Rabisarani

Rabindranath returns to Calcutta (now Kolkata) from Shilaidaha.

Jagadish Chandra, his wife Abala Bose and Sister Nivedita who were Rabindranath's guests at Shilaidaha also return to Calcutta (now Kolkata).

Sister Nivedita has mixed feelings towards the poet enmeshed in psychological complexities which are reflected in her letter to Mrs. Bull.

Maharaja (the king) of Tripura, Radhakishoredev Manikya, a close friend of Rabindranath, arrives Calcutta (now Kolkata).

Radhakishoredev Manikya, Maharaja (the king) of Tripura goes to Santiniketan with the poet; it's his second visit to the place.

Sir Henry Cotton well known for his opposition to the partition of Bengal felicitated at an evening dinner party in the city. Many of the poet's friends attend the party.

Raja o Rani (a poem from the book of poems Sishu Bholanath. It is a famous work of Tagore for the children) is performed at Minerva Theater.

Brahmasangeet Swaralipi (Part 1) prepared by Kangalicharan Sen is published with the Tagores' financial help.

Kangalicharan Sen dedicates the book Brahmasangeet Swaralipi (Part 1) to Jyotirindranath.

Poet's father Maharshi Debendranath passes away after a prolonged illness. He was 88.

75th Maghotsav (the main annual festival of Brahma Samaj which is held on 11th Magha according to the Bengali calendar) is held in a mournful atmosphere after Maharshi's death.

Rabindranath addresses the audience in the 75th Maghotsav festival, which is later printed in the Bharati, Phalgun issue, (Bharati is a Bengali monthly magazine founded by poet's eldest brother Dwijendranath) titled as -- Maharshir Lokantar Gaman.

Tagore's eight songs are sung in the morning and evening sessions during the 75th Maghotsav festival

• Saktirupa hero tanr

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• (Amar) mon tumi nath

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• Garaba mama harechha prabhu 6th June, 1904

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• Nisithasayane bhebe rakhi mone 1902

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• Sakala garba door kari diba

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• Je keha morey diyechho sukh 7th June, 1904

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• Danrao amar ankhiro agey 3rd June, 1904

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• Aji jata tara tabo akashe 5th June, 1904

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Poet's father, Maharshi Debendranath Tagore's obsequies or sraddha is performed.

On sraddha (obsequies) ceremony of his departed father Debendranath, poet prays for his father, later which was published in Charitrapuja, a collection of essays written by the poet offering a tribute to great men.

The Magha (Jan-Feb) issue of Noukadubi, a famous novel of Rabindranath is published in Bangadarshan (a monthly Bengali magazine founded by Bankimchandra Chattopadhaya in 1872, later which was revived by Rabindranath in 1901). This novel is being published in serial format.

Dineshchandra Sen, like others who need assistance receives Rs 50/- from Rabindranath. Assistance disbursed as directed by the late Maharshi in his will.

A special meeting of Bangiya Sahitya Parishad held to mourn Maharshi Debendranath Tagore's death.

Rabindranath and Jagadishchandra attend Swami Vivekananda's birthday celebration at Belur Math.

Rabindranath arrives in Santiniketan.

Bidhusekhar Shastri arrives from Benaras to work as Sanskrit teacher at Santiniketan school and a life long association with the poet begins.

Kusumato San, a Japanese carpenter is engaged to teach carpentry to the students at Santiniketan around this time.

A memorial meeting held at Town Hall in honour of poet's father late Maharshi Debendranath Tagore. Gopalkrishna Gokhale attends the meeting.

Bangiya Sahitya Parishad, a literary society established on 1893, invites the poet to articulate the anger and agony felt in his inimitable way.

Rabindranath thus reads his famous essay Safalatar Sadupaya at a meeting held at the National Assemblies Institution.

At a special meeting of Bangiya Sahitya Parishad's executive committee, it discusses poet's proposals for its development and expansion. Poet present at the meeting.

Attends a hilarious, fun-filled session of the Pournamashi Sabha formed by Dwijendralal Roy at his Sookea St. residence.

