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Tagore & Gandhi: Walking Alone, Walking Together
The first in-depth study of the deep bond between Mahatma Gandhi and Gurudev Tagore by one of our greatest historians. Tagore and Gandhi were both born in the 1860s and, through their very different spheres of activity, became figures of global renown and shapers of modern India. They also shared a deep personal friendship which was robust enough to bear the strain of differences on many public issues through the 1920s and ’30s. Gandhi always addressed Tagore as Gurudev which, for Gandhi, was not an empty epithet. Gandhi sought Tagore’s blessings at every critical juncture of his Indian public career. Tagore openly acknowledged Gandhi as the greatest Indian of his time. In Tagore and Gandhi: Walking Alone, Walking Together, Rudrangshu Mukherjee explores their relationship through their differences expressed in their writings and letters to each other and also tries to understand the beliefs that acted as the bond between the two of them. They differed with each other without a hint of acrimony, and they looked towards building an India that was inclusive and free from hatred and bigotry.
208 pages, Hardcover
Published September 10, 2021
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 27, 2023
I was a little hesitant to pick up this book.
You may find the reason somewhat amusing. But it was there.
The Telegraph is the English-language daily from the Ananda Bazar group of Kolkata. This
Congress-leaning newspaper wears its anti-BJPism (more specifically anti-Modism) on its
sleeves. Rudrangshu Mukherjee, a noted historian, is (or was?) the editor, Editorial Pages of The
Telegraph.
In this age of fast declining readership – and even-faster plummeting credibility – of the print media,
we understand the compulsions for the non-journalistic loyalties of a newspaper. But my
misgiving was that if an academic is on the editorial board of a blatantly politicized newspaper,
can he be an honest academic?
But when the subject is the interactions between two gigantic personalities like Tagore and
Gandhi, I decided to set my misgivings aside.
And I am glad I did.
For us, the Bengalis, the poet is more Rabindranath than Tagore. And more Robi Thakur than
Rabindranath! Rudrangshu Mukherjee has throughout the text used ‘Rabindranath rather than ‘Tagore’ to refer to the poet whom Gandhi always referred to as the Poet – with Capital P.
Yes, Rabindranath was critical of many of Gandhi’s ideas and actions – non-cooperation, boycott
of foreign clothes, Gandhi’s ideas of Swaraj and Hindu-Muslim unity, specially as manifested in
the Khilafat “movement”, even, frequent use of fasting as “moral” weapon to fight a purely
political battle. But what strikes the reader even a century after these correspondences took place
is the unfailing civility and courtesy that mark the letters. Clearly, each was aware of other’s
greatness. That disagreements can be as large-hearted and noble is a lesson today’s world has
forgotten.
And Rabindranath was pretty eloquent in giving voice to his disagreements.
Rudrangshu-babu quotes from Leonard Elmhirst’s book, Poet and Plowman, this conversation
that Elmhirst was privy to listen: “‘Gurudev, I have already achieved Hindu-Muslim unity,’ said Gandhi. I do not agree,’ I answered. ‘You have persuaded Muslim and Hindu to sit side by side on the political platform and to crack a whip together at the British Raj. As you well know, I myself have no love at all for British Imperialism. But how far down in their hearts and mind does this sense of unity you talk
about penetrate within the minds of your Muslim and Hindu followers? When the British either walk out, or are driven out, what, Gandhiji, will happen then? Will Hindu and Muslim then lie down peacefully together? You know they will not!’”
To call it prophetic will be an understatement.
It is the same Rabindranath who had “taken the liberty” to nominate Gandhi as a Life Trustee of
Visva Bharati. In a letter that will make your eyes moist, Rabindranath writes, “In this last frail
years of my life it will give me great consolation to know that the Institution to which I have
given the best part and energy of my life will have you as one of its guardians. … I feel justified
in sharing my responsibilities with you for I know that no difference in our spheres of activity
can loosen the bond of mutual love and common aspiration. I hope you will allow me that
privilege.”
That Gandhi declined the invitation – “in the politest possible words” – is another matter.
If you ever doubted the wisdom that words can ennoble, here is your answer.
