabindranath Tagore was played for the first time during the Congress session in Calcutta in 1911.

Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore was a fearless person who dedicated his entire life to achieving complete independence for united India before gaining freedom from the British.

He believed that true freedom depended on the proper education and self-sufficiency of the Indian people, and he devoted himself to this goal.

Rabindranath Tagore’s Vision of Nationalism

Rabindranath Tagore’s views on nationalism were complex and thought-provoking. While he was a fervent advocate for the cultural and spiritual upliftment of India, his approach to nationalism was distinct from the mainstream political notions of his time.

Tagore expressed concerns about the aggressive and narrow forms of nationalism that were emerging, both in India and around the world. 

• He believed that such nationalism could lead to divisions, conflicts, and a suppression of individual freedom. In his view, narrow nationalism often disregarded the broader human connections that transcended borders.
• “Nationalism in the West” and “Nationalism in India.” In these essays, Tagore criticized the negative aspects of nationalism while emphasizing the importance of promoting mutual understanding and preserving cultural diversity.

Tagore believed in a more inclusive and universalistic approach to nationalism. He envisioned a world where different cultures could coexist, enriching each other without succumbing to superiority or dominance. He emphasized the need for a harmonious relationship between nations, highlighting the dangers of fanaticism and aggressive patriotism.

His vision of nationalism was closely tied to humanism, emphasizing the value of human beings over the rigid lines of nationality. He cautioned against blind allegiance to the nation and stressed the importance of cultivating a sense of humanity and empathy.

Tagore’s stance on nationalism drew both praise and criticism. Some appreciated his holistic perspective, while others accused him of being detached from the pressing political struggles of the time. Regardless, his ideas remain relevant in the context of today’s global challenges, emphasizing the importance of unity, understanding, and a broader perspective beyond national boundaries.

In essence, Rabindranath Tagore’s approach to nationalism was characterized by a deep concern for humanity, cultural preservation, and the need to transcend narrow divisions for the betterment of society as a whole.

Tagore’s literary creations transcend boundaries and languages, resonating with people from various cultures and backgrounds. His ability to capture the essence of human emotions and his deep philosophical reflections continue to inspire and influence generations of readers and thinkers worldwide.

Rabindranath Tagore Awards

Rabindranath Tagore’s prolific contributions to literature, arts, and philosophy earned him numerous awards and honors throughout his life. Here is a list of some of the most notable awards won by Tagore:

These awards are just a glimpse of the recognition Rabindranath Tagore received for his exceptional literary and cultural achievements. His influence extended far beyond accolades, as his works continue to touch hearts and inspire minds worldwide.

Rabindranath Tagore Death

Rabindranath Tagore, the renowned Bengali polymath who reshaped Bengali literature and music as well as Indian art with Contextual Modernism in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, passed away on August 7, 1941. 

Tagore was not only a poet, novelist, playwright, and composer but also a philosopher and social reformer. His death marked the end of an era, but his legacy continues to inspire generations across the globe.

Rabindranath Tagore: A Multifaceted Legacy – Literature, Music, Education, and Global Impact

The legacy of Rabindranath Tagore is profound and enduring, spanning literature, music, art, education, and the broader realm of culture. His contributions have left an indelible mark on India and the world, shaping the course of thought, creativity, and social change. Here are some aspects of Tagore’s legacy:

His contributions to literature, arts, philosophy, and cultural exchange remain as vibrant and impactful as ever, ensuring that his influence lives on through his works and the institutions he founded, such as Visva-Bharati University in Shantiniketan. Tagore’s departure marked the end of a remarkable life, but his ideas and creations continue to illuminate the world.

The legacy of Rabindranath Tagore is profound and enduring, spanning literature, music, art, education, and the broader realm of culture. His contributions have left an indelible mark on India and the world, shaping the course of thought, creativity, and social change. 

The table below contains some aspects of Rabindranath Tagore’s legacy:

Top 10 Memorable Quotes by Rabindranath Tagore 

The table below contains Top 10 most memorable Quotes of Rabindranath Tagore:

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was rabindranath tagore, what are some of rabindranath tagore's famous works, when was rabindranath tagore born, what is rabindranath tagore known as, which day is rabindranath tagore jayanti, how old was tagore when he died, what are the rabindranath tagore famous poems.

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Debendranath Tagore – A Luminary of Enlightenment and Reform

Have you ever heard of Maharshi Debendranath  Tagore ? He was a prominent figure in the  Bengal Renaissance , a cultural and intellectual movement in the 19th century.  Debendranath Tagore  was a Bengali philosopher, writer, and  social reformer  who played a crucial role in shaping Indian society during his time. He was also a key member of the Brahmo Sabha and Tattwabodhini Sabha, which were instrumental in developing Brahmo Dharma and Brahma Samaj.