Acting on Rabindranath's proposals, Bangiya Sahitya Parishad convenes a meeting of students to present to them Rabindranath's programme of constructive, patriotic service and rural reconstruction.

In this long and famous address to the students, Rabindranath who is steadily emerging as a major educationists and thinker of original vision of his time, tells a massive gathering of students assembled at the Classic Theatre in words unrivaled for eloquence and intensity, "...I know for certain that the fine incisive chords in your hearts, luminous like fibers made of the morning rays of the sun and easily capable of being struck by melodies of noble desires have not yet started rusting due to lack of use....when the country is humiliated, your heart glows like a pent-up fire erupting at last...your concern for the country, your anxiety to eradicate poverty and ignominy...invade your mind when you happen to be awake at night or enjoying your quiet leisure during the day..."

Goes to Santiniketan.

Rabindranath is invited to be vice-president of the literary society Bangiya Sahitya Parishad. He will continue to hold this office till 1909-10.

To meet the mounting expenses of the school, poet decides to sell off his house and adjoining plot of land at Puri, writes to Satyaprasad to this effect.

In April 1905 a monthly magazine named Bhandar is established by Dr. Kedarnath Dasgupta, a scolar and a strong supporter of Indian Independence Movement. On request of Dr. Dasgupta, Rabindranath becomes the editor of the Bhandar magazine. The purpose of this magazine is to spread the idealism of 'Swadeshi Movement' among people.

In this short yet critical article published in the Bharati (Baisakh issue) Rabindranath tears into the western ideology of imperialism.

In his reply to Dwijendralal's letter Rabindranath, while displaying remarkable restraint, effectively delivers a broadside. His ties with Dwijendralal Roy are finally and irrevocably snapped.

In this article published in the Bhandar (Jaistha issue) the poet suggests that the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science founded by Dr. Mahendralal Sarkar (1876) should seek the help of scientists and writers like Jagadishchandra, Prafullachandra and Jogeshchandra Roy to develop dedicated students and popularise science topics through the mother tongue.

Very close relationship with the royal family of Tripura.

Maharaja Radhakishoredev Manikya of Tripura is beset with trouble, expels his brother from Tripura for the latter's intransigence.

Rabindranath writes a long letter to Radhakishore giving him useful advice on many issues.

Most probably Rabindranath travels to Tripura by June end.

In this Ashad issue the last instalment of the serialised novel Noukadubi is printed.

It also contains the immensely popular poem (later turned into a song) Shesh Kheya.

Maharaja (the king) of Tripura, Radhakishore Manikya invites Rabindranath to presides over the Tripura Sahitya Sammelan (literary meet at Tripura) which will be held at Agartala.'

The poet presides over Tripura Sahitya Sammelan (literary meet at Tripura) held at Agartala.

Rabindranath reads essay Deshiya Rajya related to the current social and political situation of India in the inauguration of Tripura Sahitya Sammelan (literary meet).

Poet leaves Agartala after the completion of Tripura Sahitya Sammelan (literary meet).

Rabindranath returns to Calcutta (Kolkata) from Tripura after the completion of Tripura Sahitya Sammelan.

Bhandar magazine Ashad (3rd month of Bengali calendar) edition appears for public, rich with Poet's contributions. He writes three poems in Japanese rhythm praising their achievements in nation-building (in future it will be included in Chanda).

Attends the second monthly meeting of the Bangiya Sahitya Parishad.

Writes Muktipash.

A contemporary newspaper The Telegraph reported, "Before the proceedings of the meeting were commenced, the patriotic song composed on this occasion by babu Rabindranath Tagore was sung in a chorus…..The first song was again sung after the address of the President."

In Santiniketan now, he writes seven poems

• Subhakshan 29th July, 1905

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• Tyag 29th July, 1905

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• Prabhate 29th July, 1905

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• Balika Badhu 31st July, 1905

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• Kheya 31st July, 1905

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• Anabashyak 10th August, 1905

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• Anahata 11th August, 1905

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Writes Dukhhamurti. With these poems the Kheya cycle gets under way. The spiritual note permeates the poems of this phase more substantially than before and consequently the experiential elements are more inextricably blended in the texture of the verse.

