Tagore and Caste

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focuses on Sectarianism. The main point can be, the people are more inclined to strengthen focuses on Sectarianism. The main point can be, the people are more inclined to strengthen their sects or religion rather than biasing others’. The researcher will get help of the theories their sects or religion rather than biasing others’. The researcher will get help of the theories like Marxism and the ideology of Orientalism (not in terms of Eastern and Western countries like Marxism and the ideology of Orientalism (not in terms of Eastern and Western countries but different sects and religion) in unmasking the social veiled evils. These literary theories but different sects and religion) in unmasking the social veiled evils. These literary theories will aid the researcher to make an argument that the regional sects of India are constructing or will aid the researcher to make an argument that the regional sects of India are constructing or const

constructed by a ructed by a precopreconceivenceived d archetarchetype or ype or false assumpfalse assumption by tion by redefiredefining it. It ning it. It can be can be saidsaid that

that GoraGora is all about social inequality and Indian Orientalism in terms of sects and religions.is all about social inequality and Indian Orientalism in terms of sects and religions. The oriental study of

The oriental study of GoraGora brings out ideological biases; it can be considered a reason for brings out ideological biases; it can be considered a reason for study of Tagore and

study of Tagore and Caste. The conclusiCaste. The conclusion can on can be that be that the problem of the problem of interninternalized casteismalized casteism can be amputated by interaction and exchanging human love and social intercourse.

can be amputated by interaction and exchanging human love and social intercourse.

Mahesh B. Dholiya, Mahesh B. Dholiya, M.A. Part-2, Sem.-IV, M.A. Part-2, Sem.-IV,

Department of English, Department of English, Bhavnagar University, Bhavnagar University, Bhavnagar. Bhavnagar.

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Tagore and Caste

It is

It is quite reasonquite reasonably known that in ably known that in India naming ceremoIndia naming ceremony of ny of the children alwaysthe children always represents their caste and class from where the person belongs to. As soon as the person represents their caste and class from where the person belongs to. As soon as the person recognizes another person, he or she starts imagining the person’s wholeness. Names sound recognizes another person, he or she starts imagining the person’s wholeness. Names sound the specific caste of a person. Doing good or evil, directly will lead the people to raise one the specific caste of a person. Doing good or evil, directly will lead the people to raise one doubt in their mind from which

doubt in their mind from which khoaradakhoarada the person comes. That is what the researcher hasthe person comes. That is what the researcher has been implied about the novel

been implied about the novel Gora,Gora, an epic saga of India’s nationalist awakening (Sen: 2010)an epic saga of India’s nationalist awakening (Sen: 2010) by Rabindranath Tagore. The names of the characters are significantly tried out to create the by Rabindranath Tagore. The names of the characters are significantly tried out to create the sense of paradox e.g. Gora, genetically white but not by hearth but at the end white by heart, sense of paradox e.g. Gora, genetically white but not by hearth but at the end white by heart, Anandamoyi, never happy with which she lives. The novel brings out the challenges like Anandamoyi, never happy with which she lives. The novel brings out the challenges like Sectarianism, Casteism, Class-consciousness, Dual Social Relationships, etc. In India the Sectarianism, Casteism, Class-consciousness, Dual Social Relationships, etc. In India the existence of various sects, classes and castes were stable when they were established but existence of various sects, classes and castes were stable when they were established but there is an instability in their present place in the sense that one sect affects another. There are there is an instability in their present place in the sense that one sect affects another. There are two traditional orthodox Hindu families and modernized liberal thinking

two traditional orthodox Hindu families and modernized liberal thinking (Jois: 2011, 2(Jois: 2011, 2ndnd _Para)_Para) Brahmos in between there is no equality. Gora, the staunch Hindu disciple does not hate other Brahmos in between there is no equality. Gora, the staunch Hindu disciple does not hate other sects but always goes on strengthening his community or religion. He is given most possible sects but always goes on strengthening his community or religion. He is given most possible formal and informal education. Most interestingly, his education is the evil that makes him formal and informal education. Most interestingly, his education is the evil that makes him Hindu centered. He does not envy Brahmo Samaj but even does not believe in it.

Hindu centered. He does not envy Brahmo Samaj but even does not believe in it.

