Collection MSG 371 - Rabindranath Tagore Collection

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Rabindranath Tagore Collection

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CA RBD MSG 371

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Physical description

6 leaves.-- 1 black and white photograph.

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Name of creator

(1861-1941)

Biographical history

Rabindranath Thakur, commonly known as Rabindranath Tagore, was born on May 7, 1861, into a wealthy and culturally influential family in Calcutta, India.

He was a Bengali Nobel laureate and a polymath who made significant contributions as a poet, writer, playwright, composer, philosopher, social reformer, and painter during the Bengal Renaissance. Tagore is recognized for introducing new prose and verse forms, as well as the use of colloquial language in Bengali literature, thus liberating it from the constraints of classical Sanskrit norms. Additionally, he played a vital role in bridging Indian and Western cultures, enriching both through his diverse contributions.

Tagore received a varied education, including homeschooling and attending several schools, one of which was University College London, where he studied law. He returned to India after expressing dissatisfaction with the limitations of Western educational methods in England. He is best known for his poetry, particularly his collection "Gitanjali" (Song Offerings), which earned him the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913, making him the first lyricist to receive this honour. In addition to poetry, he wrote novels, short stories, plays, essays, memoirs, and criticism. Tagore was also a prolific composer of songs known as "Rabindra Sangeet," many of which remain popular today. His other notable works include "Sonar Tari" (The Golden Boat) and "Manasi" (The Ideal One). Throughout his lifetime, he produced over 2,500 paintings and sketches.

In 1883, Tagore married Mrinalini Devi (1874-1902), and the couple had five children. He passed away on August 7, 1941, in Calcutta, India.

Custodial history

Scope and content

The collection consists of a copy of Dr. Chakravarty's speech delivered in Montreal on May 21, 1951, regarding the donation of Tagore's manuscripts; a holograph poem titled "Victim," a holograph essay on humanity and civilization by Tagore; and a black and white photograph of Tagore (29 x 23 cm). It also includes a letter from F. Cyril James, the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of McGill, addressed to Richard Pennington, the University Librarian. The letter, dated June 7th, 1951, announces the presentation of these manuscripts to McGill University by the High Commissioner for India and Dr. Chakravarty from the Institute for Advanced Study in Princeton, New Jersey.

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Immediate source of acquisition

Donated by the High Commissioner for India and Dr. Chakravarty, June 25, 1951.

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  • English

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Also described in the McGill Libraries catalogue.

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Physical storage

  • Box: R-MIX-0005