HISTORY
Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941) was a Bengali poet, writer, composer, and painter who modernized Bengali literature. He introduced Indian culture to the West and won the 1913 Nobel Prize in Literature. Managing family estates in East Bengal, he connected with rural life, inspiring works like Manasi and Sonar Tari. His poetry, plays, and 2,000+ songs remain influential.
He renounced his knighthood in 1919 to protest the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre. A global advocate for Indian independence, he also wrote novels like Gora and Ghare-Baire and became a noted painter in his later years.
EARLY LIFE
Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941), born in Jorasanko, Kolkata. Raised in a culturally rich family, he avoided formal schooling, preferring self-learning. Influenced by Sikhism, he wrote several poems on Sikh figures. Tagore briefly studied in England but returned to Bengal, blending Western and Indian traditions in his works. In 1901, he founded Shantiniketan, later Visva-Bharati University. His Gitanjali (1912) won the 1913 Nobel Prize. He promoted rural development, popularized Baul songs, and his Galpaguchchha stories depicted rural Bengal.
INTERESTING FACTS
- Sobriquets: Known as Rabi (nickname), Bard of Bengal, Gurudev, Kobiguru, and Biswokobi.
- Young Prodigy: Began writing poetry at age 8, published first book at 16 under pseudonym Bhānusiṃha.
- Multifaceted Talent: Poet, writer, playwright, composer, philosopher, social reformer, and painter; composed over 2,000 songs (Rabindra Sangeet).
- Education in England: Briefly studied law at University College London but left to study literature; returned to India in 1880 without a degree.
- Three National Anthems: Wrote Jana Gana Mana (India), Amar Sonar Bangla (Bangladesh), and inspired Sri Lanka Matha (Sri Lanka).
- Shantiniketan: Expanded his father’s ashram into Visva-Bharati University using Nobel Prize money; introduced a unique education system.
- Renounced Knighthood: Knighted in 1915 but renounced it in 1919 to protest the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre.
- Tagore & Einstein: Met in 1930 for a famous debate on science and reality, with opposing views but mutual respect.
- Tagore Museums: 8 dedicated museums – 3 in India (Kolkata, Shantiniketan, Mungpoo) and 5 in Bangladesh.
ACHIEVEMENTS