Rabindranath Tagore Biography
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| Rabindranath Tagore |
Rabindranath
is not merely an individual literary name in India. He is something one of a
tradition—a legend himself. No complement seems high enough to evaluate him as
a maker and master of a literary tradition.
Rabindranath
was born in a well reputed, aristocratic family of undivided Bengal on
7th May, 1861. He was bought up in an environment of affluence and
culture. He had, in fact, an easy-going living from his early childhood.
Of
course, Rabindranath had no formal university education and degree. He went, no
doubt, to England at the age of 17. He even joined the University of London for
the time being. He, however, left the University rather early and returned
home. He, thereafter, kept himself engaged in looking after his family estate
in East Bengal (present Bangladesh).
During
his stay in the rural side of Bengal, Rabindranath got ample time and scope to
cultivate his literary tastes and pursuits. That was the ground of his great
literary excellence.
In
fact, Rabindranath’s literary career had an early beginning. His lyrics, not
few in number, were the products of his early endeavour. His first collection
of lyrics, Manasi, was published in 1890. Two more collections of lyrics—Chitra
and Sonar Tari—followed. His most celebrated collection of lyrics was
Geetanjali. Published in 1909, it won for him the Noble Prize for Literature
in1913.
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| Rabindranath Tagore in 1913 |
But
Rabindranath was not simply a poet. His literary genius was versatile. He was
also a renowned novelist, dramatist and essayist. He has enriched Bengali
fictional literature with Gharey Bairey, Sesher Kabita, Gora, Chokher Bali,
Naukadubi. His Plays Bisarjan, Raja O Rani, Raktakarabi and Muktadhara are no
less outstanding works. His Galpa Guchchha, a collection of short stories, and
his collection of essays Creative Unity equally bear out his versatile literary
genius.
Rabindranath
was not merely a literary master. He was a great educator and social reformer.
He founded the famous centre of comprehensive learning-Visva Bharati-at
Santiniketan, Bolpur in 1901. He was a patriot and the national anthem of India
Jana Gana Mana was composed by him. He did not also hesitate to give up Knighthood,
conferred on him by the English rulers.
This
Poet of Poets passed away on August 7, 1941, at the ripe old age of 80.
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