Rabindranath Tagore Poet and writer Biography, height, weight, Age , wife, children and family and many more,

Biography of Rabindranath Tagore: Poet, Writer, and Philosopher

Rabindranath Tagore, a towering figure in the literary world, was a poet, writer, philosopher, painter, and musician. As the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, Tagore is celebrated as a cultural icon of India and an advocate for universalism. This biography delves into his personal and professional life, exploring the man who gave the world masterpieces like Gitanjali and contributed significantly to Indian and global culture.

Personal Information

Full Name: Rabindranath Tagore
Nickname: Gurudev, Kabiguru
Date of Birth: May 7, 1861
Place of Birth: Jorasanko Thakur Bari, Kolkata, Bengal Presidency (now West Bengal, India)
Date of Death: August 7, 1941
Age at Death: 80 years
Height: Approximately 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
Weight: Around 75 kg (165 lbs)
Nationality: Indian
Religion: Hindu

Family Details

Father: Debendranath Tagore (Philosopher and leader of the Brahmo Samaj)
Mother: Sarada Devi
Siblings: Rabindranath was the youngest of 13 siblings.
Spouse: Mrinalini Devi (Married in 1883)
Children:
- Bela Tagore
- Rathindranath Tagore
- Renuka Tagore
- Madhurilata Tagore
- Shamindranath Tagore

Early Life and Education

Rabindranath Tagore was born into the illustrious Tagore family of Jorasanko. His father, Debendranath, was a prominent religious reformer, and his family was deeply involved in the cultural renaissance of Bengal. Tagore's early education was unorthodox; he was homeschooled and exposed to a wide array of literary and cultural influences.

He traveled to England in 1878 to study law at University College London but returned to India without completing his degree. However, this exposure to Western thought greatly influenced his worldview.

Career Milestones

Literary Contributions:
- Tagore started writing poetry at a young age. His first collection, Bhanusimha Thakurer Padabali, was published when he was just 16.
- His magnum opus, Gitanjali (Song Offerings), earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.
- Tagore wrote over 2,000 songs, numerous novels, short stories, and plays, including iconic works like Chokher Bali, Gora, and The Home and the World.
Founding Shantiniketan:
- In 1901, Tagore established the Visva-Bharati University at Shantiniketan, blending traditional Indian Gurukul methods with Western educational ideals.
Music and Art:
- Tagore was a prolific composer. He wrote India’s national anthem, Jana Gana Mana, and inspired Bangladesh's national anthem, Amar Shonar Bangla.
- In his later years, he took up painting and produced over 2,000 artworks.
Activism and Social Reform:
- Tagore was a critic of British colonial rule and returned his knighthood after the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919.
- He was a proponent of education for all, gender equality, and rural development.

Awards and Recognition

Nobel Prize in Literature (1913): For his profound and sensitive portrayal of Indian culture in Gitanjali.
Knighthood: Conferred in 1915 by the British Crown (renounced in 1919).
Recognized as a global thinker, Tagore lectured in Europe, America, and East Asia, advocating for unity and universalism.

Personal Life

Despite his fame, Tagore’s personal life was marked by tragedy. He lost his wife Mrinalini, two daughters, and a son at a young age. These personal losses deeply influenced his philosophical outlook and artistic creations.

Lesser-Known Facts

Tagore was the first Asian to receive a Nobel Prize.
He was a friend of Mahatma Gandhi and gave him the title "Mahatma."
Albert Einstein and Tagore had intellectual exchanges, discussing the intersection of science and spirituality.
His artwork, which began late in life, is now highly regarded for its unique style.

Legacy

Rabindranath Tagore's contributions to literature, music, and art continue to inspire millions worldwide. His vision of a global village, free from boundaries of religion, race, and nationality, remains relevant today.

This comprehensive biography of Rabindranath Tagore provides insights into the multifaceted genius who reshaped Indian and global literature and art.

Lesser-Known and Interesting Facts About Rabindranath Tagore

A Multifaceted Genius
Tagore wrote his first poem at the age of eight and composed his first substantial work of poetry by the age of 16. Despite his literary dominance, he also excelled in painting, music, and even gardening.
Coined the Term "Mahatma"
Tagore is credited with giving the title "Mahatma" to Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, signifying "great soul."
First Indian to Write in the Field of Science Fiction
Tagore explored the genre of science fiction in his short story The Hungry Stones (Kshudita Pashan), which had a mystical and futuristic angle.
An Avid Traveler
Tagore traveled extensively, visiting over 30 countries on five continents. His international exposure significantly influenced his writing and philosophy.
Introduced Outdoor Classes in India
At Visva-Bharati University, he implemented outdoor learning under the shade of trees, breaking away from the conventional classroom teaching methods.
A Deep Connection with Nature
Tagore’s works often reflect his profound connection with nature. His poetic descriptions of Bengal's lush landscapes brought rural India to life in his writings.
The Only Person to Compose National Anthems for Two Countries
- Jana Gana Mana – India’s National Anthem.
- Amar Shonar Bangla – Bangladesh’s National Anthem.
A Prolific Letter Writer
Tagore maintained an extensive correspondence with eminent personalities, including Albert Einstein, W.B. Yeats, and Romain Rolland, sharing his thoughts on art, science, and spirituality.
A Knighthood Renounced
Although knighted by the British Crown in 1915, Tagore renounced this honor in protest of the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919, showcasing his strong stance against British colonial policies.
A Love for Western Classical Music
Tagore was deeply inspired by Western classical music, especially the compositions of Beethoven and Bach, which influenced his Rabindra Sangeet compositions.
First Indian to Use the Short Story Format
Tagore is considered the pioneer of the short story genre in Bengali literature, and his works like Postmaster remain timeless classics.
Not Just a Poet but an Economist Too
Tagore wrote extensively about rural development and the economy, emphasizing self-reliance in rural India long before Gandhi popularized similar ideas.
A Daring Critic of the Indian Education System
Tagore was a vocal critic of the rigid and colonial education system in India, which he believed stifled creativity. This led him to establish Visva-Bharati, a university fostering creativity and holistic learning.
A Lesser-Known Playwright
Tagore’s plays, such as Dak Ghar (The Post Office), gained international acclaim and were translated into several languages.
The Pen Name ‘Bhanusingha’
Early in his career, Tagore wrote under the pseudonym Bhanusingha Thakur (Sun Lion). His early works under this name were widely praised for their originality.
Inspired by His Childhood
Tagore's experiences growing up in the Jorasanko mansion heavily influenced his works, especially his vivid descriptions of family and societal dynamics.
A Lover of Simplicity
Despite his global fame, Tagore led a relatively simple life. His writings often advocated for modesty, humility, and detachment from material wealth.
Influence on Global Thinkers
His works inspired luminaries such as W.B. Yeats, Ezra Pound, and even figures like Eleanor Roosevelt and Martin Luther King Jr.
Had a Deep Sense of Humor
Although known for his serious literary works, Tagore was also known for his witty remarks and humorous writings, which are evident in some of his short stories and essays.
A Rare Linguistic Talent
Tagore was proficient in several languages, including Bengali, English, Sanskrit, and Hindi. His translations of his works into English brought him global recognition.

These lesser-known facts provide a glimpse into Rabindranath Tagore’s extraordinary life, highlighting his immense contributions beyond just poetry and writing.

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