Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore is the legendary Writer, author, playwright, Philosopher from India who redefined ways of living, functioning and thinking as a human. His works have continued to impact lives. He is the recipient of several Awards including the Nobel prize in literature.

Rabindranath Tagore Biography

EARLY LIFE 

He was born on 7 May 1861 in the Jorasanko Mansion. He was the Youngest of all his 13 Siblings. His Family played a part in the Bengal Renaissance. His Father hired Dhrupad musicians to stay and teach his children classical Music. His siblings were well known for their work in their respective fields. 

His elder sister swarnakumari was a novelist, Dwijendranath was a poet and philosopher, Satyendranath, the first indian to be appointed in the all european Indian Civil Services.Jyotiridranath’s wife Kadambari Devi was an intellectual and playmate of Tagore, who was just two years younger than her. She is the inspiration behind several of his literary and artworks. 
Her suicide left him Devasted for years.

EDUCATION AND MARRIAGE 

He received an unconventional education. He was taught at home by private tutors. He studied Sanskrit,Bengali, English,history and mathematics along with music, painting and nature study. 

In 1878, His father wished him to study law, so he was sent to England where he attended University college London, he was not interested and left without receiving the degree. However, he was fond of English literature and he loved the works of Shakespeare and Shelley. He was particularly interested in Romanticism which reflects in his own writings. 

Tagore firmly believed that closed classrooms and the way western cultures impart knowledge doesn’t allow freedom to persist. It briefly suppresses thoughts and imaginations. His views are what led to the formation of shantiniketan(1901). 

After coming back to India he did not pursue law. He focused on Literature, music and handling family estates. He began writing that reflected Indian and western thoughts. 
He took over the estate in Shilaidaha (now in Bangladesh). He was able to connect with nature which inspired much of his writing. 

In 1883, He married Mrinalini Devi (Bhabatarini) When he was twenty-two and She was nine years old. Her name was changed to Mrinalini by Rabindranath according to Customs. She was not made to do household chores, instead made to receive education at home by Private tutors. She studied Sanskrit, English and many other subjects. She grew up to be his companion. She translated parts of Mahabharata. 

CAREER 

He continued to write and became one of the well-known literary figures in Bengal. He criticised British Rule through his works and  advocated for universal humanism. After the Jallianwala Bagh incident (1919), he renounced his British Knighthood by writing a letter to the viceroy as a form of protest. 
He wrote where the mind is without fear as a symbol of Strength needed to receive freedom. He called Gandhi, Mahatma for his courage and aspirations to free India from British imperialism. He actively promoted education and self-reliance. 

He believed in Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (the world is one family) He travelled to Europe, America, Southeast Asia, Japan, China and the middle east to spread Indian philosophy. 
He met thinkers like Einstein,Yone Noguchi, Mussolini etc. In 1921, He founded visva bharati university as a global center for learning. 

In his later years, He supervised Visva bharti while writing several pieces. He even spent time painting later on, producing over 2,000 artworks. His later works reflect themes of passivity, despair and isolation as he suffered from personal losses. Tagore left the world on August 7, 1941 at the age of 80 in his house. 

WORKS 

His vision and literary talent awarded him several accolades such as The prestigious Nobel prize. He is the First Non-European and Asian person to win the award. 
There are numerous pieces that are worth reading and present thought-provoking ideas. 

Here are five works each in various categories:- 

Poetry

• Gitanjali (1910), a collection of poems, earned him the Nobel Prize. 
• Sonar Tori(1894)- poem on detachment and reflection
• Manasi(1890)- Poetic masterpiece combining romance, philosophy and nationalism 
• Balaka(1916)- celebrating speed. 
• Gitimalya(1914)-Devotional poems 

Novels

• Gora(1910)- Explores identity,  caste , and nationalism through the lens of an orthodox hindu man. 
• Ghare Baire (1916)- Love triangle story at the time of swadeshi Movement. 
• Choker Bali(1903)- Story of a young widow and her struggles in a society. 
• Shesher Kabita(1929)- modern love story through lyrical prose and poetry 
• Jogajog(1929)- Written on themes of marriage, gender roles and materialism in a wealthy family. 

Short Stories 

• Kabuliwala (1892)- A Heartwarming tale of A Pashtun Man and a little girl in Kolkata. 
• The Postmaster (1891)- A tragic story of human connection and abandonment. 
• Kshudita Pashan (1895)- Haunting tale of a palace and spirit Possession. 
• Atithi (1895)- A Boy refuses to settle down and continue societal norms 
• Samapti (1893)- A Rebellious Admires Love 

Plays

• Dak Ghar (1912)- A Terminally ill boy longing for freedom 
• Raktakarabi (1924)- Criticism on Greed and Exploitation
• Chitrangada (1892)- A Musical, Retelling of mahabharata on themes of love and self-identity 
• Valmiki-Pratibha (1881)- A Musical, Transformation from Dacoit to sage Valmiki 

Songs

• Amar Shonar Bangla(1905)- Dedicated to Bengal , Now National Anthem Of Bangladesh 
• Jana Gana Mana (1911)- National Anthem Of India
• Tumi Robe Nirobe(1910s)- Song on Invisible Companionship 
• Ekla Chalo Re(1905)- Motivational song to take steps alone when no one supports.