Rabindranath Tagore and the Controversy Surrounding Dhaka University: A Complex Legacy

*Written by MD Nezam*

Rabindranath Tagore celebrated worldwide as a literary genius and the first non-European Nobel laureate, remains a figure of both admiration and controversy, particularly in the context of early 20th-century Bengal. While Tagore’s literary works contributed significantly to Bengali culture, his political and social attitudes, especially toward Muslims in the Dhaka region, have been a point of contention. This article explores the complicated relationship between Tagore and the establishment of Dhaka University, as well as his broader views on the people of the region.

### Tagore’s Opposition to Dhaka University

On March 28, 1912, Tagore presided over a protest meeting in Calcutta against the establishment of Dhaka University, held at Gara Ground. This meeting, organized by Hindu elites, opposed the creation of a university in the predominantly Muslim Dhaka region. Tagore’s involvement in this protest is often seen as indicative of his broader views on education and social hierarchy. As a prominent landlord and a member of Bengal’s elite, Tagore perceived the Dhaka region, home to many of his Muslim tenants, as less sophisticated and primarily suited to agricultural labor.

Critics argue that Tagore’s stance was influenced by his elitist perspective, which saw the Muslim population as unworthy of higher education opportunities. He feared that the establishment of a university in Dhaka would shift the socio-political power dynamics, empowering a group he viewed as less qualified for leadership.

### Grounds of Complaint Against Rabindranath Tagore

1. **Opposition to the Partition of Bengal (1905):** During the 1905 Partition of Bengal, Tagore was a fervent nationalist who opposed the division of the region. However, his nationalism was primarily centered around the interests of Hindu elites. After World War I, Tagore’s disillusionment with nationalism led him to adopt a more internationalist view, often distancing himself from regional issues like the establishment of Dhaka University.

2. **Non-Sectarian but Reluctant to Stand Against Communalism:** Although Tagore was known for his secular beliefs, he struggled to oppose communal forces actively. This reluctance is evident in his silence during critical moments, such as the establishment of Dhaka University, when he failed to support educational opportunities for Muslims.

3. **Focus on Hindu-Dominated Institutions:** Tagore’s efforts were concentrated on developing educational institutions like Visva-Bharati in Bolpur, a Hindu-majority area. He lobbied British officials, including Lord Hardinge, to grant university status to his institution, while remaining conspicuously silent about Dhaka University’s establishment.

4. **Resistance to Quotas for Muslims in Government Jobs:** Tagore acknowledged that Muslims were disadvantaged in government employment due to a lack of English education, but he opposed the introduction of quotas to rectify this imbalance. He argued that quotas would undermine meritocracy and unfairly favor less qualified Muslims over more competent Hindu candidates. This stance highlighted his reluctance to embrace affirmative actions that could have addressed systemic disparities.

### Tagore’s Influence and the Broader Opposition to Dhaka University

Tagore’s opposition to Dhaka University placed him among the influential figures in West Bengal who resisted the university’s establishment, including the Vice-Chancellor of Calcutta University, Sir Ashutosh Mukhopadhyay, and politician Surendranath Banerjee. They argued that creating a new university in Dhaka would weaken Calcutta University’s influence and divert resources away from Hindu-dominated academic institutions.

Syed Abul Maqsud, in his book “Dhaka University and Higher Education in Bangladesh,” points out that Tagore’s resistance to the university was driven not only by educational concerns but also by a sense of class and cultural superiority. Tagore’s reactions were often a blend of emotional and elitist sentiments rather than objective criticism.

### The Irony of Tagore’s Legacy in Bangladesh

Despite his opposition to Dhaka University, Tagore’s works have left an indelible mark on the cultural fabric of Bangladesh. His song “Amar Sonar Bangla” became the national anthem after Bangladesh’s independence in 1971, symbolizing a shared cultural heritage that transcends the borders of India and Bangladesh. However, for many, this selection remains controversial, as it symbolizes a broader Bengali identity that includes regions now outside of Bangladesh’s national boundaries, such as Kolkata and other areas absorbed into India after Partition.

### Conclusion: A Divisive Figure in a Complex History

Rabindranath Tagore’s legacy is a tapestry of cultural brilliance intertwined with elitist attitudes that often alienated him from the broader Bengali population, particularly in the Dhaka region. His resistance to the establishment of Dhaka University and his reluctance to support measures that would uplift the Muslim community reflect a complex figure whose ideals did not always align with the aspirations of all Bengalis.

While Tagore’s contributions to literature and culture cannot be understated, his actions and attitudes toward the Dhaka region serve as a reminder of the class and communal divides that have shaped the history of Bengal. As Bangladesh continues to evolve, reflecting on these historical complexities helps illuminate the ongoing journey of defining national identity and addressing the legacies of its most influential figures.