On the flip side, the influence of the British Raj on India is still not destroyed. The On the flip side, the influence of the British Raj on India is still not destroyed. The ideologies of Brahmoism are being strengthened by Haran. He cannot see happiness of the ideologies of Brahmoism are being strengthened by Haran. He cannot see happiness of the others in the terms of love, relationship, social intercourse and mutual understanding. So he others in the terms of love, relationship, social intercourse and mutual understanding. So he spreads the tale news that Sucharita is turning orthodox Hindu. He also spreads the news of spreads the tale news that Sucharita is turning orthodox Hindu. He also spreads the news of

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In the

In the changchanging image ing image of caste of caste consconsciousciousnessness, , InferioInferiority and rity and SuperiSuperiority are ority are felt byfelt by looking at others. People, knowingly or unknowingly construct pre-conceived notions about looking at others. People, knowingly or unknowingly construct pre-conceived notions about ot

otheher r pepeopople le of of ththe e cascaste te lilike ke BrBrahahmo mo SaSamamaj j if if we we ththinink k in in ththe e tetermrms s of of OrOrienientatalilistst persp

perspectiveective. . Such false Such false assumassumptionptions s abouabout t otherothers s always generatalways generate e the feelings of the feelings of inferiinferiorityority and superiority. It gives rise to social inequality, no matter, if it is religion, caste and the and superiority. It gives rise to social inequality, no matter, if it is religion, caste and the class. Oriental study, albeit East and West struggle, but it has many things to do with the East class. Oriental study, albeit East and West struggle, but it has many things to do with the East like Hindu and West like Brahmos in India. Therefore,

like Hindu and West like Brahmos in India. Therefore, GoraGora by Rabindranath Tagore givesby Rabindranath Tagore gives the new reading of the text in Marxist and Saidian perspective.

the new reading of the text in Marxist and Saidian perspective.

Casteism takes its full form when codes and conducts are intoxicated. Gora judges the Casteism takes its full form when codes and conducts are intoxicated. Gora judges the problem of taking food in Anandamoyi’s room on the parameters of Hindutva and its holy problem of taking food in Anandamoyi’s room on the parameters of Hindutva and its holy books like Vedantas and Sastras. Gora is light brown man, a converted Hindu communist books like Vedantas and Sastras. Gora is light brown man, a converted Hindu communist from his original identity as an Irish. Lachmi was also basically converted into Christian. So from his original identity as an Irish. Lachmi was also basically converted into Christian. So one translated man is

one translated man is criticicriticizing the zing the other translatother translated ed womawoman. Though Hybriditn. Though Hybridity y has its has its ownown beauty in terms of new community has its defects, too. She has to suffer from low cast or beauty in terms of new community has its defects, too. She has to suffer from low cast or downcast what the text sees and senses. Taking favor of Vedanta and Sastras, Gora says to downcast what the text sees and senses. Taking favor of Vedanta and Sastras, Gora says to her mother,

her mother,

““Then keep her if you Then keep her if you like; But Binoy must be like; But Binoy must be acceptedaccepted as final. Mother, I wonder that you the daughter of such as final. Mother, I wonder that you the daughter of such a great Pandits have no care for our orthodox costumes.

a great Pandits have no care for our orthodox costumes. ”” (Tagore, 12)(Tagore, 12)

Tendency of oppressing and being oppressed is still not outdated but it is more and Tendency of oppressing and being oppressed is still not outdated but it is more and more upgraded with the changing thoughts of 21

more upgraded with the changing thoughts of 21thth _{century generation. Theory of Orientalism}_{century generation. Theory of Orientalism} in

in GoraGora seemiseemingly brings the argumenngly brings the argument t that one is that one is powerfpowerful so ul so is active, whereas another isis active, whereas another is powerless so is passive. E.g. Binoy and Gora are the chief characters of the novel. Gora powerless so is passive. E.g. Binoy and Gora are the chief characters of the novel. Gora

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Then Gora changes the way regarding his thinking. He advises him to marry Lolita otherwise Then Gora changes the way regarding his thinking. He advises him to marry Lolita otherwise he will lose the control over him.

he will lose the control over him.

