This volume brings together eminent Tagore scholars and younger writers to revisit the concepts
of nation nationalism identity and selfhood civilization culture and homeland in Tagore's
writings. As these ideas take up the centre-stage of politics in the subcontinent as also
elsewhere in the world in the 21st century it becomes extremely relevant to revisit his works
in this context. Tagore's ambivalence towards nationalism as an ideology was apparent in the
responses in his discussions with Indians and non-Indians alike. Tagore developed the concept
of 'syncretic' civilization as a basis of nationalist civilizational unity where society was
central unlike the European model of state-centric civilization. However as the subterranean
tensions of communalism became clear in the early 20th century Tagore reflexively critiqued
his own political position in society. He thus emerged as the critic of the nation nation-state
and in this he shared his deep unease with other thinkers like Romain Rolland and Albert
Einstein. This volume for the first time covers the socio-political historical literary and
cultural concerns relating to Tagore's efforts towards the 'de-colonization' of the Self. The
volume begins with various perspectives on Tagore's 'ambivalence' about nationalism. It
encompasses critical examinations of Tagore's literary works and other art forms as well as
adaptations of his works on film. It also reads Tagore's nationalism in a comparative mode with
contemporary thinkers in India and abroad who were engaged in similar debates.
