Assignment : 201

22406: Paper 201: Indian English Literature – Pre-Independence

The Home and The World as a Political Novel 

Table of Content : 

Personal Information

Assignment Details

Abstract 

Key Words

Introduction

Rabindranath Tagore 

Historical Context :

• The Swadeshi Movement 

Character as Political Allegory :

• Nikhil
• Sandip
• Bimla

Tagore’s Political Vision: Nationalism Tempered with Humanity

Symbolism and the Political Landscape

• The Home (Griha) and the World (Bahir) 
• The Broken Glass 

Conclusion

Reference 

Personal Information

Name : Khushi R. Rathod

Batch : 2023-25

Roll No : 16

Enrollment Number : 5108230039

Semester : 3

E- mail : khushirathod1863@gmail.com

Assignment Details

Paper No : 201

Paper Code : 22406

Paper Name : Indian English Literature – Pre-Independence

Topic : The Home and The World as a Political Novel 

Submitted to : Smt.S.B.Gardi, Department of English,MKBU

 

Abstract 

Rabindranath Tagore’s The Home and the World, first published in 1916, stands as a seminal work exploring the intersection of personal lives and national politics. Set against the backdrop of Bengal’s Swadeshi Movement, Tagore critiques both Western imperialism and the nationalist zeal of the Indian populace. The Home and the World as a political novel, focusing on how Tagore uses his characters, narrative structure, and symbols to critique nationalistic fervor, examine moral complexities in political movements, and ultimately advocate for a form of nationalism rooted in humanity.

Key Words : Political novel,Swadeshi Movement,Nationalism, Character allegory, Personal freedom, Symbolism (Home and World, Broken Glass), Humanistic values, Political consciousness

Introduction

The Home and the World emerged during a turbulent period in Indian history, when nationalistic fervor was rising against British rule. The novel encapsulates Tagore's ambivalence towards extreme nationalism and his concern for the ethical dimensions of political action. Through its three main characters—Nikhil, Bimala, and Sandip—the novel portrays varying perspectives on nationalism, ethical duty, and individual freedom, making it a powerful political critique as well as a story of interpersonal dynamics. Tagore’s treatment of politics is neither didactic nor simplistic; rather, it is a nuanced exploration of how national ideologies impact personal lives and moral values.

Rabindranath Tagore : 

Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941) was a Bengali poet, philosopher, musician, and polymath who reshaped Bengali literature, music, and Indian art. Born in Calcutta to a prominent family, Tagore was introduced early on to literature, philosophy, and the arts. Although he initially studied in England, he returned to India without completing his degree, deciding instead to educate himself and pursue his creative interests.In 1913 he became the first non-European to receive the Nobel Prize for Literature.

Tagore’s literary career began at a young age, and he quickly gained recognition in Bengal for his poetry. His most famous work, Gitanjali (Song Offerings), earned him the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913, making him the first non-European to win the award. His writings, marked by a profound sense of spirituality and an appreciation for the natural world, often explored themes of love, humanism, and social justice. His extensive body of work includes poetry, novels, essays, plays, and short stories, many of which remain influential to this day.

Apart from his literary achievements, Tagore was also a social and political thinker. He was a vocal critic of British colonial rule, yet he held a unique perspective that sought unity rather than division. In his later years, Tagore founded Visva-Bharati University in Santiniketan, envisioning it as a place where students could learn in harmony with nature and explore diverse cultures.

Tagore's legacy endures not only in India but globally, as he remains an emblem of cultural exchange, peace, and artistic integrity. His works, especially songs like "Jana Gana Mana" (later adopted as India's national anthem), continue to inspire and define the Indian cultural landscape.

Notable Works : 

1. Poetry

• Gitanjali (Song Offerings) – His most celebrated collection, for which he received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.
• Manasi 
• Sonar Tori (The Golden Boat)
• Balaka

2. Novels

• Gora 
• Ghare-Baire (The Home and the World)
• Chokher Bali 

3. Short Stories

• Kabuliwala
• The Postmaster 
• Atithi (The Guest)

4. Plays

• Dak Ghar (The Post Office)
• Raktakarabi (Red Oleanders) 
• Chandalika

Historical Context :

• The Swadeshi Movement 

The novel is set during the Swadeshi Movement, a political campaign that advocated for the boycott of British goods in favor of indigenous products as a form of resistance against colonial rule. Tagore portrays the movement through Sandip, a charismatic and influential leader who believes in using any means necessary to achieve political ends. Sandip’s approach exemplifies the aggressive side of nationalism, one that prioritizes nationalistic zeal over moral or ethical considerations.

