Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c10.s2.t20.1

v2.c10.s2.t20.1

Rabindranath Tagore (May 7, 1861 – August 7, 1941) is regarded as an iconic figure in many respects – as a creative genius, spiritual thinker, social reformer, and a multilingual author in Bengali and English who had not only reshaped literature of the language he knew best (Bengali or Bangla) but had also suitably reoriented the music of his region (undivided Bengal then, now split into West Bengal in India and Bangladesh) and experimented with both theatrical and dance performances. Tagore had left behind a legacy that is expected to continue across times and cultures. He was not only an extraordinarily prolific writer in the history of Indian literature, but occupied a significant place in the history of world literature. With time, his works continued to tread on the path of excellence with brighter ideas, showing the art of timeless charm. His works have been translated into many languages and is widely popular around the world. Many of his works was also incorporated into the textbooks to be taught in schools and universities all over the world, which had a great impact on people of so many countries. In India, Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi are known as the two most prominent figures of the 20^th century. In 60 years of his writing career, Tagore remained an author with