One of his most significant contributions as a Maharshi was  co-founding the Brahmo Samaj , which aimed to promote  monotheistic worship  and eradicate social evils like casteism and idol worship in Indian society. He also translated many important works into Bangla, making them accessible to a wider audience and spreading the teachings of Brahma.

Debendranath Tagore’s legacy as a Maharshi and his activism in the Brahmo Sabha and Brahma Samaj continue to influence modern-day India through his writings, religious reform, and cultural revival. His contributions have had far-reaching effects on Indian society, especially concerning Bengali translation.

Early life and family background of Debendranath Tagore:

Family lineage and ancestry of debendranath tagore.

Debendranath Tagore was born into a prominent Bengali family , the  Tagore family , known for their wealth, education, and cultural contributions to Indian society. His ancestors were  Brahmins  who migrated from Jessore (now in Bangladesh) to  Calcutta  in the late 18th century. Tagore was a follower of the Brahma Samaj, a religious movement founded by  Raja  Ram Mohan Roy that sought to reform Hinduism. He was also associated with the Sen family, who were prominent movement members.

Debendranath Tagore’s Mother and his Childhood Experiences and Education

Debendranath was born on May 15, 1817, in Calcutta. From an early age, Debendranath showed a keen interest in religious matters  and spirituality. As he grew older, he became involved with the Brahma movement, which sought to reform Indian society through the teachings of Hinduism. In addition to his spiritual pursuits, Debendranath was known for his Bengali translation contributions.

Debendranath’s parents were Prince Dwarkanath Tagore and Digambari Devi. Prince Dwarkanath Tagore, born on May 6, 1794, was a prominent entrepreneur, social reformer, and philanthropist of his time. He played a significant role in the Bengal Renaissance and was known for his progressive ideas. Dwarkanath Tagore was involved in various business ventures, including the opium trade, shipping, and banking. He also established the Jorasanko Tagore family estate, which became a hub of cultural and intellectual activities.

Digambari Devi, Debendranath’s mother, was the wife of Dwarkanath Tagore. Not much information is available about her, but she was a member of the Tagore family, which was renowned for its cultural and intellectual contributions. The Tagores were a prominent Bengali family known for their involvement in literature, art, and music.

Debendranath Tagore’s parents played a crucial role in shaping his early life and providing him with an environment conducive to intellectual and philosophical exploration. From an early age, Debendranath was exposed to the rich cultural and intellectual heritage of his family, which influenced his later pursuits as a preacher of the Brahma faith, philosopher, and social reformer.

He received his early education at home under private tutors, a common practice in Indian society. Later he went to  Hindu College  in Calcutta, where he studied Sanskrit literature and philosophy, highly valued subjects in Indian society. After completing his studies, he started practising law. Still, he soon gave it up to focus on religious pursuits, a respected choice in Indian society.

Influence of his father, Dwarkanath Tagore

Dwarkanath Tagore was a wealthy merchant who played an important role in the development of modern Bengal. He was a close friend of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, another prominent figure in Indian history.

Dwarkanath’s liberal views had a significant impact on Debendranath’s upbringing. He encouraged his son to be open-minded and tolerant towards all religions.

Debendranath inherited his father’s wealth but used it for philanthropic purposes rather than personal gain. He supported several social causes such as women’s education, abolition of child marriage, and widow remarriage.

Maharshi Debendranath Tagore and Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore, Debendranath’s penultimate son, was the most famous and talented member of the Tagore family. He was the first Asian to win a Nobel Prize and is best remembered for writing the national anthems of India and Bangladesh. Rabindranath also coined the title “Mahatma” for Indian nationalist leader Mahatma Gandhi. Debendranath Tagore’s youngest son, Budhendranath, died at a young age.

Maharshi Debendranath Tagore’s Children

Debendranath Tagore had a total of 14 children, one of whom was Rabindranath Tagore. Many of his children, including Rabindranath, made significant artistic and literary contributions to society.

Debendranath Tagore’s third son, Hemendranath Tagore, was a versatile individual with varied interests. He composed “Bromhosangeets” (devotional songs) and wrote articles on physical science. He was known for his physical strength and wrestling skills. Hemendranath also insisted on formal education for his daughters and trained them in music, arts, and European languages.

Debendranath Tagore’s contributions extended beyond his immediate family. He gave a new life and vigor to the Brahmo Samaj and played a significant role in shaping the theist movement. He opposed the Christian missionaries’ attempts at conversion and their criticism of Hinduism. He founded Shantiniketan, which later became famous through his son Rabindranath. Shantiniketan was a retreat in rural Bengal and served as an educational center.

Contributions to the  Brahmo Samaj movement :

Founding of the brahmo samaj with raja ram mohan roy.