Tagore’s portrayal of the Swadeshi Movement is ambivalent. While he respects the necessity of self-reliance and independence, he is wary of the divisive and violent undercurrents within the movement. His skepticism is voiced through Nikhil, the aristocratic zamindar, who opposes the movement’s coercive tactics and argues that true nationalism cannot be founded on hate or exclusion. Through Nikhil and Sandip’s ideological clash, Tagore examines the dangers of unrestrained nationalism and raises questions about the ethical boundaries of political movements.

'The Home and The World' as a Political Novel :

Irving Howe defines a political novel as “a novel in which political ideas play a dominant role or in which political milieu is a dominant setting.”

Tagore’s lifelong critique of the Swadeshi movement in texts like Gora, Char Adhyay, Chaturanga does not induce an exception in Ghare Baire. Set against the backdrop of the Swadeshi movement in Bengal, following its sudden partition by the then British viceroy in India, The Home and the World was originally published in Bengali in 1915. Upon its publication, the novel was criticized by many as a pro British novel and also praised by W.B. Yeats, and a friend of Einstein’s advised him in an upbeat tone, “You must read – the finest novel I’ve read for a long time”.

The novel centers upon the triad formed by Bimala, Nikhil and Sandip. These characters are emblematic in the sense that through them Tagore allegorizes the Nationalist fervor that took hold of Bengal in the first decades of the twentieth century. Bimala stands for the new concept of nation and woman because Swadeshi also involved the woman question in its fight. 

Character as Political Allegory :

• Nikhil :

Nikhil embodies Tagore’s idealistic and humanistic approach to politics.Nikhil believes that the devotion to the nation is one of the services to the Right His reluctance to impose his will on his wife, Bimala, reflects his commitment to personal freedom over political agendas. he stated “I am willing… to serve this country, but my worship I reserve for Right which is far greater than my country.” From this sentence, we can see that Nikhil is portrayed as a considerate person who does not fanatically strive for his nation. 

Nikhil’s character raises questions about the ethical implications of nationalist movements, particularly when they conflict with individual autonomy and morality. He represents a form of nationalism that values inclusivity and the welfare of all, refusing to demonize or exclude any group for the sake of political gain.

This perspective of Nikhil is similar to Tagore’s disagreement on the excitement of doing destructive actions in order to encourage nationalism. Nikhil represents Tagore’s rejection of extreme nationalism and non-cooperative movement. This view is based on the considerations of the philosophy of harmony among people.

• Sandip :

Sandip, in stark contrast, represents the more fervent and aggressive side of nationalism. Charismatic and persuasive, Sandip is an opportunist who manipulates Bimala’s emotions to further his own agenda. Tagore critiques Sandip’s vision of nationalism as reckless and self-serving, prioritizing ideology over humanity. Sandip’s methods—using divisive language, inciting violence, and disregarding moral boundaries—illustrate the potential destructiveness of unchecked nationalism. Through Sandip, Tagore warns against the seductive allure of patriotic rhetoric that sacrifices ethics for political ends.

• Bimala : 

Bimala serves as the ideological battleground between Nikhil and Sandip. Her initial attraction to Sandip’s passionate vision of nationalism reflects the allure of radical political movements. Tagore proposes the side effects of the Swadeshi and compares it to his ideology through the voice of Nikhil. Bimala, as the female main character, agrees with Sandip’s idea of nationalism and rejects her husband’s ideology. In the beginning of the story, Bimala tells her husband that she wants to burn her foreign clothes to show her rejection of British colonization and as a part of nationalist movement. Yet, her husband rejects that notion. He says “You should not waste even a tenth part of your energies in this destructive excitement.” However, her disillusionment with Sandip highlights the personal and social costs of such ideologies. Bimala’s journey is emblematic of India’s own struggle between moderate, inclusive nationalism and aggressive, divisive patriotism. Her character development underscores Tagore’s view that nationalism, if it is to be ethical and enduring, must be tempered by moral responsibility and empathy.

Tagore’s Political Vision: Nationalism Tempered with Humanity :

Tagore never had a political temperament and found politics wasteful and morally debilitating. It is politics, he said, “which in every country has lowered the standard of morality, [and] given rise to a perpetual contest of lies and deception, cruelties and hypocrisies.” “Politics is wholly against my nature; and yet, belonging to an unfortunate country, born to an abnormal situation, we find it so difficult to avoid their outbursts.”

