Rabindranath Tagore
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| Rabindranath Tagore | |
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| Rabindranath Tagore in 1925 | |
| Birthday | 1 February 1861 |
| Birthplace | Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India |
| Date of Death | Template:Death date and age |
| Place of Death | Calcutta, Bengal Presidency, British India |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Occupation | Poet, writer, playwright, composer, philosopher, painter |
| Awards | Nobel Prize in Literature (1913) |
Rabindranath Tagore (Bengali: রবীন্দ্রনাথ ঠাকুর, Rabīndranāth Ṭhākur; 7 May 1861 – 7 August 1941) was an Indian poet, writer, playwright, composer, and philosopher. Known as the "Bard of Bengal," he reshaped Bengali literature and music in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. He was the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913 for his collection of poems, Gitanjali.[1]
Early Life and Education
Rabindranath Tagore was born on 7 May 1861 in Calcutta (now Kolkata), into the prominent Tagore family, known for their contributions to art and culture. He was the youngest of 13 children of Debendranath Tagore and Sarada Devi. Tagore was homeschooled and later sent to England in 1878 to study law, but he returned to India before completing his degree.[2]
Literary Career
Tagore's literary career began with poetry, and he published his first collection, Kabi Kahini, in 1878. His works encompassed poetry, novels, short stories, plays, and essays. His notable works include: - Gitanjali (Song Offerings): A collection of spiritual poems that won him the Nobel Prize.[3] - The Home and the World: A novel exploring the conflict between tradition and modernity. - Gora: A story addressing social and religious issues in colonial India.[4]
Tagore also wrote the national anthems of India (Jana Gana Mana) and Bangladesh (Amar Shonar Bangla).[5]
Contributions to Education
In 1921, Tagore founded Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan, aiming to blend Eastern and Western educational traditions. The institution remains a center for learning and the arts.[6]
Artistic and Musical Legacy
Tagore was also a painter and musician. He composed over 2,000 songs, collectively known as Rabindra Sangeet, blending classical Indian music with his poetic lyrics. His paintings, often abstract and modern, gained recognition in Europe and Asia.[7]
Philosophical and Political Views
Tagore was a critic of colonialism but also of nationalism, advocating for universal humanism. He had close relationships with leaders like Mahatma Gandhi but differed in their approaches to India's independence.[8]
Death and Legacy
Tagore passed away on 7 August 1941 in Calcutta. He left behind a vast body of work that continues to influence literature, music, and education worldwide. His birthday is celebrated annually in Bengal as Rabindra Jayanti.[9]
References
- ↑ Encyclopaedia Britannica: Rabindranath Tagore.Encyclopedia Britannica.
- ↑ History.com: Rabindranath Tagore
- ↑ Nobel Prize in Literature 1913: Rabindranath Tagore
- ↑ Goodreads: Rabindranath Tagore's Works
- ↑ India.gov: National Anthem
- ↑ Visva-Bharati University: History
- ↑ The Hindu: Rabindranath Tagore's Music
- ↑ Guardian: Rabindranath Tagore's Legacy
- ↑ BBC: Rabindranath Tagore's Legacy