Name: Nationalism
SKU: 58288734
Price: 47.22 NZD
Availability: InStock
Author: Rabindranath Tagore
ISBN: 9789357943444

Type

Physical Book

Author

Rabindranath Tagore

Publisher

V & S Publisher

Language

English

Pages

Format

Paperback

Dimensions

21.6x14x0.5 cm

Weight

0.11 kg.

ISBN13

9789357943444

Synopsis "Nationalism"

Nationalism is a collection of lectures delivered by Rabindranath Tagore in Japan, in 1916. This collection is divided into three essays: Nationalism in Japan, Nationalism in the West, and Nationalism in India. During the time when these lectures were delivered, the First World War was unfolding. Tagore's lectures critiquing nationalism led to a mixed response. The lectures critique the concepts of nation and nationalism that turn men and women away from their self-sacrificing and creative nature. Tagore cautions us against aggressive imperialistic tendencies of nationalism found in the West and Japan. He proposes an alternate definition of nationalism for India-one that is shaped through the works of medieval mystics, poets and spiritual figures, such as Guru Nanak, Sant Kabir Das, and Chaitanya Mahaprabhu. Tagore's thoughts on nation and nationalism bore a lasting influence on Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. Interestingly, Tagore criticized Gandhi's Non-cooperation Movement as narrow, and dangerous. In his infamous meeting with Gandhi in 1921, he focused on India's hospitality and the country's potential to contribute towards creating a more united world. These discussions helped Gandhi rework the meaning of nationalism. Tagore's ideas on diversity and inclusivity went on to help Nehru shape up his vision of India as a synthesis between tradition and modernity.

Rabindranath Tagore

(Author)

View Author's Page

Rabindranath Tagore (Calcutta, India, May 7, 1861 – Santiniketan, August 7, 1941) was a Bengali poet, philosopher, musician, novelist, playwright, and educator, considered one of the most influential literary figures of modern India and the world. Son of a cultured and prominent family, Tagore received an education rich in literature, art, and both Eastern and Western thought. He was the first non-European writer to win the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, for his work Gitanjali (“Song Offerings”), a collection of spiritual and philosophical poems.

Tagore wrote in Bengali and English, addressing themes such as love, spirituality, freedom, and cultural identity. His work spans over a thousand poems, novels, short stories, songs, and essays. He composed the lyrics for the national anthems of India (Jana Gana Mana) and Bangladesh (Amar Shonar Bangla), highlighting his cultural and political influence.

Additionally, he founded the Visva-Bharati school and university, with a humanist and universalist approach. Tagore traveled extensively, promoting intercultural dialogue and criticizing colonialism. His legacy combines art, pedagogy, and spirituality, and continues to inspire generations of readers and thinkers.

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