Cambridge Lower Secondary

Bangladesh Studies (7094)

Topic: Influence of major cultural figures -Rabindranath Tagore
Total Marks-15

Name: Grade:8 Section/Group: Date:

(a)This question tests your knowledge:

1. How did Rabindranath's life as a child help prepare him for a career as a writer? [1]

Ans: Rabindranath drew inspiration by reading the classical poetry of Kalidasa and started coming up with

classical poems of his own. Some of his other influences and inspirations came from his brothers and

sisters. While Dwijendranath, his elder brother, was a poet and philosopher, Satyendranath, another

brother of his, was in a highly respectable position.

2. How did the events of 1902-1907 influence Rabindranath’s writing? [2]

Ans: Rabindranath Tagore’s traditional education began in Brighton, East Sussex, England, at a public

school. He was sent to England in the year 1878 as his father wanted him to become a barrister. He was

later joined by some of his relatives like his nephew, niece and sister-in-law in order to support him during

his stay in England. Rabindranath had always despised formal education and thus showed no interest in

learning from his school. He was later on enrolled at the University College in London, where he was asked

to learn law. But he once again dropped out and learned several works of Shakespeare on his own. After

learning the essence of English, Irish and Scottish literature and music, he returned to India and married

Mrinalini Devi when she was just 10 years old. All these events influenced him to write and also to carry on

with his poetry.

3. Name writings by Rabindranath in as many different areas as you can (e.g. poetry, novels, songs). [2]

Ans: Some of his famous short stories include ‘Kabuliwala’, ‘Kshudita Pashan’, ‘Atottju’, ‘Haimanti’ and

‘Musalmanir Golpo’ among many other stories. Famous novels of his include ‘Noukadubi’, ‘Gora’,

‘Chaturanga’, ‘Ghare Baire’ and ‘Jogajog’. Some of his best works in poem include ‘Balaka’, ‘Purobi’,

‘Sonar Tori’ and ‘Gitanjali’. 

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 (b) This question tests your knowledge and understanding . [8]

It is August 1941 and you have just heard the sad news of the death of Rabindranath. Your local newspaper knows
that you are an expert on history and has asked you to write an obituary for the paper.
It wants to know about:
 His early life
 His work
 His achievements
 His honours

But they have told you that they have created a space for 150 words no more, no less

Ans: A man of prodigious literary, Tagore played a leading role in Indian cultural renaissance and came

recognized as one of the architects of modern India and Bangladesh. The 34th of Baisakh in 2020 was the

159 death anniversary of the revolutionary poet Rabindranath Tagore. Rabindranath Tagore's creativity

can’t explained by any one theory. His education, quality time with parents, growing up in family where

creativity and thinking was highly appreciated, his father's own interests, poetry and books might have

helped to reach the heights. Right from his childhood, he has been influenced by nature. His self-realization

in his writing about “Rabi” as a boy is reflects his thoughts. The varied tunes that he has played in the flute

of words have surpassed the boundaries of language. He himself asked,

“Move out of you self; stand out in the open,

You will hear the music of the universe in your heart”

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