Indian Oriental Study finds sect-centered tendency that makes the people to see others Indian Oriental Study finds sect-centered tendency that makes the people to see others with the particular eyes. Though Gora’s faith is in his Hinduism and Hindu decorum but with the particular eyes. Though Gora’s faith is in his Hinduism and Hindu decorum but rather it is not the

rather it is not the faith but undue pride in his self, his faith but undue pride in his self, his own Sastras and the whole identity as aown Sastras and the whole identity as a Hindu. He thinks stereotypically that his only sect is a

Hindu. He thinks stereotypically that his only sect is a t the highest summit but not others’. Het the highest summit but not others’. He speaks,

speaks,

“I must insist on it. It is impossible to take food in “I must insist on it. It is impossible to take food in

your room so long as

your room so long as you keep on that Christianyou keep on that Christian maid servant Lachmi.” (Tagore: 1952

maid servant Lachmi.” (Tagore: 1952,, 12)12)

The matter was that Christian maid servant was in Anandamoyi’s room, so where there is The matter was that Christian maid servant was in Anandamoyi’s room, so where there is Christianity there should not be Hinduism. It can hint that Britishers are mostly Christians Christianity there should not be Hinduism. It can hint that Britishers are mostly Christians and they were the colonizers so Christian servant may become master. So it creates a and they were the colonizers so Christian servant may become master. So it creates a diversion among straightforward and mutual intimacy among the family members. It can be diversion among straightforward and mutual intimacy among the family members. It can be interpreted as Christianity is anti-thesis to Hinduism.

interpreted as Christianity is anti-thesis to Hinduism. On

On ththe e ototheher r hahandnd, , GoGorara’s ’s coconsnserervavatitism sm leleadads s hihim m to to bebecocome me awaware are of of whwhatat community or religion he belongs to. Gora having being educated from one Pundit about community or religion he belongs to. Gora having being educated from one Pundit about Ved

Vedantanta a phiphiloslosophophy y and and decdecoruorum m sousounds like nds like evievils ls in in the the relarelatiotionshnships ips witwith h othothers. ers. HeHe ridicules other Pandits who come to his place. Knowing something and becoming possessed ridicules other Pandits who come to his place. Knowing something and becoming possessed of Hindu ideologies, Gora is a motive to other characters to remain religion centered. How he of Hindu ideologies, Gora is a motive to other characters to remain religion centered. How he speaks strikingly is come out from the above quote from the novel. So there is an inequality speaks strikingly is come out from the above quote from the novel. So there is an inequality among religions. Taking Brahmos and Hinduism into Consideration, somehow Gora hates among religions. Taking Brahmos and Hinduism into Consideration, somehow Gora hates thethe Brahmos. It is because he loves Hinduism. So goodness brings evils, too. Binary oppositions Brahmos. It is because he loves Hinduism. So goodness brings evils, too. Binary oppositions

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Go

Gora ra hahas s jujust st bebecocome me awaware are of of whwhat at HiHindnduiuism sm isis, , bubut t apapplplicaicatition on is is yeyet t to to bebe practiced. Then how can he know about Brahmos Samaj. The idea of difference always takes practiced. Then how can he know about Brahmos Samaj. The idea of difference always takes place where there is an idea of similarity. Binoy and Gora are bosom quarreling friends place where there is an idea of similarity. Binoy and Gora are bosom quarreling friends having an equal empathy to each other but there is a distinction that Gora is forceful and having an equal empathy to each other but there is a distinction that Gora is forceful and Binoy lacks it. So he has to do anything under the influence of Gora. So individualism Binoy lacks it. So he has to do anything under the influence of Gora. So individualism depends on another’s one. It emerges the new fashion of reading of the novel that Gora has a depends on another’s one. It emerges the new fashion of reading of the novel that Gora has a false assumption that Binoy is under the strong influence of him.

false assumption that Binoy is under the strong influence of him. Going deeply in the study of the novel,