Debendranath Tagore was a  religious reformer  and one of the founders of the Brahmo Samaj. 1828 Raja Ram Mohan Roy founded the Brahmo Sabha, later known as the Brahmo Samaj. Debendranath Tagore joined him in this endeavour and became his disciple. Together, they worked towards creating a society that would promote monotheism and reject idol worship.

Role in shaping the principles and beliefs of the Brahmo Samaj

Debendranath Tagore played a significant role in shaping the principles and beliefs of the Brahmo Samaj. He believed religion should be based on reason and not just  blind faith . He advocated for social reforms such as women’s education, abolition of the caste system, widow remarriage, and other progressive ideas considered radical at that time.

He emphasized self-realization through meditation, introspection, and individual effort rather than relying on external rituals or intermediaries like priests. His teachings influenced many people, including his son  Rabindranath Tagore , a Nobel laureate poet.

Advocacy for monotheism and  rejection of idol worship

One of  Debendranath Tagore’s most significant contributions  to the Brahmo Samaj was his advocacy for monotheism and rejection of idol worship. He believed only one God could not be confined to any particular form or image.

This idea was revolutionary at a time when Hinduism was dominated by polytheistic practices where multiple gods were worshipped through various idols representing them. Debendranath Tagore’s emphasis on monotheism challenged these traditional beliefs and paved the way for new religious thinking.

His teachings also inspired many charitable institutions, such as schools, hospitals, and orphanages, that the Brahmo Samaj established. These institutions served as a means of social upliftment for the marginalized sections of society.

Debendranath’s questioning of  Vedic infallibility :

Criticism towards blind faith in vedic texts.

The Tattvabodhini Sabha was founded by Debendranath Tagore who was also a staunch critic of blind faith in Vedic texts. He believed people should not blindly follow the Vedas without questioning their validity and relevance. Instead, he emphasized the importance of rationality and critical thinking .

Debendranath’s criticism of blind faith in the Vedas was based on his belief that humans wrote these texts and were subject to error. He argued that people should not accept everything written in the Vedas as absolute truth. Still, he should instead question it and arrive at their conclusions.

His belief influenced Debendranath’s approach to the Vedas in Maya or illusion. He believed that people often get caught up in illusions and fail to see things as they are. By questioning the validity of the Vedas, Debendranath aimed to help people see through these illusions and arrive at a deeper understanding of reality.

Emphasis on rationality and critical thinking

Debendranath believed that rationality and critical thinking were essential for spiritual growth. He encouraged people to use their intellects to understand spiritual concepts rather than relying solely on tradition or authority.

One way Debendranath promoted critical thinking was through his emphasis on individual interpretation over dogmatic adherence. He believed each person had a unique perspective on spirituality and should be respected.

Debendranath also emphasized the importance of reason in spiritual matters. He believed that reason could help people understand complex spiritual concepts more easily, leading to deeper insights into reality.

Promotion of individual interpretation over dogmatic adherence

Debendranath’s promotion of individual interpretation over dogmatic adherence was central to his philosophy. He believed each person had a unique perspective on spirituality and should be respected.

To promote individual interpretation, Debendranath encouraged people to read the Vedas for themselves and arrive at their conclusions. He believed this would help people develop a deeper understanding of spirituality and lead to greater spiritual growth.

Debendranath also encouraged people to share their interpretations with others. He believed that by sharing different perspectives, people could learn from each other and better understand reality.

Dissemination of Upanishads and Hindu Spiritual Aims

Translation work on upanishads.

Debendranath Tagore was a prominent  Hindu philosopher and religious leader  in the 19th century. His translation work on the Upanishads was one of his most significant contributions to Hindu spirituality. The Upanishads are ancient Hindu texts that discuss various philosophical concepts such as Brahman, Atman, and Moksha. Debendranath’s translations made these complex ideas more accessible to the masses.

His translations were literal and interpretive, allowing readers to understand the underlying spiritual messages conveyed by the texts. By translating these texts into Bengali, he made them more accessible to people who did not know Sanskrit, the language used for religious texts then.

Efforts to Spread Hindu Spirituality Beyond Caste Boundaries

Debendranath Tagore believed that spirituality should be accessible to all, regardless of caste or social status. He worked tirelessly to spread the teachings of Hinduism beyond traditional caste boundaries. He founded a college called “Brahmo Vidyalaya” to achieve this goal, where students from all castes could study together.

He also organized public lectures and discourses where he spoke about the importance of personal spiritual experience rather than ritualistic practices. His philosophy emphasized love, compassion, and service towards others as essential to true spirituality.

Focus on Personal Spiritual Experience Rather Than Ritualistic Practices

Debendranath Tagore’s teachings focused on experiencing God through meditation rather than ritualistic practices such as puja or yajna. He believed true spirituality could only be achieved through personal experience and introspection.

