Saumyendranath On Rabindranath offers a compelling portrait of the complex relationship between two towering figures of the Tagore family—Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel Laureate poet-philosopher, and his younger relative, Saumyendranath Tagore, a Marxist thinker and revolutionary.

Drawing from letters, public commentary, and historical records, this work explores the deep admiration Saumyendranath held for Rabindranath’s literary genius—placing him alongside global luminaries like Romain Rolland and Thomas Mann—while also examining their stark ideological differences. In an era of global upheaval, Saumyendranath challenged Rabindranath’s political views, critiquing his stance on fascism with bold candor. Yet, in moments of shared purpose, the two collaborated meaningfully, such as during the founding of the Indian chapter of the League Against Fascism and War in 1937.

This book delves into the philosophical, political, and emotional undercurrents that defined their bond. It illuminates how growing up in the vibrant cultural cradle of Jorasanko shaped Saumyendranath’s early intellectual life and how his radical path evolved in conversation—and at times, in contrast—with Rabindranath’s more humanist worldview.

Saumyendranath On Rabindranath is not only a narrative of two influential men but also a reflection on how familial ties can both nurture and challenge the forging of independent thought in times of political and cultural transformation.