Going deeply in the study of the novel, GoraGora brings challenging arguments like,brings challenging arguments like, cannot Brahmos and Hindu communities be rendered as West and East? Is Brahmos not cannot Brahmos and Hindu communities be rendered as West and East? Is Brahmos not observed, studied, seen, analyzed and objected by staunch

observed, studied, seen, analyzed and objected by staunch believers of Hindu sectarian abelievers of Hindu sectarian and of nd of ideological backbones? So Gora’s being ideologically firm in Hinduism orientally challenges ideological backbones? So Gora’s being ideologically firm in Hinduism orientally challenges the

the disdistintinctiction on in in betbetweeween. n. QuiQuite te concontratrary ry EasEastern tern ideideoloology gy is is stustudyidying ng and and obsobservervinging Western. In a sense that Hindu person like Gora follows Binoy when he goes to meet Western. In a sense that Hindu person like Gora follows Binoy when he goes to meet Pareshbabu. What Binoy does, meets people, makes relationship with others are all observed Pareshbabu. What Binoy does, meets people, makes relationship with others are all observed like he is superior to him. By these means, he does not feel reluctant to sit and go with Binoy like he is superior to him. By these means, he does not feel reluctant to sit and go with Binoy at Pareshbabu’s home who are staunch Brahmo family, whom he hated strongly once upon a at Pareshbabu’s home who are staunch Brahmo family, whom he hated strongly once upon a time.

time.

There is not any suspicion that this text comes to be a little source in the development There is not any suspicion that this text comes to be a little source in the development of Post-Colonialism as the seeds had already been undergrounded by Edward Said. Gora is a of Post-Colonialism as the seeds had already been undergrounded by Edward Said. Gora is a stu

study dy aboabout ut the the WesWestern tern and and EasEastertern n phiphiloslosophophy y and and intinteraeractioction n in in betbetweeween. n. E.gE.g. . LoLolitlitaa always reckons Gora as cockroach and Binoy as mosquito because cockroach often swallows always reckons Gora as cockroach and Binoy as mosquito because cockroach often swallows a mosquito or other insects. Is not it all about Western ideologies that wants to be heavy upon a mosquito or other insects. Is not it all about Western ideologies that wants to be heavy upon the Eastern? Is not the novel encompassed with ridiculing other educated Pandits that means the Eastern? Is not the novel encompassed with ridiculing other educated Pandits that means

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the cultural dualism and

the cultural dualism and ideolideologicaogical l biasebiases s in the in the form of form of admiradmiring themselvesing themselves, , particparticularlyularly about the West Bengal? In reviewing the novel

about the West Bengal? In reviewing the novel GoraGora, it can be said,, it can be said,

“The novel is based in the

“The novel is based in the British Raj of British Raj of nineteenth century colonialnineteenth century colonial Bengal, and , describes as it's

Bengal, and , describes as it's theme the essential dualism betweentheme the essential dualism between the Unity of the Human Spirit

the Unity of the Human Spirit and the narrow considerations of and the narrow considerations of sectarian and communal religious divisions in the Indian society sectarian and communal religious divisions in the Indian society of that period.

of that period.” (Hanson, 2006)” (Hanson, 2006)

Gora

Gora as the study of Indian Oriental Study of sects and religion unmasks the veils of as the study of Indian Oriental Study of sects and religion unmasks the veils of evils. Though, these sects make people regionally

evils. Though, these sects make people regionally conscious but nationally narrowed. Faith inconscious but nationally narrowed. Faith in any ideology is accepted but this faith must not be biased. Gora raises the voice against it. any ideology is accepted but this faith must not be biased. Gora raises the voice against it. One ideology constructs another one, as its next or it

One ideology constructs another one, as its next or it is constructed as its next by the previousis constructed as its next by the previous one. Oriental study challenges the cultural, religious and sectarian inequality in the term of one. Oriental study challenges the cultural, religious and sectarian inequality in the term of Marxism.

Marxism.

Cultural and religious phenomena of any nation always affects personal one because Cultural and religious phenomena of any nation always affects personal one because opposite impacts on another opposite. Personal is always influenced by general one. Here, opposite impacts on another opposite. Personal is always influenced by general one. Here, Hinduism and Brahmoism are two separately general forms that often modify the personal Hinduism and Brahmoism are two separately general forms that often modify the personal matter like matrimony, upbringing, learning, following specific sects and so on. It changes matter like matrimony, upbringing, learning, following specific sects and so on. It changes prototype premises when it undergoes the process of transformation. E.g. Gora himself being prototype premises when it undergoes the process of transformation. E.g. Gora himself being

staun

staunch ch Hindu drowns towards Sucharita, but Hindu drowns towards Sucharita, but once, consideronce, considered ed commicommitment to tment to nationnationalismalism based upon the Hindu values as a good, turns out into evil in the sense social phenomenon based upon the Hindu values as a good, turns out into evil in the sense social phenomenon like Hinduism separates Gora’s emotional concern. So cannot be West as primary and East as like Hinduism separates Gora’s emotional concern. So cannot be West as primary and East as a secondary idea? Is not a Western hierarchy thirst upon the Eastern hierarchy?

a secondary idea? Is not a Western hierarchy thirst upon the Eastern hierarchy?

