Rabindranath Tagore, the first non-European Nobel laureate in Literature, is arguably one of the most versatile and visionary writers India has ever produced. With his prodigious literary talents, he gave voice to the aspirations, dreams, and realities of a nation undergoing significant transformation. His later life, beginning roughly from the 1920s onward, was a period of introspection, deepened understanding, and matured creativity. This stage was marked by significant literary works, global travels, and an intensified engagement with the socio-political realities of India.
Later Life and Literary Works
1. Later Life: Encounters and Engagements
After winning the Nobel Prize in 1913 for his collection of poems “Gitanjali,” Tagore’s reputation as an international literary figure grew. This recognition paved the way for his multiple voyages across continents during the 1920s and 1930s, during which he interacted with other prominent thinkers, writers, and activists of his time, such as Einstein, Yeats, and Mussolini.
Despite the acclaim, Tagore grew increasingly disillusioned with nationalism, particularly after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919. This event, where British troops killed hundreds of unarmed civilians, deeply affected Tagore, leading him to renounce his knighthood in protest.
In his later years, he also faced personal tragedies, including the deaths of his children and close family members. Such experiences intensified his contemplation on life, death, and the nature of existence, which were starkly reflected in his works.
2. Literary Works: Exploring New Horizons
Tagore’s later literary output was vast and varied. This period saw him delving deeper into themes like spirituality, human relationships, and the inherent struggles of existence.
Poetry and Songs: While he continued to write poetry, his later poems often bore a tone of introspection and spirituality. They were an exploration of the self, the divine, and the universe. Collections like “Balaka” and “Purobi” are illustrative of this mature, philosophical phase.
Plays: His plays from this period, such as “Muktadhara” (The Waterfall) and “Raktakarabi” (Red Oleanders), are embedded with allegorical meanings and delve into the human psyche, the conflicts of industrialization, and the degradation of human values.
Prose: Tagore’s essays from his later years encapsulate his musings on varied subjects. Collections like “Sabhyatar Sankat” (The Crisis of Civilization) critique the tumultuous times he lived in, while “Visva Parichay” (Introduction to the World) reveals his interest in the world of science.
Paintings: Tagore’s later years were also marked by his engagement with visual arts. Taking to painting in his sixties, he produced thousands of works. His art, much like his literary output, is a blend of the modern and the traditional. It’s an exploration of his subconscious, his emotions, and his inner turmoils.
3. Tagore’s Vision of Education
Tagore’s later life also witnessed his intensified involvement in the realm of education. Distressed by the limitations of conventional education, he founded Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan, a unique institution that sought to blend Eastern and Western pedagogies. He aimed to create a space where the world could meet in one nest – “Yatra Visvam Bhavatyekanidam.”
4. Socio-Political Engagement
Tagore’s vision for India was deeply rooted in its rich cultural and spiritual heritage. However, he was a strong critic of blind nationalism and was vocal about the potential pitfalls of aggressive nationalism. He championed internationalism and emphasized the need for constructive dialogues among civilizations.
In his later years, he also expressed concern about the increasing communal tension in India. Through his writings, speeches, and personal engagements, he constantly advocated for unity and mutual respect among diverse religious and ethnic groups.
5. Legacy
The later life of Rabindranath Tagore was not just about literary creativity but also about a deeper engagement with the world at multiple levels. His thoughts, writings, and initiatives from this period have left an indelible mark on Indian and world literature, education, and socio-political thought.
He remained a beacon of hope, wisdom, and resilience until his last days. His passing on August 7, 1941, marked the end of an era, but the philosophies and literary masterpieces he left behind continue to inspire, educate, and resonate with millions across the globe.
In essence, Rabindranath Tagore’s later life was a confluence of profound literary creations, enriched by worldly encounters and deepened by personal experiences. Whether through the lyrical beauty of his poems, the depth of his essays, the universality of his plays, or the abstract nuances of his paintings, Tagore sought to explore and express the deepest yearnings and ponderings of the human heart.
His life’s work stands as a testament to his belief in the power of the human spirit, the interconnectedness of the world, and the boundless possibilities that lie in the confluence of diverse ideas, cultures, and civilizations. In today’s age of divisive narratives and shrinking global sensibilities, Rabindranath Tagore’s vision, especially from his later years, serves as a timely reminder of the importance of unity, understanding, and the shared human experience.