To promote this idea, he established a society called “Brahmo Samaj,” which aimed to create a community based on universal principles rather than rigid dogmas and rituals. This society encouraged its members to seek spiritual truth through personal experience and meditation.

Debendranath Tagore and Santiniketan

The establishment of santiniketan.

Debendranath Tagore established Santiniketan in 1863, which was originally called Bhubandanga, and was located in Bolpur, a small place in the mid-19th century. Santiniketan, which means “abode of peace,” was an ashram or spiritual retreat, where he taught his students about the principles of the Brahmo Samaj, a Hindu reform movement that emphasized the worship of one supreme God and the importance of education and social reform. The area was named Santiniketan because of the serenity it brought to Debendranath’s soul.

Debendranath Tagore bought the land that Santiniketan is located on from Bhuban Mohan Sinha, who was the talukdar of Raipur, Birbhum. The lease required an annual payment of a mere Rs. 5 and included two chhatim trees that bestowed an otherworldly ambiance upon the land. The chhatim trees were the reason why Debendranath Tagore chose this area, which was originally known as Bhubandanga, as the location for Santiniketan.

Santiniketan: A Center of Art, Culture, and Learning

Santiniketan grew into the Visva Bharati University in 1921, attracting some of the most creative minds in the country. Rabindranath Tagore envisioned an education that was deeply rooted in one’s immediate surroundings but connected to the cultures of the wider world. The university was established with the vision to unite eastern and western values. It has emerged as a center of culture where research and study of the religion, literature, history, science, and art of Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Islamic, Sikh, Christian, and other civilizations, including those in the west, are pursued.

The town located about 158 km northwest of Kolkata in Bengal’s rural hinterland has become a thriving center of art and culture and embodies Rabindranath Tagore’s vision of a place of learning that is unfettered by religious and regional barriers. Anyone, irrespective of caste and creed, can visit Santiniketan and spend time meditating on the one Supreme God. The town has also become a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Naming and Purpose of Santiniketan

In the 1860s, when Debendranath Tagore arrived in the Birbhum region, he was instantly captivated by the beauty of the land where two large chhatim trees offered gentle shade on the dry, red land. He took 20 acres of the land on permanent lease from its then-owner Bhuban Mohan Sinha, who was the talukdar of Raipur. Debendranath built a guest house and named it Santiniketan, or the “abode of peace”.

Santiniketan was established by Debendranath in 1863 as an ashram or spiritual retreat, where he taught his students about the principles of the Brahmo Samaj. The area was named Santiniketan because of the serenity it brought to Debendranath’s soul. Santiniketan grew into the Visva Bharati University in 1921, attracting some of the most creative minds in the country. The university was established with the vision to unite eastern and western values. Santiniketan has become a thriving center of art and culture and is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world.

Legacy of Debendranath Tagore

Debendranath Tagore’s contributions to Hindu spirituality were immense. His translation work on the Upanishads made these texts accessible to people who did not know Sanskrit, and his efforts to spread Hinduism beyond caste boundaries helped create a more inclusive society.

His focus on personal spiritual experience rather than ritualistic practices also significantly impacted how people approached their faith. Today, his legacy lives on through institutions such as “Visva-Bharati University,” founded by his son Rabindranath Tagore and continues to promote education and spirituality in India.

Literary Works and Philosophy of Debendranath Tagore:

Overview of literary works such as “brahma dharma.”.

Debendranath Tagore was a gifted writer, philosopher, and music composer. His literary works are widely recognized for their philosophical insights and spiritual teachings. One of his most notable literary works is “Brahma Dharma,” a collection of essays exploring the nature of God, the soul, and the universe.

In “Brahma Dharma,” Tagore presents a vision of spirituality that emphasizes self-realization through meditation. He argues that by turning inward and focusing on our own consciousness, we can discover our true nature as divine beings. This process of self-discovery leads to a deeper understanding of the world around us and our place in it.

Emphasis on self-realization through meditation

Tagore’s  philosophy centres around  universal love, compassion, and service. He believed that cultivating these qualities within ourselves could create a better world for all beings. To achieve this goal, he emphasized the importance of meditation to attain self-realization.

According to Tagore, meditation lets us quiet our minds and connect with our innermost selves. By doing so, we can gain insight into the nature of reality and develop a sense of unity with all things. This sense of unity inspires us to act with compassion towards others and work towards creating a more just society.

Philosophy centred around universal love, compassion, and service.

Tagore’s philosophy also emphasizes the importance of detachment from worldly affairs. He believed that by renouncing attachment to material possessions and desires, we could free ourselves from suffering and attain spiritual liberation.

