A Study of Nationalism in ‘Home and the World’
Table of contents
- Personal Information
- Assignment Details
- Abstract
- Keywords
- Introduction
- About the Author: Rabindranath Tagore
- Tagore’s Views on Nationalism
- Nationalism in ‘Home and The World’
- Sandip as the Face of Nationalist Zeal
- Bimla’s Transformation and Inner Conflict
- Nikhil’s Humanistic Approach to Freedom
- Conclusion
- References
Personal Information
Name - Bhumiba Gohil
Batch - M.A. Sem 3 (2023-2025)
Enrollment Number - 5108230016
Email Address - bhumibagohil333@gmail.com
Roll Number - 4
Assignment Details
Topic - A Study of Nationalism in The Home and the World
Paper - Indian English Literature - Pre-Independence
Paper Number - 201
Subject Code - 22406
Submitted to - Smt. S.B. Gardi Department of English M.K.B.U.
Date of Submission - 10 November 2024
Abstract
This assignment analyses Rabindranath Tagore’s novel ‘Home and the World’, focusing on its critical perspectives on nationalism through the lens of its main characters—Nikhil, Sandip, and Bimala. Set during early 20th-century Bengal amidst rising nationalist fervour, the novel reflects Tagore’s nuanced and often critical stance on nationalism. While Nikhil embodies a humane, inclusive approach to nation-building, Sandip represents a militant, exclusionary form of nationalism that Tagore warns against. Bimala, caught between these ideologies, symbolizes the nation itself, grappling with competing visions for India’s future. This exploration illustrates Tagore’s belief in a nationalism grounded in social welfare, non-violence, and moral values, cautioning against the potential dangers of radicalism and exclusivity.
Rabindranath Tagore, Home and the World, nationalism, Indian independence, character analysis, ethical dilemmas, inclusivity, radicalism, colonialism, Indian literature.
Rabindranath Tagore’s novel “Home and the World”, first published in 1916, is set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Bengal and explores the complexities of nationalism, identity, and personal relationships. Written during a time of intense political upheaval in India, the novel reflects Tagore’s ambivalence toward the nationalist movements that were gaining momentum in the struggle against British colonial rule. Through its central characters Nikhil, Bimala and Sandip, Tagore crafts a nuanced critique of nationalism’s impact on both the individual and society.
The novel begins with Bimala’s relatively peaceful life within the confines of her home. Encouraged by her husband, Nikhil, to engage with the world beyond their household, she meets Sandip, whose passionate ideas about India’s independence capture her imagination. As Bimala becomes increasingly drawn to Sandip’s cause, her sense of identity shifts, challenging her loyalty to her husband and altering her perception of home and duty. Through the contrasting perspectives of Nikhil’s moral idealism and Sandip’s fiery nationalism, Tagore presents a deeply layered exploration of the ethical dilemmas surrounding nationalism, examining how political ideologies can both empower and corrupt.
(Tagore)
About the Author: Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore, a multifaceted genius, was India’s Nobel Laureate, known for his poetry, music, and contributions to social reform and education. Tagore was a poet, writer, music composer, painter, and freedom fighter. He authored India’s National Anthem “Jana Gana Mana” and Bangladesh’s National Anthem“Amar Sonar Bangla.”Tagore’s writings represent a fusion of Eastern and Western literary traditions, showcasing his education and experiences in both cultures. This unique perspective enriched his work and made it relatable across different audiences. Tagore translated his own works into English, making his literature accessible to a global audience. His poetry often explores profound themes such as spirituality, loss, and human connection, inviting readers to reflect on their own lives and beliefs. His notable works include - “Gitanjali”, “Gora”, “Ghare-Baire”, and “Choker Bali”.
(Britannica)
Tagore was awarded the noble prize in literature in 1913, for his work “Geetanjali”. The prize motivation was “because of his profoundly sensitive, fresh and beautiful verse, by which, with consummate skill, he has made his poetic thought, expressed in his own English words, a part of the literature of the West”. This made him the first non-European to receive this honour.
(Nobel)
Tagore’s views on Nationalism
Tagore was against the exclusionary and self-aggrandising features of nationalism. He was critical of the nationalism that placed the nation above the people and led to dehumanisation, greed for power and ultimately, erosion of moral values. As Tagore said:
"Patriotism cannot be our final spiritual shelter. I will not buy glass for the price of diamonds and I will never allow patriotism to triumph over humanity as long as I live."
