Rabindranath Tagore was an Indian poet, novelist, playwright, essayist, composer, and philosopher born on 7 May 1861. Unfortunately, Tagore died at the age of 80 on 8 August 1941.
He was also the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, which he received in 1913 for his collection of poems, Gitanjali.
Tagore is considered one of the greatest poets in the history of Bengali literature and is known for his work on nationalism, social reform, and humanism.
His influence has been felt across the world, and his works have been translated into more than 50 languages. Read more about him in this article.
Quick Bio
Full Name | Rabindranath Tagore |
---|---|
Date of Birth | May 7, 1861 – August 8, 1941 |
Place of Birth | Calcutta, Bengal, India |
Nationality | Indian |
Occupation | Poet, Novelist, Writer, Reformist, and Philosopher |
Gender | Male |
Height | 5 feet 9 inches |
Weight | 150 pounds |
Relationship | Married to Mrinalini Devi (1883 – 1902) |
Language | Bengali |
Zodiac Sign | Taurus |
Early Life and Educational Background
Rabindranath Tagore was born on May 7, 1861, in Calcutta, India. He was the youngest of thirteen children born to Debendranath Tagore, a Brahmo Samaj leader, and Sarada Devi.
Tagore’s early life was steeped in culture and learning. He began writing poetry at the age of eight, and by the time he was a teenager, he was publishing his work under the pseudonym Bhanusimha.
Tagore’s formal education began at St. Xavier’s School in Calcutta. He was a bright student, but he did not enjoy the rigid and impersonal atmosphere of the school.
In 1878, at the age of seventeen, he was sent to England to study law at University College London. However, Tagore found the law to be dry and uninteresting, and he soon abandoned his studies.
Instead, Tagore spent his time in England exploring English literature and culture. He also began to learn about Western music and philosophy.
Tagore’s time in England was a formative period in his life, and it helped to shape his unique and cosmopolitan worldview.
His early works were influenced by a variety of sources, including classical Indian poetry, Western literature, and folk music.
Career
Rabindranath Tagore was a prolific and versatile writer, composing poetry, novels, short stories, plays, essays, travelogs, and songs. He was also a painter and social reformer.
Tagore’s career began in the late 1880s with the publication of his first collection of poems, Manasi (1890). He quickly established himself as one of the leading poets of his time, and his work was widely read and admired throughout India.
In the early 1900s, Tagore began to experiment with new forms of literature, including the novel and the short story. He also wrote several plays, including Chitrangada (1892) and Dakghar (1912).
In 1913, Tagore’s collection of poems Gitanjali was translated into English and published in the West. The book was a critical and commercial success, and Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature.
Tagore continued to write prolifically throughout his life. He wrote over 1000 songs, which are still popular in India today. He also wrote several novels, including Gora (1910) and Ghare-Baire (1916).
In addition to his literary work, Tagore was also a social reformer. He was a vocal critic of British colonialism and Indian social inequality.
He founded a school called Shantiniketan in 1901, which was dedicated to providing a holistic education to students from all backgrounds.
Read also: Wellers Gasamagera Biography: Wiki, Career, Personal Life, and Net Worth
Personal Life
In the 1880s, Rabindranath Tagore moved to India and got married to his spouse, Mrinalini Devi, in 1883. They had five children together, but two of them died in childhood.
Some years later, Tagore’s wife died in 1902, and he never remarried. Tagore was a deeply devoted father to his surviving children, and he wrote many poems and stories for them.
Tagore’s children with his wife, Mrinalini Devi, include Rathindranath, Shamindranath, Renuka Devi, Meera Devi, and Madhurilata Devi. The three who survived to adulthood were Rathindranath, Shamindranath, and Renuka Devi.
Rathindranath became a successful businessman, Shamindranath became a renowned painter, and Renuka Devi became a dancer and choreographer.
List of Works
Here are some of Tagore’s most famous works:
- Gitanjali (Song Offerings): A collection of poems that won Tagore the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.
- Chitrangada (Chitra): A play about a warrior princess who disguises herself as a man in order to fight in a battle.
- Gora (Fair-Faced): A novel about a young man who travels to India from England to learn about his Indian heritage.
- Ghare-Baire (Home and the World): A novel about a young woman who must choose between her traditional family and her new love.
- Rabindra Sangeet (Tagore Songs): A collection of Tagore’s songs that are still widely sung today.
Tagore’s work continues to inspire and challenge people around the world. He was a true visionary who dedicated his life to promoting peace, understanding, and compassion.
Read also: Mark Zahra biography, Career, Personal Life, Net Worth & More