However, Tagore did not advocate for complete withdrawal from society. Instead, he argued that we should engage in acts of service towards others as a way to express our love and compassion for all beings. By doing so, we can create a more harmonious and equitable world.

Autobiography of Maharshi Devendranath Tagore – Download

The Autobiography of Maharshi Devendranath Tagore is a book published by Macmillan and Co. in London. Maharshi Devendranath Tagore was a prominent figure in Indian history and the father of Rabindranath Tagore, the renowned poet and Nobel laureate.

The autobiography provides insights into the life and experiences of Maharshi Devendranath Tagore. It offers a glimpse into his personal journey, his thoughts, and his contributions to Indian society and culture. The book is considered a valuable resource for understanding the life and philosophy of one of the key figures in the Tagore family.

The Autobiography of Maharshi Devendranath Tagore is a significant literary work that sheds light on the social, cultural, and intellectual milieu of the time. It allows readers to explore the influences that shaped Maharshi Devendranath Tagore’s ideas and his role in various reform movements in 19th-century India.

The book is part of the rare book collection available on the Indian Culture website, which is an initiative by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. The platform aims to preserve and showcase cultural artifacts, including books, from repositories and institutions across India. It provides a digital space for people to discover and engage with India’s rich cultural heritage.

Source: https://indianculture.gov.in/rarebooks/autobiography-maharshi-devendranath-tagore-0

Thakur Bari – House of Tagores :

Historical significance as a cultural hub for bengali renaissance.

Thakur Bari, also known as the House of Tagores, is a significant cultural landmark in Jorasanko, Kolkata. It was the ancestral home of the Tagore family. It was built by  Prince Dwarkanath Tagore ,  Debendranath’s father , in the early 19th century. The house became a hub for Bengali Renaissance during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Many important figures of Bengal’s cultural renaissance were associated with this house. Rabindranath Tagore, Debendranath’s son and one of India’s greatest poets, was born here. Other prominent members of the family include Jyotirindranath Tagore (poet), Satyendranath Tagore (first Indian to join ICS),  Hemendranath Tagore  (painter), and  Abanindranath Tagore  (founder of Bengal School of Art).

The house witnessed numerous cultural events such as musical performances, poetry recitals,  debates on social issues  and literary discussions that shaped Bengali culture.

Description of Architecture, Art, Literature, Music etc.

Thakur Bari has an impressive architectural style blends traditional Bengali elements with European styles. The sprawling mansion has several courtyards adorned with fountains and gardens that add to its grandeur.

The interior is equally stunning, ornate chandeliers hanging from high ceilings and intricate woodwork adorning doors and windows. The walls are decorated with paintings by famous artists like Nandalal Bose and Abanindranath Tagore.

The house also houses a museum that displays various artefacts related to the lives of the Tagores. Visitors can see Rabindranath’s Nobel Prize medal and other personal belongings like his writing desk and manuscripts. The museum also has a collection of paintings and sculptures by members of the Tagore family.

Thakur Bari was a hub for literary and cultural activities and played an important role in promoting music. Rabindranath Tagore’s songs were often performed here, and it is said that he composed many of his famous works while sitting on the verandah of this house.

Current Status as a Museum Preserving Heritage

Today, Thakur Bari serves as a museum preserving the heritage of the Tagore family. The Rabindra Bharati University manages it and attracts visitors from all over India and abroad.

The museum provides an insight into the lives and works of one of India’s most prominent families. Visitors can explore the various rooms where family members lived, see their personal belongings, and learn about their contributions to literature, art, music, and society in general.

Conclusion – Debendranath Tagore’s Legacy and Impact on Indian Society:

Debendranath Tagore was a prominent figure in the Brahmo Samaj movement, known for his contributions to Hindu spiritual aims and questioning Vedic infallibility. His literary works and philosophy have left a lasting impact on Indian society.

Through his dissemination of the Upanishads, Debendranath sought to promote a more inclusive and tolerant form of Hinduism that emphasized personal experience over dogma. His Thakur Bari-House of Tagores was a hub for intellectual discourse and cultural exchange.

Today, Debendranath’s legacy lives on through the continued influence of the Brahmo Samaj movement and the ongoing exploration of Hindu spirituality. As we reflect on his life and work, we are reminded of the importance of open-mindedness, intellectual curiosity, and compassion in shaping our world.

Suppose you want to learn more about Debendranath Tagore or explore Hindu philosophy further. In that case, many resources are available online or at your local library. Take some time to dive deeper into these topics and discover what insights they may hold for you.

What is the Brahmo Samaj movement?

The Brahmo Samaj movement is a Hindu reform movement founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1828. It emphasizes monotheism, social reform, and individual freedom of thought.

What were Debendranath Tagore’s contributions to the Brahmo Samaj movement?

