The Books by Rabindranath Tagore essentially show social consciousness. Rabindranath Tagore was a Renaissance man. An early advocate of the Independence of India, Tagore, in his novels raised a silent protest against the socio-political repression and suppression. Combining the traditional Indian culture with Western ideas, Rabindranath Tagore was the first to bring an element of psychological realism to his novels. Truly a modern man, Rabindranath Tagore, advocated for the freedom of women. The common homespun women of the aristocratic family were the important characters he dealt with. Tagore in his novels verbalized the women empowerment and his women have the verve of energy, which makes them come out from the uncomplicated family life and participate in the radical politics. In the contemporary patriarchal society, Rabindranath Tagore, deviates from the normal trend and etches out the women as the sole power.
Ideas of Rabindranath Tagore
Much of Tagore`s ideology, as is revealed in his writings comes from the teaching of the Upanishads and from his own beliefs that God can be found through personal purity and service to others. He stressed on the need for new world order based on translational values and ideas, the unity consciousness. Politically active in India, Tagore was a supporter of Mahatma Gandhi, but warned of the dangers of nationalistic thought. Unable to gain ideological support to his views, he retired into relative solitude. And during this solitude he travelled widely and produced a number of travel accounts, which are the treasures of the Indian Literature. A genius, Rabindranath Tagore is considered as one of the famous luminaries of Indian Literary World. Tagore"s books are one kind of assets. His works testimonies the Bengali culture tradition and social life of the contemporary.
Poetry by Rabindranath Tagore
Tagore`s poems are varied in style and subject matter. Tagore`s poetry became most innovative after his exposure to rural Bengal`s folk music including Baul ballads. During his Shilaidaha stay, his poetry took more to a lyrical quality. The "Africa", "Proshno", "Bhogno Hridoy", "Chhabi o Gan", "Camalia", etc., are examples of his important poems. Gitanjali is his most known collection, which won him the Nobel Prize for Literature. This collection replicates the true Indian Philosophy in all its glory. Gitanjali, an anthology of poem advocates the idea of serving the poor, and the destitute than to serve the God. Gitanjali is a part of the UNESCO Collection of Representative Works. Tagore is most popular for his poetry. Besides poetry he also wrote novels, stories, and non fictional books.
Novels of Rabindranath Tagore
Tagore wrote eight novels and four novellas. Among them `Gora` raises the question regarding Indian identity. This book is set amidst a political background. Gora is a social chronicle depicting the entire Bengali society in a harmonious way and at the same time raising a protest against the social taboos. "Rajarshi", "Chaturanga", "Shesher Kobita", "Char Odhay", "Noukadubi" and "The home and the World" (Ghare Baire) are also important novels of Tagore. Within the political background of pre independence, "Ghare baire" is a social drama depicting the extramarital relationship of the woman protagonist. In the novel "Jogajog", the woman is torn between her pity for the sinking fortunes of her progressive and compassionate elder brother and his foil: her exploitative, rakish and patriarchical husband. In "Chokher Bali", Tagore records 20th century Bengali society.
Plays by Rabindranath Tagore
Tagore wrote plays like "Chitra", "Dak Ghor", "Chitrangada", "Raja and Valmiki-Pratibha". "Chitra" is a famous one act play. His "The King of the dark Chamber" also known as "Raktakarobi" or "Red Oleanders" reverberates the very rhythm of unearthly and personal stimulation of the individual in their eternal quest for beauty.
Stories by Rabindranath Tagore
Tagore composed some beautiful stories which are worthy to read. "The Hungry Stones" is one of great importance. The winding alleyways of the human minds are the key theme of the poignant story - The Hungry Stones. `Kabuliwala" is another which depicts the friendship of a fruit seller from Kabul and little Mini irrespective of their age difference. Tagore`s "Galpaguchchha" remains constant as the most popular fictional work in Bengali literature. Its influence on Bengali art and culture cannot be overruled even to this day. Film director Satyajit Ray based his film "Charulata" on Tagore"s "Nastanirh" ("The Broken Nest"). The story has an autobiographical element within it, modelled to some extent on the wonderful relationship shared between Tagore and his sister-in-law, Kadambari Devi. Other stories of Tagore include "Atithi", "Strir Patra", "Haimanti", "Musalmanir Golpo", etc.
Non-fictional books of Rabindranath Tagore
Tagore wrote many non fictional books on a variety of subjects like Indian History, Linguistics, spirituality etc. His travelogues, essays, lectures and letters are complied in several volumes. He wrote Sadhana which includes the ideal way of spiritual upliftment. Among Tagore`s other notable non-fiction books are "Europe Jatrir Patro" and "Manusher Dhormo".