Reading these exchanges between two of the tallest Bharatiyas that ever walked this sacred land
is an education in itself.
As Rudrangshu-babu rightly concludes, “Through the expressions of difference and respect for
each other, Gandhi and Rabindranath set an example of debating and deliberating on public,
social, and political questions. They formed a legacy of public reasoning. They debated without
acrimony. This is an essential constituent of the Gandhi-Rabindranath heritage.”
Shri Mukherjee can merrily go about editing the Editorial Page of The Telegraph for all I care! I have no
business reading that newspaper!!
But, I will definitely make time to read some of the other books of Rudrangshu Mukherjee,
especially two of them, Nehru & Bose: Parallel Lives (2014) and A New History of India: From
Its Origin to the Twenty-First Century (2023).
Tagore and Gandhi: Walking Alone, Walking Together is an excellent read.
You may find the reason somewhat amusing. But it was there.
The Telegraph is the English-language daily from the Ananda Bazar group of Kolkata. This
Congress-leaning newspaper wears its anti-BJPism (more specifically anti-Modism) on its
sleeves. Rudrangshu Mukherjee, a noted historian, is (or was?) the editor, Editorial Pages of The
Telegraph.
In this age of fast declining readership – and even-faster plummeting credibility – of the print media,
we understand the compulsions for the non-journalistic loyalties of a newspaper. But my
misgiving was that if an academic is on the editorial board of a blatantly politicized newspaper,
can he be an honest academic?
But when the subject is the interactions between two gigantic personalities like Tagore and
Gandhi, I decided to set my misgivings aside.
And I am glad I did.
For us, the Bengalis, the poet is more Rabindranath than Tagore. And more Robi Thakur than
Rabindranath! Rudrangshu Mukherjee has throughout the text used ‘Rabindranath rather than ‘Tagore’ to refer to the poet whom Gandhi always referred to as the Poet – with Capital P.
Yes, Rabindranath was critical of many of Gandhi’s ideas and actions – non-cooperation, boycott
of foreign clothes, Gandhi’s ideas of Swaraj and Hindu-Muslim unity, specially as manifested in
the Khilafat “movement”, even, frequent use of fasting as “moral” weapon to fight a purely
political battle. But what strikes the reader even a century after these correspondences took place
is the unfailing civility and courtesy that mark the letters. Clearly, each was aware of other’s
greatness. That disagreements can be as large-hearted and noble is a lesson today’s world has
forgotten.
And Rabindranath was pretty eloquent in giving voice to his disagreements.
Rudrangshu-babu quotes from Leonard Elmhirst’s book, Poet and Plowman, this conversation
that Elmhirst was privy to listen: “‘Gurudev, I have already achieved Hindu-Muslim unity,’ said Gandhi. I do not agree,’ I answered. ‘You have persuaded Muslim and Hindu to sit side by side on the political platform and to crack a whip together at the British Raj. As you well know, I myself have no love at all for British Imperialism. But how far down in their hearts and mind does this sense of unity you talk
about penetrate within the minds of your Muslim and Hindu followers? When the British either walk out, or are driven out, what, Gandhiji, will happen then? Will Hindu and Muslim then lie down peacefully together? You know they will not!’”
To call it prophetic will be an understatement.
It is the same Rabindranath who had “taken the liberty” to nominate Gandhi as a Life Trustee of
Visva Bharati. In a letter that will make your eyes moist, Rabindranath writes, “In this last frail
years of my life it will give me great consolation to know that the Institution to which I have
given the best part and energy of my life will have you as one of its guardians. … I feel justified
in sharing my responsibilities with you for I know that no difference in our spheres of activity
can loosen the bond of mutual love and common aspiration. I hope you will allow me that
privilege.”
That Gandhi declined the invitation – “in the politest possible words” – is another matter.
If you ever doubted the wisdom that words can ennoble, here is your answer.
Reading these exchanges between two of the tallest Bharatiyas that ever walked this sacred land
is an education in itself.
As Rudrangshu-babu rightly concludes, “Through the expressions of difference and respect for
each other, Gandhi and Rabindranath set an example of debating and deliberating on public,
social, and political questions. They formed a legacy of public reasoning. They debated without
acrimony. This is an essential constituent of the Gandhi-Rabindranath heritage.”
