Rabindranath Tagore Family Tree

Discover Rabindranath Tagore Family Tree, the celebrated Indian polymath. Learn about his parents, siblings, and spouse, and explore his achievements as a novelist, playwright, composer, Nobel laureate, and painter.

Rabindranath Tagore Family Tree

Rabindranath Tagore:

Born: May 6, 1861, in Calcutta (Kolkata), India

Deceased: August 7, 1941, in Calcutta (Kolkata), India, aged 80 years old

Professions: Novelist, Playwright, Composer, Nobel Prize in Literature (1913), Painter

Parents:

Devendranath Tagore (1817-1905)

Sarada Devi (1821-1875)

Spouse:

Married on December 9, 1883, to Mrinalini Devi Raichaudhuri (c. 1873-1902) (see note)

Siblings:

- Dwijendranath Tagore (1840-1926)

- Ganendranath Tagore (1841-1869)

- Satyendranath Tagore (1842-1923)

- Hemendranath Tagore (1844-1884)

- Birendra Tagore (1845-1915)

- Saudamini Tagore (1847-1920)

- Jyotirindranath Tagore (1849-1925)

- Sukumari Tagore (1850-?)

- Punyendra Tagore (1851-1887)

- Saratkumari Tagore (1854-1920)

- Barnakumari Tagore (1858-1922)

- Somendra Tagore (1858-1948)

- Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941)

- Budhendra Tagore (1863-1964)

- Gaganendranath Tagore (1867-1938)

Half-siblings (on the side of Devendranath Tagore):

 Source is not available.

Hope that this list will help you know about Rabindranath Tagore Family Tree in brief.  0 0 0

FAQs on Rabindranath Tagore Family Tree

1. Who were Rabindranath Tagore's parents?

Rabindranath Tagore's parents were Devendranath Tagore (1817-1905) and Sarada Devi (1821-1875).

2. How many siblings did Rabindranath Tagore have?

Rabindranath Tagore had fourteen siblings, including both full and half-siblings.

3. Can you list Rabindranath Tagore's full siblings?

Yes, Rabindranath Tagore's full siblings were:

Dwijendranath Tagore (1840-1926)

Ganendranath Tagore (1841-1869)

Satyendranath Tagore (1842-1923)

Hemendranath Tagore (1844-1884)

Birendra Tagore (1845-1915)

Saudamini Tagore (1847-1920)

Jyotirindranath Tagore (1849-1925)

Sukumari Tagore (1850-?)

Punyendra Tagore (1851-1887)

Saratkumari Tagore (1854-1920)

Barnakumari Tagore (1858-1922)

Somendra Tagore (1858-1948)

 Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941)

Budhendra Tagore (1863-1964)

Gaganendranath Tagore (1867-1938)

4. Who was Rabindranath Tagore married to?

Rabindranath Tagore was married to Mrinalini Devi Raichaudhuri on December 9, 1883.

5. Did Rabindranath Tagore have any half-siblings?

Devendranath Tagore. However, specific information about them is not provided.

6. What were the professions of Rabindranath Tagore?

Rabindranath Tagore was a novelist, playwright, composer, painter, and the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.

7. When and where was Rabindranath Tagore born and deceased?

Rabindranath Tagore was born on May 6, 1861, and passed away on August 7, 1941, both in Calcutta (Kolkata), India. 0 0 0

Life of Rabindranath Tagore:  Mystery Revealed

Introduction:

Rabindranath Tagore is best known as a novelist, playwright, composer, and Nobel laureate in literature (1913). However, towards the end of his life, he also emerged as a remarkably talented painter. His eclectic and prolific body of work, especially his paintings, form a vital artistic link between India and the rest of the world. Through his literature, theatrical and musical creations, and paintings inspired by a profound humanistic current, Tagore communicates with the world and continues to inspire contemporary Indian artists.

Everywhere we observe the play of life and death, the transformation of the old into the new. Each morning brings a day that appears fresh and new, like a blossoming flower, yet we know it is ancient; it is Time itself. This same ancient day embraced our newborn globe, cloaking it in light, and set it on its grand journey among the stars. Despite its age, it shows no weariness or fatigue. It carries the golden amulet of eternity, which knows no aging, and its touch erases all wrinkles from the face of nature. Our world harbors the immortal youth at its core.