Debendranath Tagore was an influential leader within the Brahmo Samaj movement who helped shape its focus on spiritual inquiry and social reform. He also founded the Tattwabodhini Sabha to promote education among women.

What is Vedic infallibility?

Vedic infallibility refers to the belief that all knowledge contained within Vedic texts is inherently true and cannot be questioned. Debendranath Tagore challenged this belief, arguing that personal experience and inquiry were more important than blind acceptance of dogma.

What is the significance of Thakur Bari – House of Tagores?

Thakur Bari was a hub for intellectual discourse and cultural exchange during  Debendranath Tagore’s time . It was also the birthplace of Rabindranath Tagore, one of India’s most celebrated poets and writers.

How has Debendranath Tagore’s legacy influenced Indian society?

Debendranath Tagore’s emphasis on personal experience, intellectual curiosity, and compassion continue to shape Hindu spirituality today. His contributions to the Brahmo Samaj movement have also had a lasting impact on social reform in India.

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Sunday, 02 June 2024

Agenda - The Sunday magazine

• Cover Story

Buddhist influence on Tagore’s work

Gurudev drew heavily from Buddha’s teachings on non-violence and respect for all life, which resonate deeply in a world starved for peace, offering tranquillity

The relevance of Buddha’s teachings in the contemporary world is profound. His principles of non-violence and compassion offer a path toward greater harmony in a world often plagued by conflict. The Buddha’s teachings also emphasise respect for all forms of life and interdependence, principles crucial for addressing today’s environmental challenges. Embracing these values fosters sustainable practices and a deeper connection with nature. Ethical living, as outlined in the Buddha’s Eightfold Path, remains pertinent in personal, professional and societal contexts, promoting integrity and cooperation.

Practitioners of this philosophy such as the Vietnamese Zen Master Thich Nhat Hanh, alias Thay have advanced the principles of non-violence, compassion and mindfulness to promote global peace. Their “Engaged Buddhism” encourages integrating mindfulness into everyday life and social activism, advocating for peaceful conflict resolution and environmental care. His teachings on deep listening and loving speech, help bridge divides and heal communities. Similarly, the Tibetan spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama promotes interfaith dialogue, compassion and ethical responsibility, inspiring global movements for human rights and sustainability. These leaders illustrate how ancient Buddhist principles can address modern challenges, fostering a culture of peace and understanding worldwide.

Nobel Laureate Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore drew inspiration from Buddhism, which can be seen in his work. His vision of universal humanism aligns with the Buddha’s teachings of compassion and loving-kindness. Tagore’s works often reflect themes of inner peace and self-realization, akin to Buddhist concepts. His holistic approach to education also emphasised the development of the whole person and mirrored the Buddhist focus on the cultivation of wisdom.

Buddha’s teachings emphasise inclusivity, compassion and the inherent potential for enlightenment in everyone, regardless of social status. He rejected the caste system, asserting the importance of ethical behaviour over birthright. British Historian and author Karen Armstrong notes that Buddha challenged the social and religious norms of his time by not endorsing the caste system. Even Buddha’s monastic community, the ‘Sangha’, welcomed individuals from all backgrounds, promoting spiritual equality and inclusiveness.

In one of his plays “Chandalika,” Tagore articulates the notion of oneness through the character of Prakriti, a woman from the untouchable caste and Ananda, a revered Buddhist monk. Drawing inspiration from Buddhist scriptures, Tagore reimagines the narrative to explore the enduring struggle against societal divides, particularly the historical plight of untouchables in ancient India. Ananda’s humble acceptance of water from Prakriti poignantly rejects caste prejudice and acknowledges her intrinsic dignity. Despite Prakriti’s attempt to ensnare Ananda with a spell in a desperate bid for affection, his unwavering faith in Buddha’s teachings serves as a beacon of purity. Divine intervention ultimately frees Ananda from the enchantment, symbolising the triumph of spiritual integrity over worldly desires - which is one of the characteristics of meditation in Buddhism. Through Tagore’s lyrical prose, the story transcends its narrative framework, evolving into a profound meditation on the enduring power of love, redemption and the unity that connects all souls. This legacy, left by Buddha, urges his followers to break free from societal constraints, form a ‘Sangha,’ and become messengers of peace.

Further, Tagore uses Prakriti’s character elevating her to question societal norms restricting the freedom of women and thereby restoring her own identity. In his bid, Ananda’s compassionate attitude — a specific characteristic of the Buddhist philosophy — rekindles Prakriti’s sense of self-worth, asserting that all humans are fundamentally equal. The water she pours on Ananda’s hands symbolises her purity and love, as well as his boundless benevolence and humanity. Tagore explores the themes of spirituality and untouchability through the symbolic union (read elevation) of Prakriti through the medium of Ananda. This (union) represents the harmony between man and woman, purity and impurity and spirituality and passion. Tagore uses this synthesis to depict a balanced and civilised society.

