Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore



Published on 04 Dec 2025


Gandhi

Tagore

Philosophy

  • Non-violence (Ahimsa) and truth (Satyagraha)

  • Humanism, universalism, and cultural nationalism

Approach to Independence

  • Non-violent resistance, civil disobedience, and non-cooperation

  • Advocated for cultural and educational renaissance alongside political freedom

View on British Rule

  • Sought to negotiate and achieve independence through peaceful means

  • Criticized British imperialism but also appreciated some aspects of Western culture

Economic Views

  • Promoted village-based, self-sufficient economies

  •  opposed industrialization

  • Supported rural development but also believed in modernization and industrialization

Role in Indian National Movement

  • Dominant leader

  •  led multiple Congress movements and initiatives

  • INC President 1924 session.

  • Influential cultural figure

  •  criticized both British rule and aspects of the Indian national movement

Methods of Protest

  • Non-violent protests such as the Salt March and Quit India Movement

  • Used literature, music, and education as means of protest and social change

Religious Views

  • Deeply religious

  • believed in the unification of all religions

  • Deeply spiritual but critical of religious orthodoxy and dogma

Major Contributions

  • Salt March, Non-Cooperation Movement, Quit India Movement

  • "Gitanjali," "National Anthem," Shantiniketan educational project

Publications

  • "Hind Swaraj," "My Experiments with Truth"

  • "Gitanjali," "The Home and the World," numerous poems, essays, and songs

View on Social Structure

  • Emphasized upliftment of the downtrodden within the existing social framework

  • Advocated for social harmony and the upliftment of the rural poor through education

Legacy

  • Father of the Nation

  •  symbol of non-violent resistance

  • Nobel laureate

  •  symbol of cultural and literary renaissance in India

Criticism

  • Accused of being too idealistic

  • criticized for his views on caste

  • Criticized for being too idealistic and detached from political realities

Impact on Post-Independent India

  • Inspired non-violent movements worldwide

  • foundational influence on Indian democracy

  • Influenced Indian art, literature, and education 

  • vision of universalism and humanism remains relevant

Tags:
History & Culture

Keywords:
Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore COMPARING PERSONALITIES

Syllabus:
General Studies Paper 1

Topics:
Freedom Struggle

Related Articles


No data found