Rabindranath Tagore: Birth and Parents

Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) was a poet, prose writer, composer, painter, essayist, philosopher, educationist, and social reformer. He gained global fame primarily as a poet and was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, becoming the first Asian writer to receive this honor.

Tagore's achievements as a writer can only be fully appreciated in the context of his entire life, as his philosophy and poetics evolved through different phases. His relentless study and experimentation allowed him to master the transformations in world literature, culture, civilization, philosophy, and knowledge over time. Consequently, his art's content and form continuously evolved.

This evolution is evident in his countless poems, songs, short stories, novels, essays, plays, musical dramas, dance dramas, travel narratives, letters, and numerous speeches delivered at home and abroad. Despite his openness to external influences, Rabindranath's philosophy of life was grounded in his ideas. His creativity flowed into ever-new channels, making him a poet for all ages. His genius was truly transcendent, and his arrival in Bengali literature marked a new era.

Born on May 7, 1861, into the affluent and culturally rich Tagore family of Jorasanko, Kolkata, Rabindranath's grandfather was Prince Dwarkanath Tagore, and his father was Maharshi Debendranath Tagore. The family's wealth and landholdings grew significantly due to Dwarkanath's efforts. Immersed in Western learning and culture, the Tagore family played a major role in the Bengal Renaissance and the religious and social reform movements of the nineteenth century. Raja Rammohun Roy, a leading reformer and monotheist, was a close friend of Dwarkanath and profoundly influenced the Tagore family.

Rabindranath Tagore: About His Father and Grandfather

Debendranath Tagore, Rabindranath's father, was a key figure in the awakening of the Bengalis. He studied at Kolkata's Hindu College and devoted himself to cultivating a spiritual life. His study of European and Indian philosophy led him to the Upanishads, providing him inner strength and peace. This spiritual pursuit profoundly influenced Rabindranath, who saw his father as a role model.

Rabindranath's grandfather, Dwarkanath, was legendary for his wealth and lavish lifestyle. However, an economic depression in the 1840s caused significant financial losses. When Dwarkanath died in 1846, he left a heavy debt burden on Debendranath, who managed to repay it through financial austerity. Debendranath's honesty, spirituality, saintliness, and liberal refinement influenced Rabindranath's taste in life and literature.

Rabindranath grew up in an atmosphere where literature, culture, liberal thinking, and progressive ideas flourished. The family's nationalistic zeal and the many transformations in the country shaped Rabindranath's consciousness. Debendranath's educational philosophy and cultural reforms left a lasting impact on Rabindranath, who built a study center for Brahmos at Santiniketan, which later became Visva-Bharati.

Rabindranath Tagore: Siblings

Rabindranath was the youngest of Debendranath's fourteen children. His oldest brother, Dwijendranath, was a philosopher and poet, while his other brothers, Satyendranath and Jyotirindranath, were notable in their respective fields. The Tagore family home was a hub of musical, literary, and theatrical activities, and they maintained close links with the outside world. Rabindranath's boyhood experiences, recorded in his memoirs "Jivansmrti" ("My Reminiscences"), reflect the rich and imaginative atmosphere of his upbringing.

Rabindranath's formal education began in Kolkata's Oriental Seminary, followed by Normal School and St. Xavier's School, though he was irregular as a student. A significant event was his trip to the Himalayas with his father in 1873, where he became intimate with his father's unique personality and love for nature and creation.

Upon returning from the Himalayas, Rabindranath's education and study of literature became free of institutional bounds. He had tutors for various subjects and continued to pursue literature. His first poem was published in 1874, and he gained early fame through his literary works. Despite his disdain for established educational methods, his stay in England in 1878 stimulated his creative interests, leading to the composition of the musical drama "Valmiki Pratibha" in 1881.

Literary Outputs

From this period, Rabindranath focused on composing poems and songs, publishing works such as "Sandhya Sangit" (1882) and "Prabhat Sangit" (1883). His creativity and literary contributions marked a new era in Bengali literature, and his influence continues to inspire artists and thinkers worldwide.

