Consider the following statements:
1. Rabindranath Tagore preferred the concept of nationalism and patriotism over all other ideals and values.
2. Tagore made a clear distinction between opposing western imperialism and rejecting western civilisation.
3. Rabindranath Tagore was a fierce critique of the western civilization and values.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation:
“Patriotism cannot be our final spiritual shelter; my refuge is humanity. I will not buy glass for the price of diamonds, and I will never allow patriotism to triumph over humanity as long as I live.”. Statement 1 is incorrect: Rabindranath was not a blind follower of patriotism. He was very critical of the narrow expressions of nationalism. Rather he was a worshipper of truth and valued the principles of Humanity. Tagore made a distinction between opposing western imperialism and rejecting western civilisation. He thought that while Indians should be rooted in their own civilization and cultural heritage, they should not resist learning freely and profitably from the west. He was afraid that a rejection of the west in favour of Indian traditions was limiting in itself and It could also easily turn into hostility to other influences from abroad, including Christianity, Judaism, Zoroastrianism and Islam. He was not a fierce critique of the western civilization and values. Instead he wanted to learn from the west. Thus, statement 2 is correct and the statement 3 is not correct.