Writes Ghater Path.

Returns to Kolkata where the anti-partition (Swadeshi) movement is gathering momentum.

Writes two poems:

• Agaman 13th August, 1905

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• Agaman 14th August, 1905

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Writes this important article most probably at Hiranmoyee's request.

Reads this article at a meeting held in the Town Hall as part of a series of lectures organised by the weekly New India edited by Bipinchandra Pal.

Poet Urges judicious use of the boycott weapon in a constructive spirit and above all, almost prophetically, Hindu-Muslim unity and harmony; the two keynotes which will invariably characterize his approach to the whole issue of anti-colonial movement in the months and years ahead. Bipinchandra and Rabindranath hold similar views on these issues. Bipinchandra writes a number of articles in the Bangadarshan taking a stance similar to the poet's during this period.

Rabindranath also urges the founding of Bangiya Sahitya Parishad branches in all the districts.

In recorded history this song is perhaps the first sung at this meeting. Amar Sonar Bangla was in all probability already composed during the poet's last visit to Santiniketan.

Rabindranath sets his most famous song to the popular folk baul tune used in a folk song sung to him Gagan Harkara, a postal peon in Shilaidaha.

Later in the evening, "...more than four thousand persons including college and school students, bare-footed and holding flags in hand came in procession singing a national song composed by babu Rabindranath Tagore…"

Writes the poem Daan in Giridih.

Writes Ghate.

Though he's away from Kolkata - the swadeshi nerve-centre of the gathering storm, the ripples reach him too. He is powerfully moved, becomes the master minstrel of the upsurge increasingly convulsing Bengal and produces a number of patriotic songs, almost each a masterpiece, in a month of tremendous creative artistry not very often seen even in his career, notable alike for its length and continuous development.

• O amar desher mati

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• Ma ki tui porer dware

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• Ebar tor mora gungey

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• Je tomai chhade chhaduk

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• Jadi tor daak shune keu

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• Je torey pagal boley

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• Tor apan jane chhadbe torey

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• Sarthaka janama amar janmechhi ei deshe

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• Ami bhoy karba na, bhoy karba na

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• Ore tora neiba katha bolli

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• Chhi chhi chokher jaley

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• Book bendhe tui danra dekhi

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• Nishidin bharsa rakhis

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• Jonaki ki sukhe oi

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• Amra pathe pathe jabo

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• Aaji Bangladesher hridaya hote

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• Apni abash holi

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• Jadi tor bhabna thakey

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• Amader jatra holo suru 7th Octobar, 1905

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• Bidhir bandhan katbe tumi 8th Octobar, 1905

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• Oder bandhan jotoi sakta hobe 9th Octobar, 1905

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• Aaj sabai jutey ashuk chhutey 11th Octobar, 1905

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• Orey bhai mithya bhebo na 11th Octobar, 1905

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• Ghare mukh malin dekhe

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Back in Kolkata; presides over a meeting attended by Ramendrasundar Trivedi, Suresh Samajpati, Srishchandra Sarbadhikari, Amritalal Basu, Manaranjan Guhathakurta, Nagendranath Ghosh, Surendranath Tagore etc.

The meeting at Calcutta (now Kolkata) endorses Rabindranath's proposal that, "..if partition of Bengal were carried out on the 16th of October next the people of entire Bengal..should celebrate the day as an occasion of their union…by exchange of yellow thread between the people of eastern and western Bengal on that day...". This is the first recorded instance of Rakhi-bandhan being urged as a symbolic measure of protest against partition.

Rabindranath writes his universally known song Banglar mati Banglar jal (Soil of Bengal, Water of Bengal) to protest against 'Partition of Bengal' movement, the song is due to be sung on Rakhi bandhan occasion.

Poet writes the song Bhubaneswara hey.

Swadesh, a collection of patriotic songs and poems of Tagore is published.