At this time, a remarkable event occurred in the poet's life, which he vividly described in his autobiography. He was staying with his brother Jyotirindranath in a house on Sudder Street in Kolkata. One evening, as the sun was rising, he suddenly felt an awakening within him. This experience made him feel as if the world, nature, and humanity were all flooded with a universal wave of joy. His celebrated poem, "Nirjharer Svapnabhanga" (The Fountain's Awakening), captures this mystical moment. The poem, in its English version, begins:

''O, how did the sun's ray

Into my heart find its way?

This dawn, how could birdsong pierce my heart's dark den?

After all this time, why does the heart suddenly stir again?''

Suddenly, Rabindranath was able to leave the hermetic world he had created in his imagination and take his place among humanity. From this point on, his creativity began to have a major impact on the literary scene. In quick succession, he wrote "Chhabi O Gan" (1884), "Prakrtir Pratishodh" (1884), "Kadi O Komal" (1886), "Mayar Khela" (1888), and "Manasi" (1890). In addition to these books of verse, he published prose essays, critical pieces, fiction, and more. This was also the time when he published his first two novels, "Bouthakoranir Hat" (1883) and "Rajarshi" (1887).

On December 9, 1883, Rabindranath married Mrinalini Devi Raichaudhuri, daughter of Khulna's Benimadhav Raichaudhuri. The couple eventually had two sons and three daughters. Soon after his marriage, Rabindranath was tasked with managing some of his father's extensive landholdings. He also served as the secretary of the original Brahma Samaj, founded by his father. At this time, the Brahmo Samaj was experiencing uncertainty and internal strife. Rabindranath diligently fulfilled his duties in overseeing the religious movement.

Another chapter of Rabindranath's life began subsequently. In September 1890, he left for England for the second time with his brother Satyendranath for a month. Upon his return in October, he was directed by his father to take charge of some of the family estates. This brought him closer to the life of ordinary people and allowed him to observe the lives of the poor up close. The poet now descended from the world of imagination to the real world.

This period resulted in the collection of short fiction titled "Galpaguchchha," considered a treasure of Bangla literature. The brilliant letters he wrote to his niece Indira Devi, inspired by the beauty of North and East Bengal, were subsequently published as "Chhinnapatra" and "Chinnapatrabali" (1912). During this stage of his life, Rabindranath traveled extensively throughout Bangladesh, managing his father's estates in places such as Gazipur, Shahzadpur, Patisar, Kaligram, and Shelidah. The people and landscape of Shelidah, in particular, are closely linked to the poetry he wrote then. While traveling by boat on the Padma River, he closely observed the river, its sandbanks, flora and fauna, sunrises and sunsets, and the poverty and simplicity of the people living by the banks. All of these observations found their way into his fiction and verse.

Some critics categorize Rabindranath's work of this period as compositions of his Sadhana phase, named after the periodical "Sadhana," edited by Dwijendranath's son Sudhindranath, where many of these works appeared. They represent some of his finest works. He contributed many fine poems and stories to the periodical while expressing his views on education and politics in forthright essays. In one such essay, "Shiksar Herpher" (1892), he proposed that Bangla be made the language of education and emphasized the pursuit of developmental activities. His prose pieces focused on knowledge of one's country, society, and culture; self-improvement through humanistic principles; self-reliance; and independence from colonial rulers. His essays reflected his thoughts on Bengali society, India's heritage, spirituality, and the pursuit of truth and unity. Among his publications of this period are "Sonar Tari" (1894), "Chitra" (1896), "Kalpana" (1900), "Ksanika" (1900), and "Katha O Kahini" (1900). These works reflect his grasp of reality, his ideal of beauty, and his ideas about ancient and contemporary India, as well as examples of self-abdication in society and recent history.

Though Rabindranath was never actively involved in politics, he never detached himself from current events either. His attitude towards nationalism was unique. He inaugurated the meeting of the Congress party in Kolkata in 1896 by singing "Bande Mataram" to his own tune. He composed his celebrated piece "Shivaji's Utsav" at this time, inspired by the Shivaji Festival introduced by Maharashtra's Balgangadhar Tilak. In many articles for "Sadhana," "Bangadarshan," and "Bharati," he commented on the contemporary political situation. During the movement against the partition of Bengal in 1905, he fiercely opposed the division. In an essay published in "Bangadarshan," he expressed his views forcefully. He also composed a famous song celebrating Bengal's unity: "Let Bengal's soil, water, air, and fruits be One and blessed, O Lord."