Tagore believed that the idea of "nation" was not inherent in Indian civilisation, which was culturally and religiously plural. He saw the rise of nationalism in India as an onslaught against this pluralistic tradition. He stated that there was no word for "nation" in Indian languages, and that nationalism was an urban phenomenon imported from the West. He opposed the militant, aggressive, and exclusionary forms of nationalism. He wanted nationalism to serve the interests of the poor and deprived, not just the elite.
Instead of Nationalism, Tagore favoured an internationalist outlook. He believed that India should not isolate itself and should engage with the international community, learning from the West while also sharing India's spiritual wisdom. He was conscious of the fact that anti- west tendency which was very widespread in any Indian movement against the British authority would prove as an obstacle for India's cooperation with the rest of the international community.
Overall, Tagore sought a form of nationalism that was inclusive, humanistic, and served the interests of the common people, rather than the chauvinistic and aggressive nationalism that he saw emerging in his time.
(Rai)
Nationalism in ‘Home and The World’
Tagore's novel "The Home and the World" presents three distinct perspectives on nationalism through the characters of Nikhil, Sandip, and Bimala.
Nikhil represents Tagore's moderate, constructive view of nationalism. He is a wealthy landlord who believes in working for the country's development through non-violent means. Nikhil helps the poor and downtrodden people on his estate, lending them money and supporting their livelihoods. He represents Tagore's vision of an inclusive, humanist nationalism.
In contrast, Sandip embodies the extremist, destructive form of nationalism. He is a radical nationalist leader who engages in violent boycotts and coercion. Sandip and his followers brutally punish those who do not comply with the nationalist agenda. Tagore uses Sandip to critique this type of narrow, self-serving nationalism that harms the common people.
Bimala, Nikhil's wife, represents the conflicted and shifting nature of Indian nationalism. She is initially content in her traditional role as a housewife, but becomes entangled in Sandip's radical nationalist ideology. The novel describes Bimala as -
"the beauty, vitality, and glory of Bengal,"
making her a symbolic representation of the nation itself. Bimala is torn between Nikhil's moderate vision and Sandip's extremism, mirroring the larger ideological conflict within the nationalist movement. Tagore leaves Bimala's fate ambiguous at the end, suggesting the uncertainty and complexity of the nation's future.
Through these three characters, Tagore presents a multilayered perspective on nationalism. Let us understand them in detail.
(Monika)
Sandip as the Face of Nationalist Zeal
In Rabindranath Tagore's novel "The Home and the World", the character of Sandip represents the extremist, destructive strain of Indian nationalism that Tagore vehemently opposed. Sandip is portrayed as a radical nationalist leader who engages in violent boycotts, coercion, and exploitation in the name of the nationalist cause. As the novel states -
"Sandip was the magician of ideas, he was never interested in discovering the truth, because juggling with it, gave him greater pleasure."
This depiction paints Sandip as a self-serving, ruthless nationalist who is willing to resort to any means to further his agenda. Tagore uses him to critique the more militant, exclusionary strains of Indian nationalism that were emerging at the time.
Through Sandip's actions, the novel highlights how the nationalist movement was harming the common people in the name of patriotism. For instance, Sandip's activists punish the poor peddler Panchu and the boatman Mirjan for continuing to sell or transport foreign goods, even going so far as to burn Panchu's entire stock and sink Mirjan's boat. This captures Tagore's criticism of nationalists who were willing to sacrifice the welfare of the masses in pursuit of their ideological goals.
Through Sandip, Tagore presents a blistering critique of the narrow, exclusionary brand of nationalism that was gaining ground in early 20th century India. Sandip's ruthless tactics and disregard for the common people's suffering reflect Tagore's concerns about the excesses and dangers of militant, extremist nationalism. Ultimately, Sandip's character serves as a foil to highlight Tagore's own more inclusive, humanist perspective on nation-building. By depicting Sandip's destructive nationalism, Tagore underscores the need for a more constructive, empathetic vision of Indian identity and independence.
Bimla’s Transformation and Inner Conflict
Bimala's character in Tagore's "The Home and the World" is a complex and multifaceted representation of nationalism in India. She serves as a symbolic embodiment of the nation itself, and her shifting allegiances and struggles reflect the broader ideological conflicts within the nationalist movement.
Initially, Bimala is depicted as a traditional, subservient wife, content in her domestic role within the home. However, she becomes increasingly entangled in the radical nationalist ideology espoused by Sandip, Nikhil's ideological opposite. The novel describes Bimala as being referred to as
"Durga, the female goddess of creation and destruction, and as Shakti, the ultimate female principle underpinning reality."