Similarly, the Buddha emphasised the importance of compassion (karuna) and loving-kindness (metta) towards all beings, advocating for empathy and support within the community, especially towards those who are suffering or marginalised.

His First Noble Truth, addressing ‘dukkha’ (suffering), underscored the universal human experience of suffering, fostering a shared commitment to alleviating it for everyone. To this, Thich Nhat Hanh reflects, “Understanding suffering gives rise to compassion and from compassion, understanding deepens” (The Heart of the Buddha’s Teaching). Buddha’s teachings on right livelihood and ethical behaviour promoted social justice and fairness, contributing to a more inclusive and compassionate society.

In Buddhist philosophy, the ‘Middle Way’ focuses on avoiding extremes and finding balance, a principle reflected in Rabindranath Tagore’s works. For example, in his play “The King of the Dark Chamber,” (‘Raja’ in Bengali), Tagore explores the themes of light and darkness and ignorance and enlightenment, mirroring the Buddhist search for harmony. The main character’s journey to understand and accept both the light and dark aspects of life represents the Middle Way’s emphasis on balance.

(The writer is Programme Executive, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Samiti; views are personal)

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Why Rabindranath Tagore saw great potential in Canada

The nobel laureate was treated with great reverence when he visited british columbia in 1929..

On an April morning in 1929, a small welcoming party waited patiently at the harbour in Victoria, Canada, for Empress of Asia. The steamship was arriving from across the Pacific with an esteemed passenger who had been described by the Associated Press as “India’s sublime poet and philosopher” – Rabindranath Tagore.

“Arrayed in a long flowing robe of gray, the white haired poet, with his long beard, presented a picturesque figure as he surveyed the scene at the promenade deck of the liner,” the Associated Press said. “Sir Rabindranath had just concluded a long visit in the Far East in pursuit of both his studies and his teachings.”

Although the poet had been reluctant to come, Tagore’s brief visit endeared him to Canada, a country that was founded just seven decades earlier. “The Poet had been repeatedly invited to visit Canada by the National Council of Education of Vancouver, but had always declined to do for a variety of reasons,” scientist and statistician Prasanta Chandra Mahalanobis, who served as Tagore’s secretary, wrote in his book Rabindranath Tagore’s Visit to Canada and Japan . “This year however it was represented to him from certain influential quarters that he should accept the invitation for the sake of a better understanding between the peoples of India and Canada, and he finally agreed to do so.”

The poet set sail from Bombay in the last week of February, halting at Colombo, Penang, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Moji, Kobe and Yokohama. Along the way, he spoke to the media about education since he was travelling to Canada to attend the Triennial Conference of the National Council of Education.

“All my life I have devoted [myself] to the cause of education, and I do not see any factor which will lighten India’s load except the free and intensive dissemination of learning among the lower classes,” Tagore told the United Press correspondent in Shanghai. “In this programme I look to America and Canada for aid, since it is these countries that education has attained its highest form and the student class has the greatest freedom.”

Philosophy of leisure

The local media in Victoria took great interest in Tagore right from the moment of his arrival. For one, journalists were fascinated with the Nobel laureate’s physical appearance.

“In his long robe, with his beard and long curls falling upon his massive shoulders, he was an arresting figure,” The Gazette wrote. “His features with dark glowing eyes, aquiline nose and fine mouth appeared to be of great beauty and there was an air of calmness and utter detachment as he told Western Civilization what he thought of it.”

On the very day Tagore arrived in Victoria, he delivered his lecture titled “Philosophy of Leisure”. In it he spoke of Western materialism and how a disproportionate focus on accumulation of wealth and possessions would lead to intellectual and spiritual decline.

“The creative genius of man is every day losing its dignity,” Tagore said. “It accepts cheap payments from the multitude. It makes faces at things men hold sacred.”

The conference participants listened carefully as he continued with his strong critique. “In the present age, the larger part of our growth takes place, the larger part of our growth takes place on the outside, and our inner spirit has no time to accept it – we grow accustomed to a spiritual slovenliness,” Tagore said. “The mind chronically pursued by a frenzied haste develops a chronic dyspepsia. It comes to believe that reality is truly represented by nightmare.”

Tagore called on Western society to slow down. “It is evident that the modern age is riding on a tornado of rapidity, jealously competing with its own past, every moment in speed and production,” he said. “We cannot stop its course, and should not, even if we could. Our only anxiety with regard to it is that we may forget that slow and mature productions of treasure are of immense value to man, for these only, can give balance to a bloated atmosphere of infinity in a width of leisure across which come invisible measures of life and light, bringing their silent voices of creation.”

