Nationalism in “Home and the World”
Personal Details:-
Name: Drashti Joshi
Batch: M.A. Sem.3 (2022-2024)
Enrollment N/o.: 4069206420220016
Roll N/o.: 05
E-mail Address: drashtijoshi582@gmail.com
Assignment Details:-
Topic:- Nationalism in "Home and the World"
Paper: 201
Subject code & Paper N/o.: 22406
Paper Name:- Indian English Literature (Pre-Independence)
Submitted to: Smt. S.B. Gardi Department of English M.K.B.U.
Date of submission: 27 November 2023
Points to Ponder:-
Abstract
Introduction
Ideologies of all Characters and view of Tagore
Bimla’s Character
Nikhil’s Character
Sandip’s Character
Tagore and Nationalism
Conclusion
Work Cited
Abstract:-
Nationalism in Home and the World" is a central theme in Rabindranath Tagore's novel "The Home and the World." The story is set against the backdrop of the Swadeshi Movement in early 20th century India and delves into the conflicting ideologies of traditionalism and radical nationalism. The novel's primary characters, Nikhil, Bimala, and Sandip, represent these contrasting viewpoints, with "Home" symbolising traditional values and "World" representing fervent nationalism.
Bimala's character undergoes a significant transformation as she becomes involved with Sandip's nationalist movement, highlighting the personal impact of political ideologies. Tagore's narrative serves as a microcosm of the larger struggle between tradition and radical nationalism during a time of significant political upheaval in India. It raises questions about the consequences of radical nationalism and the complexity of personal and national identities in a rapidly changing world, making it a profound exploration of the theme of nationalism.
Introduction:-
Depicting the Swadeshi Movement in Bengal along with the portrayal of an impressionable, young housewifes’ traumatic passage into the world outside the home and back, the novel carries the spirit of nationalism and humanism. Set against the stormy days of the revolutionary background of 19 05 Bengal choked with the war cries of “Swadeshi” and “Bandemataram,” the novel depicts the autobiographical sketches of three principal characters-Nikhil, his wife Bimala and Sandip, his friend. Bimala, who has lived sheltered life of a Hindu wife, suddenly hears the call of the outside world and thus she is to m between the pull of the “home” and the pun of “world,” Here Tagore points out how “love could come in conflict more narrowly, more fiercely with politics also.” (Ranjan)
In this novel Tagore portrays the conflict between nationalism and universal manhood vividly and gives the most profound expression to his faith in the perfect independence and freedom for an individual irrespective of any particular nationality. He makes Sandip represent the pugnacious nationalism and narrow-minded patriotism of the politically conscious Indians during the Swadeshi Movement. Sandip is a typical Machiavellian patriot who exhorts the people recklessly to burn British goods and resort to violence when opposed. In fact, the novel unfolds the trials and tribulations of a home, caught up in the convulsions of a political struggle, with profound implications for the individual and the nation alike. The action of the novel is predicated on two movements —one, an inward movement towards the projection of the home as a world in miniature and the other, an outward movement towards the perspective visitation of the world as a larger home, a greater home as it were. The novel seeks to define the inter -relatedness between the home and the world, between family life and life outside with a view to emphasising the dangers of the outside world to immature and impetuous minds. In a review of the novel E.M. Forster has commented that “He (Tagore) meant the wife to be seduced by the world, which is, with all its sins, a tremendous lover; she is actually seduced by a West Kesington Babu” and also underrated the novel as “a boarding -house flirtation that masks itself in mystic or patriotic talk.” (Ranjan)
Nikhil and Sandip, the two male protagonists, exemplify the parameters of approach to the problem of Indian emancipation; the former’s a rationalistic, constructive approach with emphasis on self-reliance and righteous means, and the latter’s that of emotional extremism, questionable means, crude nationalism, and brute force. Tagore’s own vision of the struggle for independence seems to be reflected in Nikhil’s concept of freedom, self - government, and constructive leadership. Like Nikhil in the novel, Tagore had to face unpopularity, isolation and even hostility due to his apposition to coercive and frenzied patriotism. As Krishna Kripalani observes: Not even in his fiercest outburst of patriotism would Tagore be jingoistic which may partly explain why among his own people he was never popular whatever the praises sung after his death. (Ranjan)
Ideologies of all Characters and View of Tagore:-
The two main male characters, Nikhil and Sandip, function as two possibilities of The Home and the World’s nationalist projects; they act as core agents of the World by offering utopianism and rationalism, respectively. Whereas the mixed voice of Bimala presents the lack of wisdom and freedom of the colonised mind, the voices of the myth-breaking Sandip and the utopian The two main male characters, Nikhil and Sandip, function as two possibilities of The Home and the World’s nationalist projects; they act as core agents of the World by offering utopianism and rationalism, respectively. Whereas the mixed voice of Bimala presents the lack of wisdom and freedom of the colonised mind, the voices of the myth-breaking Sandip and the utopian.
