Introduction: Rabindranath Tagore and an ‘ambivalent’ nationalism

Abstract

The ‘Introduction’ is divided into three sections. The first section, outlining a brief trajectory of Tagore’s evolution as a philosopher contemplating upon the contemporary politics and sociocultural milieu, tries to unravel the ambivalence inherent in Tagore’s addressing of nationalism. The second part gives an overview of how each of the contributors has tried to engage with Tagore’s usage of nationalism. Seen from different perspectives, it seems to be equally ambivalent as to how one can place Tagore within the frameworks of vernacular nationalism, anti-imperialism, alternative modernism, post-nationalism or cosmopolitanism/internationalism. The final section underscores the relevance of Tagore’s critique of nationalism in today’s world.