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Difference Between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore on Nationalism- UPSC Notes

Last Updated on Aug 10, 2022

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Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore both had different views on how nationalism should be evaluated and practised. Gandhi’s idea of nationalism is being self-sufficient at all levels of society while Tagore’s idea of Nationalism is that it is as a Mirage, behind which a nation should not run always. Tagore also felt that Imperialism is an expression of Nationalism. The Difference Between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore on Nationalism is one of the most important topics for the UPSC IAS Examination.

You can also register for the Testbook’s flagship optional history coaching for UPSC and kick-start your UPSC IAS preparation journey today.

In this article, we are going to discuss Mahatma Gandhi’s Nationalism, Rabindranath Tagore’s Nationalism, and the difference between the two.

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Difference Between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore on Nationalism
The table given below shows the difference in the views of Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore on Nationalism.

Comparison of Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore’s views on Nationalism

Factors Mahatma Gandhi Rabindranath Tagore

Approach to Nationalism Mahatma Gandhi wanted to foster an Indian-centric nationalism that was more rooted in Indian traditions and cultures and less influenced by the west. Before World War I broke out in 1914-1918, Rabindranath Tagore was a devout nationalist.

Nationalist ideology and the desire for it In his book “Hind-Swaraj,” Mahatma Gandhi criticized both the Moderate and Extremist nationalists of the Indian National Congress because he thought that both of their approaches fell short of giving a distinctive identity to nationalism that was specifically Indian. According to Tagore, nationalism would go against the fundamental principles of humanity because it was nothing more than the appropriation of the resources and territory of other nations.

Nationalism on humanitarian issues He was a fervent supporter of the truth and non-aggression.
He believed that killing people should not be tolerated because the actions taken by freedom fighters to advance nationalism were very violent.
He saw it as a means of draining humanity in order to amass wealth and property for their nations.

Nationalism as an inclusive or exclusive idea He thought that the various languages of India’s people should be united by a common language (lingua franca). He thought that modern nationalism could not help advance the concept because it could only harm and destroy civilization.

Should nationalism prioritize internationalism? Mahatma Gandhi believed that nationalism should be based on self-sufficiency at all levels of society. Rabindranath Tagore claimed that the mechanical notion of nationalism was replaced with his concept of “swadeshi samaj,” which was based on social relations that were not mechanical and impersonal but rather on love and cooperation. His belief in internationalism thus gains a socialist component.

Nationalism using violent methods Mahatma Gandhi argued that the brand of nationalism that freedom fighters around the world favored was excessively violent in both nature and method and that it would only result in more conflicts in the future. According to Rabindranath Tagore, violent nationalism would end civilization as we know it.
Additionally, he was against non-violent nationalism, such as that embodied by Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement, which he believed promoted a more isolationist view of India.

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Who is Mahatma Gandhi?

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, also known as Mahatma Gandhi, was a well-known political figure and freedom fighter.

He was a key figure in India’s nonviolent independence movement that eventually succeeded in overthrowing British rule over the country.

He was born in Porbandar, Gujarat on October 2, 1869.

He also made a difference in the lives of the underprivileged and poor in India.

In India, Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated as a national holiday on 2nd October to commemorate the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.

महात्मा गांधी और रवींद्रनाथ टैगोर के राष्ट्रवाद में अंतर हिंदी में भी जानें!

Facts about Mahatma Gandhi’s Nationalism

Gandhi wanted to create a nationalism that was focused on India, one that is less influenced by western culture and more rooted in Indian traditions and values
He sought to reconcile fundamentally opposed concepts such as individualism and collectivism, regionalism, and nationalism.
He claimed that nationalism was a broad, all-encompassing concept that saw no one as an enemy.
He stated in his book “Hind Swaraj” that the ideal nationalism would be related to “Hind” or “India.”
Gandhi thought that lingua franca, or an adopted language used by speakers of different languages, would be crucial in promoting nationalism in the nation.
He held that since people were not superior to the nation and shouldn’t sacrifice themselves for it, they should instead practice social friendliness and other forms of common brotherhood so that they can coexist peacefully and improve their quality of life.

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Who is Rabindranath Tagore?

Rabindranath Tagore also known as ‘Gurudev’, ‘Kabiguru’, and ‘Biswakabi’ was born on May 7, 1861, in Calcutta.

He was a brilliant writer and well-known polymath who single-handedly transformed the literature and music of the area.

For his work on Gitanjali, Rabindranath Tagore received the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1913.

In addition to all of his literary accomplishments, he was a philosopher and an advocate for education who founded the Vishwa-Bharati University in 1921, a school that changed the direction of traditional education.

Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore were close friends, and it is said that Tagore bestowed the title “Mahatma” upon Gandhi.

He not only provided the national anthems for Bangladesh and India but also inspired one of his Ceylonese students to write and compose Sri Lanka’s anthem.

Facts about Rabindranath Tagore’s Nationalism

Rabindranath Tagore’s understanding of nationalism is based on ancient Indian philosophy, which held that the entire world was one nest.
Nationalism, in his opinion, was a Maya or mirage concept and it shouldn’t be pursued relentlessly.
Tagore attempted to associate nationalism with concepts like peace, harmony, and welfare in an effort to distance himself from the general belief in nationalism.
He continues by saying that if India decides to help the world in any way, it should only be in the form of humanity.
In Tagore’s opinion, the freedom of the mind is more crucial than political freedom.
He contends that while the need for collective organization is innate in man, nations eventually grow to such power that the individual becomes nothing more than a tool for the nation.
He held the opinion that a country that has a narrow perspective of itself cannot coexist peacefully with more advanced nations and will lag behind. Gandhi’s idea of nationalism was described by him as pugnacious.

Also, learn about the Women Freedom Fighters of India here!

We hope that all your doubts regarding the Difference Between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore on Nationalism will be cleared after going through this article. You can download the Testbook App now to check out various other topics relevant to the UPSC IAS Exam.

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Difference Between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore on Nationalism FAQs

What was Gandhi's view on nationalism?

Gandhi's nationalism was based on a sophisticated and intricate moral philosophy. He aimed to create a tolerant, cohesive nation called "Mother India" that would encompass all ethnic groups.

What were Rabindranath Tagore’s views on nationalism?

According to Rabindranath Tagore, Nationalism was a Maya or mirage concept and it shouldn't be pursued relentlessly. Tagore attempted to associate nationalism with concepts like peace, harmony, and welfare in an effort to distance himself from the general belief in nationalism.

What is the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore?

The difference between Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi is that Tagore believed that modern nationalism would eventually take a violent form, whereas Gandhi believed that lingua franca would play a crucial role in fostering nationalism.

What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore's views on English?

Both Gandhi and Tagore placed a strong emphasis on the student's native language serving as the medium of instruction. However, Tagore aimed to meld Indian traditions with western education.

In what sense did Gandhi Ji and Tagore think were similar and different in western education?

Gandhi and Tagore both agreed that education is a strong tool for life. But Gandhi believed that western education was harming Indian culture while Tagore recognised the value of science and technology and wanted to promote it. He wanted to combine these positive aspects with Indian traditions.

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