In their acts and thinking, both Nikhil and Sandip express male mastery over females in that they both take their relationship with Bimala as an experiment with their national ideologies. (Pham)
The novel The Home and the World focuses on the narrative of three different characters: Nikhil, a wealthy landlord, Bimala, Nikhil’s wife and Sandip, a radical nationalist leader, whose home as well as the World gets involved in the contemporary political atmosphere due to their involvement in the Swadeshi Movement. Nikhil is a landowner and Sandip a zealous nationalistic one can call him so fighting for the nation’s independence, Bimala who, while initially content with her housewife status is later entangled in Sandip’s nationalism present before her.
Tagore uses his character in the present novel to not only put forward his views on nationalism, but also to criticise destructive nationalism, which seems to break not only the nation but also the whole world. The novel focuses on three characters, each of whom speaks in the first person in recounting how they interact with one another Nikhil are Bimala’s husband; Sandip is Bimala’s would be lover Nikhil epitomises the unselfish progressive husband who wishes to free his wife from the oppressiveness of a traditional Indian marriage. In contrast, Sandip is a man who thinks only of himself, and who reduces man-woman relationships to brazen sexuality; he is interested in “Blunt things, bluntly put, without any finicking niceness.” (Monika)
Bimal's Character:-
Bimala, initially portrayed as an innocent figure wholly subservient to her husband, transcends this characterization in Rabindranath Tagore's "The Home and the World." Her complexity is underscored by her identification as Durga, the goddess embodying both creation and destruction, and as Shakti, the foundational female principle shaping reality. In these divine references, Bimala emerges as a symbol of Bengal's beauty, vitality, and glory.
While her submissive role within her marital relationship is evident, Bimala's symbolic representations elevate her to a higher significance. As Durga, she encapsulates the dual nature of existence, mirroring the multifaceted struggles within the narrative. As Shakti, she personifies the quintessential female force shaping the world. Consequently, Bimala becomes a metaphor for the intricate interplay between tradition and change, embodying the spirit and essence of Bengal. Her character evolves beyond mere subservience, becoming a vessel through which Tagore explores profound themes of femininity, societal transformation, and the divine feminine within the cultural and historical context of Bengal.
Nikhil’s Character:-
Nikhil, a central character in Rabindranath Tagore's "The Home and the World," represents a distinct ideological perspective in the context of nationalism. Nikhil's ideology stands in stark contrast to the fervent nationalism advocated by characters like Sandip. Several key points characterise Nikhil's approach:
1. Cosmopolitanism and Inclusivity: Nikhil embodies a cosmopolitan worldview. He embraces diversity and inclusivity, emphasising harmony among different communities and religions. His vision of nationalism is not rooted in exclusionary principles but rather in the unity of diverse elements.
2. Scepticism towards Radical Nationalism: Nikhil is sceptical about the aggressive and militant aspects of the nationalist movement led by characters like Sandip. He questions the use of force and believes in a more reasoned and peaceful approach to achieve social and political change.
3. Individual Freedom and Autonomy: Nikhil places a high value on individual freedom and autonomy. He is wary of movements that might infringe upon the personal liberties of individuals. His nationalism is rooted in the idea that personal freedom should be preserved even in the pursuit of larger social or national goals.
4. Critical Engagement with Tradition: Unlike those advocating radical change, Nikhil engages with tradition critically. He recognizes the value of tradition but is cautious about blindly adhering to it without questioning or adapting to changing times.
5. Intellectual and Ethical Approach: Nikhil's nationalism is characterized by an intellectual and ethical foundation. He believes in the power of dialogue, education, and moral persuasion to bring about positive change. His approach is rooted in a deep sense of ethical responsibility and a commitment to principles rather than immediate, forceful action.
In summary, Nikhil's ideology in the context of nationalism in "The Home and the World" is marked by cosmopolitanism, scepticism towards radicalism, a commitment to individual freedom, a critical engagement with tradition, and an intellectual and ethical approach to societal change. His character serves as a counterpoint to more militant and aggressive forms of nationalism depicted in the novel.