This period saw Rabindranath Tagore compose many well-known patriotic songs, two of which were chosen as the national anthems of Bangladesh and India. In his famous essay "Swadeshi Samaj" (Bhadra 1311/1904), he outlined a program for making the country and its people self-reliant, discussing rural reconstruction, mass education, cooperative movements, and social welfare. The rural reconstruction projects he later undertook had their roots in his time at Shelidah. He introduced innovative projects in education, health, water supply, road construction, and financial schemes to free peasants from loans. Although he supported the movement for self-rule, he never endorsed extreme nationalism or terrorism.

In 1901, Rabindranath left Shelidah and settled in Santiniketan, where Debendranath had established a temple in 1892. He founded a school there, which later became Visva-Bharati, starting with five students, including his son Rathindranath. Rabindranath's wife Mrinalini cared for the students' welfare. Life in the Santiniketan School was modeled on ancient Indian forest hermitages, fostering a close relationship between teacher and students. Assisting Rabindranath was Roman Catholic Vedantist priest Brahmobandhav Upadhyay, who first called Rabindranath "Visva Kavi" (world-poet).

Rabindranath was always dissatisfied with traditional education. He envisioned a system integrating spiritual and practical life, leading to the establishment of Santiniketan School. His goal was to create an ideal institution, and Visva-Bharati aimed to express India's openness to the world, encourage the study of India's past, stimulate curiosity about international cultures, and develop love for humanity. Established during the Swadeshi era, Visva-Bharati became a bridge to the world after World War I.

Throughout his life, Rabindranath faced personal and domestic setbacks. His wife Mrinalini Devi died in 1902, followed by his daughter Renuka, father Debendranath in 1905, and youngest son Samindranath in 1907. These losses left him grief-stricken, but he continued to run the ashram and pursued his literary activities. Despite financial crises, he remained driven by an inner force, ensuring his work's pace never slackened.

Shantiniketan

Rabindranath's stay in Santiniketan profoundly influenced his works. The volume "Naivedya" (1901) and his prose essays of the period reflect his devotion to spiritual life based on ancient Indian beliefs. In novels like "Chokher Bali" (1309 BS), "Naukadubi" (1313 BS), and "Gora" (1316 BS), he explored life’s realities, human psychology, and India's issues. A significant shift in his worldview occurred, transcending narrow nationalism and embracing a vision of timeless India. This is evident in his poem "Bharat Tirtha": "O my heart, arise fulfilled and land at India's shore of humanity." His works from this time, including "Kheya" (1906), "Gitanjali" (1910), "Raja" (1910), and "Dakghar" (1912), reflect his philosophy integrating sorrow and death into life.

Rabindranath’s songs are among his most outstanding contributions, blending Western and Eastern influences with his exquisite lyrics, creating a unique musical form known as Rabindra Sangeet. His songs became immensely popular and timeless.

In 1911, the Vangiya Sahitya Parishad celebrated Rabindranath’s fiftieth birthday, honoring him before he received the Nobel Prize. The Tagore home in Jorasanko was a hub of literary and artistic activity, attracting cultivated people from around the world, such as art critic Ananda Koomaraswamy and Sister Nivedita. Koomaraswamy and historian Jadunath Sarker translated Rabindranath’s poems, introducing them to a broader audience. Sister Nivedita’s translation of "Kabuliwala" in the January 1912 issue of the Modern Review deeply moved the English painter William Rothenstein, who In June 1912, Rabindranath Tagore arrived in England with his son Rathindranath and daughter-in-law Pratima Devi. He had already met Rothenstein in Kolkata in 1911 and handed him some translations of his poems. At Rothenstein's house, Tagore met some of England's most famous poets and scholars, including the Anglo-Irish poet W.B. Yeats and the Englishman C.F. Andrews. Yeats, who later wrote the preface for the English version of Tagore's "Gitanjali," played a significant role in introducing Tagore's work to the Western audience. Andrews would eventually become a disciple of both Tagore and Gandhi. Yeats listened attentively to Tagore's readings of his poems, which were later published by the India Society with Yeats's excellent preface. Subsequent English translations of Tagore's works, such as "Chitrangada" (1913), "Malini," and "Dakghar" (1914), further solidified his reputation as an outstanding poet in Europe.

