Unpacking Religion through Rabindranath Tagore’s Gora
Delve into Tagore’s critique of dogma in his novel Gora, where themes of faith, nationalism, and identity intertwine, revealing the human struggle for unity and understanding amidst division.
India, as it stands today, seems to have been swallowed whole by a tidal wave of religious intolerance and rigid dogma. A country once renowned for its tolerance now finds itself in a rather sticky wicket, where organised religion has morphed into a bit of a monster. Somewhere along the way, the essence of the Almighty has gone for a walkabout, only to be replaced by an unfortunate dose of hatred. With these thoughts swirling in my head, I recently found myself leafing through Tagore’s Gora again and couldn’t help but feel the urge to share my two pennies’ worth on this remarkable work.
Religion, a curious concoction of faith and conviction, has always been the proverbial elephant in the room, yet defining it remains as slippery as a bar of soap in a wet shower. Scholars across the globe have dipped their quills in the inkwell of academia, yet no single definition holds water. Ronald L. Johnstone suggests it stems from the Latin “religare,” meaning ‘to bind together’—a notion that seems to have frayed at the edges in today’s world. Emile Durkheim proposes a duality between faith and practice, while Elizabeth H. Nottingham reminds us that emotional attachments play a hefty role in how one interprets these beliefs. Then there’s Malcolm Hamilton, who argues that religion springs from a cocktail of fear and a desire for security—a societal band-aid to keep the wounds of uncertainty at bay.
Yet, the crux of the matter lies not in religion itself but in its institutionalisation. When beliefs morph into bureaucratic rituals, they risk becoming more sociological tools than spiritual guides. The so-called guardians of faith often twist the tenets of their religions to suit their narratives, fostering a sense of superiority that only deepens the divides between us. In this labyrinth of belief, one often finds that the problem isn’t religion per se, but the narrow-mindedness of those who wield it like a sword.
Rabindranath Tagore, a beacon of non-sectarian thought, stood firmly against this institutionalisation. He viewed it as an abstract concept that bred animosity, much like the caste system—essentially a rickety scaffold propping up societal prejudices. For Tagore, religions have too often been hijacked to cultivate disdain rather than to unite. His establishment of the Brahmo Samaj was a clarion call for rationalism and enlightenment, aimed at dismantling the chains of orthodox Hindu practices that, in his view, stifled true spiritual growth.
During Tagore’s lifetime, Bengal was undergoing a religious renaissance, a time rife with tension between orthodox Hindus and the liberal Brahmos. Despite being raised in a Brahmo environment, Tagore was unflinching in his critique of religious hypocrisy, advocating for a form of personal realisation over institutional dogma. His characters, as seen in his novel Gora, often grapple with these conflicting ideologies, revealing the multifaceted nature of belief and identity.
The eponymous protagonist, Gora, embodies the struggle between rigid nationalism and a broader understanding of humanity. A fervent Hindu nationalist, he initially envisions a unified India under the banner of Hinduism. However, as the narrative unfolds, Gora’s journey leads him to grapple with the contradictions of his upbringing, the complexities of faith, and the realities of personal and collective identity. His path of self-discovery takes a twist when he learns of his Irish heritage, adding layers to his already tumultuous beliefs.
Tagore’s keen eye for societal dynamics is evident as he portrays the clash between Gora’s convictions and the liberal perspectives of his friends, particularly in his interactions with Sucharita and Binoy. Through their discussions, Tagore paints a rich tapestry of the era’s tensions, highlighting how individual beliefs can lead to broader societal conflicts. It’s a bit like a game of chess, where every move has far-reaching consequences, often leading to unexpected stalemates.
As Gora navigates his identity, the novel delves into the heart of the Indian experience during colonial rule. It raises essential questions about patriotism, culture, and the ways in which external influences threaten indigenous identities. Tagore deftly showcases that the real enemy isn’t faith itself, but the misuse of faith as a tool for division and conflict. Gora’s ultimate realisation—his devotion to patriotism over dogmatic beliefs—serves as a poignant reminder of the need for unity in diversity.
In the end, Gora isn’t just a critique of institutional religion; it’s a celebration of the human spirit’s resilience against the shackles of dogma. Tagore invites readers to look beyond the surface, urging us to recognise that at the core of all religious and philosophical debates lies a common thread—the pursuit of understanding, acceptance, and the innate human desire for connection. After all, whether you’re a Brahmo or an orthodox Hindu, we all share the same world, and perhaps, just perhaps, that’s the most divine truth of all.
What's Your Reaction?