Poet returns to Giridih from Calcutta (now Kolkata) after the meeting that held regarding the plan of Rakhi bandhan occasion in protest of 'Partition of Bengal'.

Published, consists of twenty songs very recently composed.

From Giridih Rabindranath goes to Deoghar to attend Sarala Devi's (daughter of poet's elder sister Swarnakumari Devi) wedding.

Sarala Devi, daughter of poet's elder sister Swarnakumari Devi, marries Rambhaja Dutta Chowdhury, a Punjabi brahmin.

Rabindranath returns from Deoghar.

A letter written to Brajendrakishore Devbarma at this time reflects his patriotic mood - "I request you to discard British goods and use indigenous things instead as far as possible, and you had better be prepared to endure ridicule for this…"

Returns to Kolkata to attend historic 'Bijoya Sammilani'.

The poet's songs are sung everywhere, his wonderfully written speeches strike chords in the hearts of people. So the poet's in demand.

A vast assembly of about 5000 people including the elite and eminence grise of Calcutta (now Kolkata) celebrates Bijoya Sammilani in an unprecedented display of new-found ardor unity and resolve which the poet powerfully articulates in his patriotic songs sung on the occasion.

As a vast assembly of about 5000 people celebrates the historic Bijoya Sammilani, at Calcutta (now Kolkata), the newspaper The Bengalee reported, "Babu Rabindranath Tagore himself treated the gentlemen present to some of his well known songs."

The poet also reads his article Bijoya-sammilan on the occasion of historic Bijoya-sammilani celebrated at Calcutta and significantly reaches out to the Muslims too, on the occasion of what's basically a Hindu social ritual displaying, once more, rare foresight.

The Bengalee (13th October) reports, "…Babu Rabindranath Tagore has composed a beautiful song in connection with the 'Rakhi Bandhan ceremony' which is to be held on the 16th October. This and the special hymn (Banglar Mati Banglar Jal) composed for the occasion, printed on nice country-made cards and also the 'Rakhi Threads' are now being sold at the Bhandar office no 7, Cornwallis Street, Calcutta (now Kolkata)."

Rabindranath sends these cards (which were made for invitation of Rakhi-bandhan ceremony) to Jagadishchandra, Jadunath Sarkar and Aswinikumar Dutta of Bariswal.

Movement against Partition of Bengal assumes the form of a symbolic purifying bath in the Ganga and tying rakhi round the wrist of whoever comes your way as a gesture of unity.

At a massive rally of about fifty thousand people, the foundation stone laid for Federation Hall on Upper Circular Road (now Acharya Prafulla Chandra Road).

The event of laying foundation stone for Federation Hall is presided by renowned lawyer, senior leader of the Indian National Congress, and one of the founders of Sadharan Brahmo Samaj - Anandamohan Basu. He is very ill at that time. Hence a 'proclamation' signed by him and read by Surendranath Banerjee pledges to "do everything in our power to counteract the evil effects of the dismemberment of our Province and to maintain the integrity of our race." Rabindranath reads the Bengali version of the proclamation.

After the foundation stone is laid for Federation Hall, a mammoth crowd walks along Upper Circular Road all the way to Pasupatinath Basu's mansion at Bagbazar in a vast procession which includes the poet and sings his songs as it goes.

At the next meeting of the day held at Basu mansion, Bagbazar, a Jatiya Bhandar or national fund is set up. Rs 30,000/- collected. Poet contributes one hundred rupees.

In this first phase of the Swadeshi Movement (a movement for national independence in India boycotting foreign goods and encouraging the use of domestic products) the poet attends five meetings, reads speeches at two and the Bengali version of a proclamation at one of these meetings.

At a protest meeting presided over by barrister Abdul Rasul the Carlyle Circular (the Circular contains provisions for punishing school and college students for taking part in political activities and depriving schools of government aid) is denounced and the resolve to establish a national university declared, thus in effect endorsing, however belatedly Rabindranath's agenda of creating an education system free of government control and based on Indian values.

