MALAYALAM
Biography of Tagore
KALAYUM KAALAVUM — Biography of Rabindranath Tagore by Krishna Kripalani: Sajeev C. Varrier — Tr. in Malayalam; Pub. by Mathrubhumi Books, Kozhikode. Rs. 65.
RABINDRANATH TAGORE was the first Indian to receive the Nobel Prize for literature. Among the several biographies on Tagore, the one by Krishna Kripalani (1962) stands out. But, this translation is not up to the mark due to its lack of editing and spelling mistakes such as in Gitanjali (Throughout, it is printed as Geethajnali). The publishers should have engaged a professional editor to correct usages and the book seems to have been published in a hurry.
The first two chapters trace the history of the Tagore family right from the eighth Century. The childhood of Tagore (the 15th son of his parents) indicated no hint of his greatness. He was not happy at school, whether in India or in England.
Despite lack of formal education, he became one of the greatest educators and set up one of the most ideal educational institutions, the Viswabharati, which was dedicated to emerging western philosophy and education.
Tagore wrote in different literary genres, but it was poetry that he excelled in. He was the first Indian to bring psychological realism into his novels. Much of Tagore's teachings came from his deep-rooted knowledge of the Upanishads.
His musical dramas, dance dramas, essays of all types and travel notes are voluminous. He also took to painting and drawing at the age of 70. He wrote songs and set them to music, which is a separate genre in Indian music. For the world, he was India's voice for spiritual heritage.
There have been biographies of Tagore in original Malayalam but this one is comprehensive and provides rare insights into the life of Tagore.
K. KUNHIKRISHNAN
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