Shri Mukherjee can merrily go about editing the Editorial Page of The Telegraph for all I care! I have no
business reading that newspaper!!
But, I will definitely make time to read some of the other books of Rudrangshu Mukherjee,
especially two of them, Nehru & Bose: Parallel Lives (2014) and A New History of India: From
Its Origin to the Twenty-First Century (2023).
Tagore and Gandhi: Walking Alone, Walking Together is an excellent read.
November 11, 2021
Tagore & Gandhi: Walking Alone, Walking Together by Rudrangshu Mukherjee is a book that examines the relationship of two very eminent personalities of India. Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi- both visionaries, have played a tremendous role in shaping the modern India. As much as they were both celebrated by the people, they had divergent views. Despite envisioning the same future for India, they both ascribed to different philosophies, which shaped their respective worldview.
The relationship that two shared was one of mutual respect and reverence; but this reverence was never uncritical. The book traces their relationship through a number of themes that colour the political history of India- Swaraj, Ahisma and Non-Cooperation movement to name a few. The differed on these issues more than they agreed. The differences were mainly because of different set of values to which they ascribed.
The book sheds light on their views by engaging a number of questions that were the subject of the debate between Tagore and Gandhi. How is Swaraj to be attained? Should discipline be forced from outside or be inculcated from within? Is the Indian education system superior to the western one? Is there creative and critical thinking compatible with mass-driven movements? The author refers to the letters exchanged between the two in order to provide the perspective of the both the parties. He has also referred to their writings that directly address these issues.
The book was quite enjoyable and this is due to the author’s lucid and coherent writing. The author has resorted to extensive quotation, which I personally never approve of. But he has managed to present a vast array of ideas in a very simplified and engaging manner. I have already read Gandhi’s autobiography and a few works of Tagore, so that might have enhanced my experience of reading this book. Also I tried very hard to look for some bias on the author’s part since he is a Bengali, but I couldn’t find any. All in all, this is a book that is certainly not to be missed by fans of Political History. Alternatively, this book can serve as a great introduction to two important figures of the political history of India.
My Rating: ****(4/5)
The relationship that two shared was one of mutual respect and reverence; but this reverence was never uncritical. The book traces their relationship through a number of themes that colour the political history of India- Swaraj, Ahisma and Non-Cooperation movement to name a few. The differed on these issues more than they agreed. The differences were mainly because of different set of values to which they ascribed.
The book sheds light on their views by engaging a number of questions that were the subject of the debate between Tagore and Gandhi. How is Swaraj to be attained? Should discipline be forced from outside or be inculcated from within? Is the Indian education system superior to the western one? Is there creative and critical thinking compatible with mass-driven movements? The author refers to the letters exchanged between the two in order to provide the perspective of the both the parties. He has also referred to their writings that directly address these issues.
The book was quite enjoyable and this is due to the author’s lucid and coherent writing. The author has resorted to extensive quotation, which I personally never approve of. But he has managed to present a vast array of ideas in a very simplified and engaging manner. I have already read Gandhi’s autobiography and a few works of Tagore, so that might have enhanced my experience of reading this book. Also I tried very hard to look for some bias on the author’s part since he is a Bengali, but I couldn’t find any. All in all, this is a book that is certainly not to be missed by fans of Political History. Alternatively, this book can serve as a great introduction to two important figures of the political history of India.
My Rating: ****(4/5)
May 9, 2022
What a fascinating story of two of the greatest souls of pre independence India that I admire the most. Their convictions in their own beliefs and philosophies, their courage to disagree and debate publicly, their mutual respect and admiration that lets them be themselves with each other without even a hint of animosity - all of these shine through in this eminently readable book by Rudrangshu Mukherjee.
September 30, 2022
Really enjoyed this read, an interesting broad yet focused look at the similarities and differences between these two personalities and their ideas of India.
March 5, 2025
Very useful to understand their shared and differing philosophies. Especially on how they both understood and lived out their understanding of Swaraj/ Self rule
March 7, 2022
A brilliant Book...
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews