Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v1.c4.s2.134

v1.c4.s2.134

In the modern era, the Indian who had perhaps the greatest impact on China was the poet and philosopher Rabindranath Tagore. When he was awarded the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913, Chinese literary circles instantly developed a fascination for Tagore. Numerous articles about him and translations of his work were published. In April 1924, in response to an invitation from his admirers in China, Tagore embarked upon a 50-day visit to China. During this period, he went to Hong Kong, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Nanjing, Jinan, Beijing, Taiyuan and Haikou. While his visit was opposed by some youth and intellectuals in China who did not appreciate his philosophical standpoint, he was also received with extraordinary warmth and adulation. He cultivated deep friendships with celebrated Chinese thinkers, writers and artists. With poet Xu Zhimo in particular, who acted as his translator, Tagore developed a lasting friendship. The relationships he formed with Chinese intellectuals, writers and artists had a deep impact on Tagore and on his sense of affinity with China. Tagore’s work also had a profound influence on many Chinese writers including Guo Moruo, Xie Bingxin, Zheng Zhenduo, Wang Tongzhao and Xu Zhimo. The interest in and appreciation of Tagore and his poetry in China continues to this day.