Why Did Tagore Reject His Knighthood?
Letter to Lord Chelmsford Rejecting Knighthood is a notable literary work by Rabindranath Tagore. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, to various questions of Letter to Lord Chelmsford Rejecting Knighthood.
Answer
Why did Tagore reject his Knighthood?
Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) strongly disagreed with the British Government’s harsh measures in Punjab in a letter to Lord Chelmsford on May 31, 1919. His writing of rejection is an outcome of the massacre in Jallianwala Bagh of Amritsar, which took place on April 13, 1919. This letter explains why Tagore chose to reject the Knighthood bestowed upon him.
Unequal Punishments and Methods: Tagore was shocked at the severity of punishments inflicted on the people in Punjab. It emphasized that it was disproportionate and lacked precedent in the history of civilized governments.
The Helplessness of Indian Subjects: Tagore highlighted the vulnerability of British subjects in India, describing them as disarmed and resourceless in the face of the government’s overwhelming power. He asserted that the actions had revealed the helplessness of Indians. He writes,
The enormity of the measures taken by the Government in the Punjab… revealed to our minds the helplessness of our position as British subjects in India.
Political Injustice and Moral Concerns: The poet strongly asserted that the harsh treatment had neither political expediency nor moral justification. He criticized the callousness of the rulers and the lack of response to the universal agony of the Indian people.
Ignored Appeals and Gagged Silence: Tagore expressed his frustration at the futile appeals made by the people and the government’s suppression of voices. He lamented the indifference towards the suffering of Indians. He writes,
Knowing that our appeals have been in vain and that the passion of vengeance is blinding the nobler vision of statesmanship in our Government…
Stand Against Injustice: Tagore chose to stand in solidarity with his fellow citizens. He rejected the Knighthood as a symbolic act against the badges of honor that only intensified the shame of the Indian people. He expressed his desire to stand with those who faced degradation unfit for human beings. He writes,
The time has come when badges of honour make our shame glaring…
In conclusion, Rabindranath Tagore rejected his Knighthood to protest against the unjust measures in Punjab. It advocated for the dignity and rights of the Indian people.