Ultimately, The Home and the World advocates for a form of nationalism that is tempered by humanity and ethical responsibility. Tagore’s novel suggests that political movements must consider the impact on individuals and must prioritize human values over ideology. Through Nikhil, Tagore proposes a vision of nationalism that is inclusive and non-coercive, contrasting sharply with Sandip’s aggressive, exclusionary form of patriotism.

In his preface to the novel, Tagore expresses his belief that genuine freedom must be rooted in love, respect, and understanding among individuals. This perspective aligns with Tagore’s broader philosophy, as reflected in his other writings and speeches, where he warns against the dangers of extreme nationalism. For Tagore, nationalism should not be about dominance or division but about fostering unity and empathy.

Tagore’s portrayal of nationalism in The Home and the World is marked by moral ambivalence. Through his characters’ actions and conflicts, he critiques the tendency of political movements to prioritize ideology over individual lives and ethical considerations. The clash between Sandip and Nikhil reflects a deeper moral dilemma: whether ends justify the means. Sandip’s belief in using any means to achieve political objectives—including manipulation, coercion, and violence—stands in stark contrast to Nikhil’s adherence to ethical principles. This tension illustrates the novel’s central theme: the ethical limits of political action.

Nikhil’s philosophy aligns with Tagore’s own view that true freedom must be rooted in love and respect for others. Tagore was deeply critical of nationalism that excluded or demonized groups, believing that such nationalism ultimately leads to division and conflict. Nikhil’s refusal to coerce Bimala or to endorse violent methods embodies this belief, suggesting that genuine freedom cannot be achieved through force.

Symbolism and the Political Landscape :

• The Home (Griha) and the World (Bahir) :

 The novel’s title itself is a powerful symbol. The ‘Home’ represents the personal, ethical realm of relationships and individual values, while the ‘World’ represents the political sphere of ideology and public action. Through Bimala’s journey from the home into the world, Tagore critiques the imposition of political ideologies on personal lives and raises questions about the compatibility of domestic life and political ambition. Bimala’s return to the home at the end of the novel symbolizes a return to introspection and a rejection of violent political engagement, suggesting that political activism must not overshadow personal integrity and ethical concerns.

• The Broken Glass : 

The glass case that Bimala breaks while taking Nikhil’s money to fund Sandip’s political activities symbolizes the destruction of personal trust and integrity in the face of ideological fervor. This incident reflects the personal costs of Bimala’s involvement in the political movement, symbolizing how ideologies can corrupt individual values and relationships. The broken glass serves as a metaphor for the shattered trust between Nikhil and Bimala and the destructive impact of political movements on personal bonds.

Conclusion

The Home and the World is a complex exploration of the ethical dilemmas inherent in nationalist movements. Tagore’s novel critiques both colonialism and the aggressive forms of nationalism that emerged in response to it. By examining the ideological conflicts between Nikhil, Sandip, and Bimala, Tagore offers a nuanced perspective on the political landscape of early 20th-century India. The novel’s emphasis on moral integrity, personal freedom, and humanistic values serves as a timeless reminder of the ethical considerations that should underpin any political movement. Tagore’s vision of nationalism, as embodied in Nikhil, is one that values inclusivity, empathy, and ethical responsibility, advocating for a political consciousness that harmonizes the home with the world.

The Home and The World from Dr. Yesha Bhatt

Reference : 

Rani, Bindu. “A Research on Ravindra Nath Tagore’s Novel ‘Home and the World’: A Powerful Political Novel.” A Research on Ravindra Nath Tagore’s Novel ‘Home and the World’: A Powerful Political Novel, vol. 16, no. 5, Apr 2019, 650 - 655 (6). Ignited MindsJournals, https://ignited.in/index.php/jasrae/article/view/10978/21760. Accessed 7 November 2024.

Robinson, W. Andrew. "Rabindranath Tagore". Encyclopedia Britannica, 3 Nov. 2024, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Rabindranath-Tagore. Accessed 7 November 2024.

Sardar, Subrata. “Home and the World as a political novel.” Academia.edu,https://www.academia.edu/87270619/Home_and_the_World_as_a_political_novel. Accessed 7 November 2024.

Tamilselvi, Dr. A. “Dr. A. TAMILSELVI.cdr.” CiteSeerX, December 2011,https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=61b2ea1befcd20de939806eddbd02dc3ff6758f3. Accessed 7 November 2024.

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