This suggests that Bimala represents the beauty, vitality and power of Bengal and the Indian nation. Caught between Nikhil's moderate, constructive vision of nationalism and Sandip's extreme, destructive version, Bimala becomes a symbolic battleground for these competing ideologies. Bimala's shifting loyalty and inner turmoil mirrors the larger contradictions and dilemmas within the nationalist movement.
Significantly, Tagore portrays Bimala as a "round character" who undergoes transformation, unlike the more one-dimensional Nikhil and Sandip. This suggests that Tagore saw women as playing a central, yet complex, role in the nationalist project. The novel states that Bimala represents "the new woman" who was expected to be
"an educated and brave wife as an appropriate partner of an English-educated nationalist man, able to run an 'efficient' and 'orderly home' like her Western counterpart, be high-minded and spiritual like the women of the 'golden' age, become 'grahalakshmi' like the Divine Lakshmi and fulfill her primary role as a courageous mother producing heroic children for the service of the nation."
Through Bimala's complex character, Tagore presents a nuanced and critical perspective on the role of women and gender in the nationalist discourse of early 20th century India. She serves as a compelling avatar for the nation itself, dramatizing the ideological conflicts and challenges facing the emerging Indian state.
Nikhil’s Humanistic Approach to Freedom
In Tagore's novel "The Home and the World", the character of Nikhil represents Tagore's own moderate, constructive vision of Indian nationalism.
Nikhil is portrayed as a wealthy landlord who believes in working for the country's development and upliftment of the common people, rather than engaging in the radical, violent tactics of the nationalist movement. As the text states, Nikhil too wants to work for the nation and is enthusiastic for the country's development. His way of nation-building is by working for the country's development. He is contrasted with the character of Sandip, who represents the extremist, destructive form of nationalism. While Sandip resorts to coercion, boycotts and even violence in the name of the nationalist cause, Nikhil is critical of such tactics. As the novel states: Nikhil is against this coercion, he sees it against his ideal as it means dictating others who cannot afford to do so. He even says, in the novel -
“For the sake of people, I cannot let the country go to hell.”
Instead, Nikhil embodies Tagore's vision of a more inclusive, humane nationalism. The text notes that Nikhil helps the poor and downtrodden people of his estate. When Panchu is threatened by Sandip he finds solace from Nikhil. In order to help the impoverished, he lends them money. This constructive approach to nation-building, focused on social upliftment rather than destruction, represents Tagore's own ideological stance. Furthermore, the novel highlights how Nikhil himself has long been practicing the principles of "Swadeshi" - the nationalist campaign to promote indigenous industries - even before it became a popular movement. As Bimala acknowledges: when Swadeshi had not become as popular as it was then, Nikhil used to import Indian artifacts. He uses Indian pencils, soaps, oil lamps and other merchandise in spite of the fact that he can easily afford the western articles which are much more convenient than these Indian articles.
Overall, through the character of Nikhil, Tagore presents his own nuanced, progressive perspective on Indian nationalism - one that emphasizes social welfare, non-violence and an inclusive vision for the nation's future. But the novel also conveys Tagore's underlying anxieties about the challenges facing this moderate nationalist ideology.
Conclusion
In “Home and the World”, Tagore presents a complex view of nationalism that challenges both extremist and moderate ideologies. Through Nikhil’s humanitarian approach, Sandip’s radical nationalism, and Bimala’s inner conflict, Tagore critiques the nationalist movement’s potential for harm when it sacrifices individual welfare for ideological goals. He advocates for a more compassionate, inclusive nationalism that prioritizes human values over blind patriotism. Tagore’s insights remind readers of the importance of balancing personal and collective identities in nation-building, making his work relevant to contemporary discussions on nationalism and identity.
References -
Monika. “Understanding Nationalism through Tagore’s Novel The Home and the World.” Upstream Research International Journal (URIJ), vol. 6, no. 1. https://eupstream.com/images/journal/jan2018/monika.pdf. Accessed 10 November 2024.
Rabindranath Tagore – Facts. NobelPrize.org. Nobel Prize Outreach AB 2024. Sun. 10 Nov 2024. https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/literature/1913/tagore/facts/
Rai, Nitesh. “Rabindranath Tagore: Nation and Nationalism.” International Journal of Humanities and Social Science Research, vol. 5, no. 5, 2019. https://www.socialsciencejournal.in/assets/archives/2019/vol5issue5/5-5-30-980.pdf. Accessed 10 November 2024.
Robinson, W. Andrew. "Rabindranath Tagore". Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Nov. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rabindranath-Tagore. Accessed 10 November 2024.
Tagore, Rabindranath. Home and the World. Penguin Books India PVT, Limited, 2005.
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