The poet addresses a chiefly Muslim audience at a meeting held near Mullick Bazar Tram depot at Calcutta (now Kolkata). The meeting is presided over by Abdul Rasul. Manoranjan Guhathakurta, Bipinchandra Pal etc. also speak.

A meeting of over one thousand college students of Calcutta (now Kolkata) colleges held at Charuchandra Mullick's pataldanga residence. Rabindranath presides. Bhupendranath Basu, Bipinchandra Pal, Satishchandra Mukherjee etc. also attend.

The meeting held at Calcutta (now Kolkata) rejects Carlyle Circular, Rabindranath upholds students' right to protest and stresses the need for alternative arrangements of education.

An appeal is made to all sisters in Bengal urging them to donate to the National Fund.

Rabindranath is a signatory to and perhaps also the author of the appeal.

At another meeting of students held in the evening at Field & Academy building, the same questions crop up. Poet presides. He says the time has arrived for setting up a national university. Hirendranath Dutta also speaks.

Anti-circular Society formed at a massive students' rally held in Goldighi. Society appeals to students to give up official educational institutions and join the proposed national university.

At a meeting organised by the Dawn Society, Satishchandra Mukherjee - founder of the society, Hirendranath Dutta and Rabindranath address almost two thousand students. Some students also speak.

Poet reiterates that if the students are really keen to break with education provided by the government, the leaders then must take necessary steps to set up a national university but initial efforts are unlikely to fulfill all expectations. It is seen that when the movement brings the education question to the fore, he enthusiastically displays his readiness to associate himself with whatever efforts are being made in this direction.

Rabindranath leaves for Tripura.

At another protest meeting held in Kolkata and presided over by Bipinchandra Pal, Nivedita, Aswinikumar Banerjee, Brahmabandhab Upadhaya, Ashutosh Chowdhury speak and assure students that the leaders are trying to set up a national university.

At a historic meeting held at the Park St. office of The Bengal land Holders' Association the cream of Calcutta (now Kolkata) society assembles. Rabindranath is present at the meeting.

Meeting resolves to constitute a National Council of Education to impart literary, scientific and technical education to the youth of Bengal.

Provisional Committee formed to pave the way for the proposed Council; poet on the committee.

Students assemble at Pantir Math to receive the good news. Surendranath presides, Rabindranath also speaks.

A dramatised version of the novel performed in the evening at Classic Theatre. Performance directed by well known actor of the day -- Amarendranath Dutta who plays Mahendra.

At its second meeting held at Indian Association hall, the Committee finalises the draft plan of a national university and prepares its report. Rabindranath attends meeting.

He's away in Santiniketan and spends a month there, exposing himself to the peace and solitude of the place.

In a letter written to Manoranjan Bandopadhyay about this time he says, "…You can never tell when the crowd will call (me) again and I will have to say goodbye to the solitude…"

Kedarnath Dasgupta's booklet Sikshar Andolan carrying a long introduction by the poet published.

Somewhat disenchanted by the posturing of the leaders, poet writes to Ramendrasundar, "What's the use of dragging me into all this? It will only hurt my head if I go on dashing my head when the country is not in fact ready yet." Years later poet will tell Sajanikanta Das that he didn't see another noble-hearted man like Ramendrasundar.

Poet is now busy revamping his school at Santiniketan after a considerable absence and unable to take a break.

The annual festival (popularly known as Poush utsav) held as usual at Santiniketan.

Rabindranath's address delivered at the evening prayers later printed in the Bangadarshan (Magh issue) under the title Utsav.

Poet made an honorary member of Chaitanya Library at its general meeting along with E.B. Havell and others.

Prince of Wales visits Calcutta (now Kolkata) with wife in the last lap of their India tour.

Rabindranath writes Abarita, inaugurating another phase of the Kheya cycle.

Indian Art Society established as a result of the initiative taken by Nivedita, John Woodroff, Havell, Kumaraswamy and of course Abanindranath and Gaganendranath.

This Bengali daily founded and edited by the redoubtable, fiery exponent of a free India – Brahmabandhab Upadhaya makes its mark and impresses the students and youths with its incendiary editorials and news items.