From England, Tagore traveled to America, where he had previously sent his son to study agriculture and animal husbandry at the University of Illinois at Urbana. Tagore had corresponded with faculty members there, who invited him to lecture on their campus. These lectures, collected in the book "Sadhana" (1913), showcased Tagore as a philosopher and humanist. After America, he returned to England for more lectures before going back to India in 1913. In November of that year, he received news that he had been awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature, the highest honor for a writer.

Tagore continuously kept himself informed about intellectual developments, scientific innovations, and political changes worldwide through study, correspondence, and travel. This influenced his outlook and work. The meditative strain of "Gitanjali" was evident in "Gitimalya" and "Gitali" (both published in 1914), but his work began to evolve. He contributed to the periodical "Sabujpatra," edited by Pramatha Chowdhury, which used everyday language to convey progressive ideas and literary expression. Influenced by this, Tagore changed his poetic style and experimented with new forms of writing. Many of the poems in "Balaka" (1916) were published in this periodical, showcasing his new vision of a world in motion, influenced by his travels in the West.

Before "Balaka," Tagore's romantic temperament often explored themes of happiness, sorrow, separation, and union in human relationships and sought eternal beauty. In "Balaka," these aspects were reconciled, reflecting his transformed perspective influenced by changes in philosophy, politics, and views on humanity. His blend of Eastern thought and Western ideas became a distinctive feature of his work. The poems in "Balaka" expressed an altered perspective on life, incorporating new ideas and emotions with innovative forms of expression and verse techniques.

In this period, Tagore wrote novels like "Chaturanga" (1916) and "Ghare-Baire" (1916), published serially in "Sabujpatra." His humanist ethos was also evident in the play "Falguni" (1916). Tagore traveled to Japan in 1916, accompanied by William Pearson, C.F. Andrews, and the young artist Mukul De. Initially impressed by Japanese culture, Tagore was later disillusioned by the rampant nationalism he observed. This led to his series of speeches compiled in "Nationalism" (1917) and his book "Personality" (1917).

Contributions to the Freedom Movement:

In 1919, Tagore renounced his knighthood in protest against the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, where British police killed hundreds of Indians protesting the Rowlatt Act. This act demonstrated Tagore's strong moral and political convictions.

Tagore's experiences in America and Japan influenced his educational philosophy, leading to the development of Visva-Bharati in Santiniketan. He aimed to combine Indian philosophy with international education, establishing provisions for music, painting, traditional studies, and research. He also created Sriniketan for agricultural and rural development, promoting various schemes to improve villagers' lives.

Tagore's educational ideals reflected his humanistic outlook. He detailed his philosophy in the essay "The Centre of Indian Culture" and sought support for his institution wherever he traveled. Distinguished faculty members, including Sylvain Levi and Romain Rolland, contributed to Santiniketan's development.

In 1920, Tagore traveled to England, France, Holland, Belgium, and America, promoting Santiniketan and delivering lectures. His speeches, collected in "Creative Unity" (1922), emphasized the importance of human unity and an international outlook. Tagore's meeting with Gandhi in 1921 marked a significant moment in India's nationalist movement.

Tagore's later Years

Throughout his life, Tagore addressed global issues, advocating for peace and unity. His travels inspired works like "Palataka" (1918), "Purabi" (1925), and "Muktadhara" (1922). His experiences in the Far East and Argentina influenced his writing, as seen in "Raktakarabi" (1924) and "Purabi."

Tagore's continued literary output in his later years reflected his evolving perspective and experimentation with new forms. He addressed complex scientific issues in "Visva-Parichay" (1937) and explored themes of death and spirituality in works like "Prantik" (1938). Despite the challenges of the Second World War, Tagore maintained his faith in humanity, as seen in "Kalantar" (1937) and "Sabhyatar Sankat" (1941).

Death

Rabindranath Tagore passed away on 7 August 1941. His immense humanism, poetic vitality, and reverence for nature's beauty left a lasting legacy. His belief in the unity of life and death is encapsulated in his philosophy of life, as expressed in his songs and writings.  0 0 0.