But contradictory, with Post-Colonial perspective, Christian converted maidservant is But contradictory, with Post-Colonial perspective, Christian converted maidservant is

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is looked down as low brows by the high brows is quite relevant. The classy language spoken is looked down as low brows by the high brows is quite relevant. The classy language spoken by Gora throughout the novel’s journey is polished and sounds like superior. So thinking that by Gora throughout the novel’s journey is polished and sounds like superior. So thinking that

someone is superior defines the identity of a caste as Hindu or Brahmos. someone is superior defines the identity of a caste as Hindu or Brahmos.

So the way British Raj ruled India for years who is powerfully ruling party upon the So the way British Raj ruled India for years who is powerfully ruling party upon the powerless Indians and that is what Tagore has depicted through the characters from

powerless Indians and that is what Tagore has depicted through the characters from GoraGora.. Characters of the novel like Gora (turns out to be a protagonist) and Haran (turns out to be an Characters of the novel like Gora (turns out to be a protagonist) and Haran (turns out to be an antagonist) lead caste consciousness among the other characters so happens in society by the antagonist) lead caste consciousness among the other characters so happens in society by the people who live in it. At the end of the novel, Gora atones for his past years and feels people who live in it. At the end of the novel, Gora atones for his past years and feels apologised before Paresh Babu. The author builds his personality as a comprehensive soul apologised before Paresh Babu. The author builds his personality as a comprehensive soul who makes Gora comprehend the reality as he dialogues,

who makes Gora comprehend the reality as he dialogues,

“To-day I am really an Indian! In me there is no longer any “To-day I am really an Indian! In me there is no longer any Opposition between Hindu, Mussulman, and Christian. Opposition between Hindu, Mussulman, and Christian. To-day every caste in India is my caste, the food of all is my food.

day every caste in India is my caste, the food of all is my food. ” (Tagore, 406)” (Tagore, 406)

This end of the novel is remarkably takes sudden change about the character of Gora. This end of the novel is remarkably takes sudden change about the character of Gora. His

His ideidentintity ty onconce e remremainained ed secsecret, ret, is is revrevealealed ed befbefore ore othother er chacharactracters ers as as an an IrisIrishmhman’an’ss offspring. Hence, a man is recognized not by his upbringing but by his birth. Now he offspring. Hence, a man is recognized not by his upbringing but by his birth. Now he transcends the reality that he is neither Hindu nor Brahmos nor a Christian (as a caste) but a transcends the reality that he is neither Hindu nor Brahmos nor a Christian (as a caste) but a

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Work cited Work cited

Hanson. Review of

Hanson. Review of GoraGora by Rabindranath Tagore. January 24, 2006. Web. 16 January 2012.by Rabindranath Tagore. January 24, 2006. Web. 16 January 2012. <

< http://www.shvoong.comhttp://www.shvoong.com >>

Jois, Rama. Review of

Jois, Rama. Review of GoraGora by Rabindranath Tagore. March 20, 2011. Web.18 January,by Rabindranath Tagore. March 20, 2011. Web.18 January, 2012.<

2012.< http://www.gingerchai.comhttp://www.gingerchai.com

Sen, Nandini. Review of

Sen, Nandini. Review of GoraGora by Rabindranath Tagore. Arpil 26, 2010. Web. 16 Januaryby Rabindranath Tagore. Arpil 26, 2010. Web. 16 January 2012.

2012.

Tagor, Rabindranath.

Tagor, Rabindranath. GoraGora.1.1stst_{ed. Macmillan and Co.}_{ed. Macmillan and Co. Limited, 1995:12. Print.}_{Limited, 1995:12. Print.} Wikip

Wikipedia edia contrcontributoibutors. rs. "Brahm"Brahmo o Samaj.Samaj."" WikiWikipedipedia, a, The The Free Free EncyEncycloclopedipediaa. Wikipedia,. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 17 Dec.