Life of difficulty

He said people should give more importance to leisure. “And we say time is money, while we forget to say that leisure is wealth, the wealth that is a creation of human spirit whose material may be money.”

He stressed that the use of leisure could not be standardised. “Some people must have physical recreation after their working hours to enable them to keep fit for the serious affairs of life. Others require some other form of diversion. Indeed, exercise in a bowling alley might be more useful to some people in their time of leisure than anything else. Even the motion picture comedy, by acting as a mental stimulant, might be more helpful to many superior natures than a peaceful contemplation of the moon and stars.”

Tagore touched upon how life was difficult for the masses in India. “Man must live before he can hope to live well. Countless millions in India find it difficult to live at all,” he said.

Since the poet was not in the best of health, he kept his engagements in British Columbia to a minimum. From Victoria he went to Vancouver, where he visited a gurdwara and met some members of the Indian community.

When members of the public found out that the Nobel laureate was going to give a speech in the city, a huge queue formed outside the Vancouver Theatre.

“Thousands sought to see and hear Tagore Monday night, but could not get admission,” the Vancouver Sun said on April 9, 1929. “They stood in long lines for hours outside the theatre, and even after he had commenced speaking, they waited before the theatre door reluctant to leave.”

Those who managed to get inside the theatre listened to the speech in awe and with admiration. “To the two thousand persons who crowded the Vancouver Theatre, the picture of a serene old man, in whose mind burn the unquenchable fires of genius, enunciating his credo, will outlive his words,” the Vancouver Sun added. “He carried his audience far beyond the outposts of every day thought, past the details of and immediate activities of life, into the realm of pure aesthetics.”

Harmony among races

Tagore liked whatever little he saw of Canada and was full of praise for the country. In his last address before leaving for the United States, he said, “Canada is too young to fall victim to the malady of disillusionment and scepticism and she must believe in the great ideals in the face of contradiction – for she has the great gift of youth; she has the direct consciousness of the stir of growth within her which should make her trust herself, which is the only sure way of trusting the world.”

He saw immense potential in Canada’s future. “Let her feel the scared dawn of her life, that the expectation of human destiny is upon her as upon other sister countries which have just entered into the cycle of their promise,” he said. “Canada will have to solve for the salvation of man the most difficult of all problems, the race problem, which has become insistent with the close contact of communities that had their isolation for centuries in their geographical and cultural exclusiveness.”

Acknowledging that the country possessed powers of character and material resources, Tagore said of Canada, “She will have to reconcile the efficiency of the machine with the creative genius of man, which must build its paradise of self expression, reconcile science with religion, individual right with social obligation that it must acknowledge.”

Close to a century after Rabindranath Tagore’s visit, Canada stands out as a country that makes an effort to solve the “race problem”. It is committed, at least in principle, to atone for the atrocities committed on its indigenous peoples. Leisure is taken seriously by it. Vancouver, which briefly hosted the great poet, has a Tagore Society, which actively promotes Indian art and culture.

Ajay Kamalakaran is a writer, primarily based in Mumbai. His Twitter handle is @ajaykamalakaran.

• Rabindranath Tagore

Celebrating Rabindranath Tagore's birth anniversary with his plays

O n the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore, his compositions were enacted upon in various at Tagore Theatre, Chandigarh on Monday. Kalibari Chandigarh staged plays on Tagore's compositions, like Pratham Kabita, Shyama, Kabuliwala, Bhikharini, in the form of musical stories, songs and creative dances, while the creations were painted on canvas too alongside the performances.

President of Kalibari Socio-Cultural, Religious and Charitable Organization, Chandigarh, Pranab Sen that Rabindranath Tagore was a world famous poet, litterateur, philosopher and visionary. He added, "Tagore breathed new life into Indian art and cultural consciousness through Bengali literature. The indelible impression of his writings still rules the hearts of all of us. Not only this, today's young generation is also fond of reading the books written by him. Therefore, it would not be an exaggeration to call him the litterateur of the century.”

Pratham Kabita was also staged as a part of celebrations by lead artist Amrita, while GS Dasgupta rendered its poetic narration. Amrita and Ananya gave the song presentation, while Parismita and Anirban created art pieces.

Tagore's iconic and classic play, Kabuliwala,a tale of transcendent human bond and universal parenthood, was staged by Shibasish and starred Piyush Nandy essaying the lead role of Kabuliwala and 7-year-old Aishni, respectively.

Bhikharin, a short story in Hindi, which is a heart-wrenching drama of universal motherhood was also staged and this classic play was directed by Sanjay Kashyap.

Shyama, another epic creation that tells a complex story of passion and crime, love and sacrifice, sin, forgiveness and vengeance, was directed by Amrita Ganguly and choreographed by Archita Palit.

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