Sandip’s Character:-
In the novel, Sandip and other activists start to see Muslims as their enemy because of their denial in participation in the boycott of foreign articles. Amidst the movement there are frequent instances of Muslim and Hindu riots. These narrow minded activists fail to see the importance of communal harmony for a Nation‟s development. Sandip idolises Ravana, and sees him as the real hero of the epic. He believes:
My theory of life makes me certain that the Great is cruel. To be just is for ordinary men,- it is reserved for the great to be unjust successful injustice and genuine cruelty have been the only forces by which individual or nation has become millionaire or monarch…Whenever an individual or nation becomes incapable of perpetrating injustice it is swept into the dust-bin of the world.
What other outcome can be expected of a leader following such a theory, the only thing that can be assured is mere anarchy and lack of inter-ethnic harmony, which will prove disastrous in near future. Not only did Sandip justify his use of violence and unscrupulousness but he also exults in its feeling. Tagore says in his essay “Nationalism in India” that “man's power of sacrifice is diverted from his ultimate object, which is moral, to the maintenance of this organisation [nation], which is mechanical. Yet in this he feels all the satisfaction of moral exaltation and therefore becomes supremely dangerous to humanity”.
Sandip's brand of nationalism in "The Home and the World" is marked by an unyielding and forceful ideology. His advocacy for aggressive tactics, including violence and emotional manipulation, reflects a commitment to swift and radical change. Sandip's charismatic leadership style draws followers, but it also exposes the potential dangers of unchecked fervour in political movements. His dismissal of ethical boundaries in pursuit of nationalistic objectives underscores the morally ambiguous nature of his approach. Sandip's character serves as a stark contrast to those, like Nikhil, who advocate for a more measured, intellectual, and ethically grounded form of nationalism. The novel explores the consequences of such extreme ideologies, offering a nuanced commentary on the complex interplay between personal convictions and the broader political landscape.
Tagore and Nationalism:-
Though literature as well novel had such an active participation in the formation of the institution of nationalism and though nationalism was accepted globally as the only legitimate form of political organisation, it was Rabindranath Tagore who had not an iota of positive sentiment towards the ideology of nationalism. Tagore‘s fundamental objection was on its very nature and purpose as an institution. To him nationalism is a social institution, a mechanical organisation, which was modelled on certain utilitarian objectives in mind. He opined that as nationalism came into being in the post-religious phase of the industrial capitalist socio-economic system, it was only an organisation of politics and commerce. To him, it would only bring harvests of wealth by the means of greed, selfishness, power and prosperity. The process would sacrifice the moral, the complete man making room for the political and commercial man, the man of limited purpose. For him, nationalism is not a spontaneous self-expression of man as a social being, where human relationships are naturally regulated, so that men can develop ideals of life in cooperation with one another. Tagore considered nationalism a recurrent threat for human civilization. (Raha)
Conclusion:-
In The Home and the World Tagore, through the political dynamics created, articulates a nationalism that is humane and in which all Indians could participate as equals, where men and women would be tied together by trust, truth, and love. This novel represents Tagore’s perspective in seeing the effect of Swadeshi to India. Furthermore, we can conclude that this novel reveals the ideological conflicts which are happening in the society as the result of modernization and British colonisation. This revelation can be seen in the way Tagore contrasts the views of western ideology and eastern ideology through the characters Nikhil, Sandip, and Bimala. It signifies that ideological conflicts could happen everywhere, even inside of a house.
References:-
Monika. “Understanding Nationalism through Tagore's Novel The Home and the World.” Upstream Research International Journal, https://eupstream.com/images/journal/jan2018/monika.pdf. Accessed 21 November 2023.
Pham, Chi P. “Rabindranath Tagore's The Home and the World: Story of the Failure of the Nationalist Project.” eScholarship, https://escholarship.org/content/qt3fd5r9tk/qt3fd5r9tk_noSplash_e8e93f918cc8c4d4e28c5d3faa190f0b.pdf?t=n0io2f. Accessed 21 November 2023.
Raha, Dr. Debopam. “Tagore's Appraisal of the Ideas of Nationalism: a Study.” Research Publish Journals, https://www.researchpublish.com/upload/book/Tagores%20Appraisal%20of%20the%20Ideas-8130.pdf. Accessed 21 November 2023.
Ranjan, Pramod. “Nationalism in the Home and the World.” Quest Journals, https://www.questjournals.org/jrhss/papers/vol11-issue9/1109305308.pdf. Accessed 21 November 2023.
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