Where the Mind is Without Fear: Quiz & Flashcards

Podcast

Play an AI-generated podcast conversation about this lesson

Questions and Answers

What was the original Bengali name of the poem 'Where The Mind is Without Fear'?

Gitanjali

The Bengali Poem

Chitto Jetta bhoyshunyo (correct)

Indian Prayer

When was the Bengali poem 'Where The Mind is Without Fear' published?

1911

1912

1909

1910 (correct)

Why did Tagore create an English translation of 'Where The Mind is Without Fear'?

To popularize it in Bangladesh

At William Rothenstein's request (correct)

To read aloud at the Indian National Congress meeting

To publish in Indian textbooks

What was the original name of the poem when it was read aloud at the Indian National Congress meeting in 1917?

Indian Prayer Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following groups is known to appreciate the original Bengali poem 'Chitto Jetha Bhoyshunyo'?

Liberals in Bangladesh Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea of the poem 'Where The Mind is Without Fear'?

To encourage people to question their superstitions and beliefs Signup and view all the answers

What does the poet want for his country in the poem?

To be transformed into a heaven where all citizens are free Signup and view all the answers

What is the poet's vision for his country's educational system?

Education should be available to all citizens, regardless of race or class Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the 'stream' and 'desert' in the poem?

The stream represents reason and the desert represents superstition and habit Signup and view all the answers

What does the poet want his fellow citizens to do in the face of common enemies?

Unite and fight together against common enemies Signup and view all the answers

Who is the poet directly addressing in the poem?

God Signup and view all the answers

What is the tone of the poem?

Encouraging and optimistic Signup and view all the answers

What is the poet's vision for the future of India?

A country where all its citizens are free and united Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the phrase 'Where the mind is without fear'?

It means that people should be bold and confident in themselves Signup and view all the answers

What is the overall message of the poem?

That people should strive for self-perfection and truth Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Fear' in the first line of the poem refer to?

Fear of the British Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of the line 'Where knowledge is free'?

Achieving independence will allow people to learn and become independent Signup and view all the answers

What does 'narrow domestic walls' refer to?

Barriers based on race, religion, caste, and faith Signup and view all the answers

What does 'tireless striving' imply?

Striving for perfection Signup and view all the answers

What is the central idea of the line 'Where words come out from the depth of truth'?

People should speak the truth Signup and view all the answers

What does the poet want to achieve by 'tireless striving'?

Attaining perfection Signup and view all the answers

What does 'clear stream of reason' refer to?

A stream that is unpolluted and pure Signup and view all the answers

What is the poet's vision for his country?

A country where people live with dignity and freedom Signup and view all the answers

What does the poet see as a result of 'tireless striving'?

People will finally reach their goal of attaining freedom and perfection Signup and view all the answers

What is the poet's view of the British rule in India?

It is a curse that has inculcated fear in the minds of Indians Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Poem Background

The poem "Where The Mind is Without Fear" is a translation of the original Bengali poem "Chitto Jetta bhoyshunyo" by Rabindranath Tagore.

Original Publication

The Bengali poem was published in 1910 as part of Tagore's collection of poems, "Gitanjali".

English Translation

Tagore translated the poem into English in 1911 at William Rothenstein's request.
The English translation was published in 1912 by the Indian Society of London as poem No.35 in "The English Gitanjali".

Public Reading

Tagore read the English translation aloud at a meeting of the Indian National Congress in Calcutta in 1917, where it was known as "Indian Prayer".

Popularity

The poem is commonly found in textbooks.
The original Bengali poem, "Chitto Jetha Bhoyshunyo", is popular among liberals in Bangladesh.

Poem Overview

"Where The Mind is Without Fear" is a poem by Rabindranath Tagore, originally written in Bengali as "Chitto Jetha Bhoyshunno".
The poem has 11 lines, not divided into stanzas, but rather into meaningful sections for easier understanding.

Idealized Vision of India

The poet envisions an India where citizens are bold and confident, living without fear.
Knowledge should be accessible to all citizens, regardless of race or class.
The poet advocates for unity among India's regions and people, fighting together against common enemies.

Truth and Self-Perfection

The poet encourages citizens to always speak the truth, without deception, and strive for self-perfection.
He uses the metaphor of a water stream to represent the path to self-perfection, unobstructed by obstacles.

Critique of Superstition

The poet laments that the "stream of reason" is lost in the "sand of habit", implying that Indians do not question their superstitions using logic.
He wants citizens to break free from habitual superstitions and think critically.

Appeal to God

The poet addresses God directly, asking for guidance to broaden the thoughts and actions of Indian citizens.
He envisions an India transformed into a heaven, where citizens are free, if they follow a path guided by reason and truth.

Analysis of the Poem

The first line of the poem, "Where the mind is without fear, and the head is held high", refers to the freedom from fear inculcated by British rule, and the poet's vision of India where people live dignified lives.
The poet sees freedom as a state where the mind is fearless and the head is respected and held high.
The line "Where knowledge is free" suggests that independence will allow people to learn and become independent, which was restricted under British rule.

Critique of British Rule

The British adopted the "divide and rule" strategy, creating rivalries among different sections of society.
The term "narrow domestic walls" refers to barriers built based on race, religion, caste, and faith, as well as superstitions that ruled the community.

The Poet's Vision

The poet wants people to live with complete and honest intent, as implied by the line "Where words come out from the depth of truth".
Everyone should strive for perfection, or the status of an ideal country, as indicated by the personified term "tireless striving".
The poet envisions a country where reason is unclouded, honorable, honest, and free of corruption, as described by the metaphor "clear stream of reason".
He criticizes societal evils like irrational customs that defy logic and reason, referred to as "dreary desert sand of dead habit".

The Poet's Plea

In the last three lines, the poet asks the Almighty to guide and support him in his quest for independence.
He wants his fellow citizens to be encouraged by their noble thoughts and actions.
Freedom is likened to heaven, and God is referred to as the Father, with the poet asking Him to awaken His people and help them reach this glorious place.

Studying That Suits You

Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.

Description

Explore the background and translation of Tagore's famous poem, originally written in Bengali as 'Chitto Jetha Bhoyshunyo', and its publication in English as part of the Gitanjali collection. Learn about the poet's work and its significance.

Rabindranath Tagore's 'Where the Mind is Without Fear'

Choose a study mode