The Nobel laureate, Rabindranath Tagore, was not only a poet of international reputation, but also a strong advocate of beauty and truth. His sensitive mind is well-reflected in his innumerable poems and songs. While envisaging means of self-sustainability for the rural poor and economic regeneration at the grassroots level, Tagore nurtured a deep passion for both visual and performing arts.
His vision of education was a holistic one, where he rejected classroom teaching, but gave preference to learning in natural surroundings. Tagore laid stress on ample freedom in the sphere of learning. In the early days of Santiniketan, students belonging to one particular stream were free to take lessons in any other subject that interested them. Of particular significance were Kala Bhavana and Sangeet Bhavana – the schools where plastic arts, crafts, music, dance and drama were taught by veteran gurus.
Tagore nurtured a keen sense of beauty and aesthetics. A wayfaring poet, he travelled far and wide in India and across the globe. He had a keen interest in the cultural lives of the people residing in various parts of the world and adopted whatever he found attractive in each country. As a consequence, his school in Santiniketan developed as a unique institution that amalgamated the best of the East and the West.
In this context, we are pleased to invite academic articles, essays and creative pieces as contributions to the special issue of Gitanjali and Beyond, Issue 12, entitled “Art and Aesthetics: Tagore’s Visions”. We invite scholars, researchers and cultural practitioners all over the world to contribute to this issue, interpreting Tagore’s concept of art and aesthetics and the effect of these concepts as expressed in his work during his lifetime, and assess the legacy he left behind for posterity.
Sub-themes:
- Tagore as a nature lover: The aesthetic aspect
- The aesthetics of Tagore’s travels in India and abroad
- The development of art and craft in Santiniketan and Sriniketan: the legacy left by Rabindranath Tagore
- Rural development in Santiniketan and Sriniketan through the medium of aesthetics
- Kala Bhavana and Sangeet Bhavana – the Tagorean aesthetics of visual art, dance, drama and music and its relevance today
- Art and aesthetics in Tagorean literature
- The relevance of aesthecity in the festivals celebrated in Santiniketan and Sriniketan
- Architecture in Santiniketan: The aesthetic aspect
- The Bengal Renaissance and the painting heritage of the Tagore family
- Stagecraft and dance costumes of Santiniketan: Their significance and visual appeal
Note for contributors:
Please submit an abstract of your essay within 500 words to the editors:
Last date for submitting abstracts: 31.01.2026.
Intimation date of selected abstracts from the Editors: 22.02.2026
Last date for submitting complete essay: 30.04.2026.
Word limit of Article: 5000-7000 words
Tentative Publication Time: Summer 2027.
Please follow the MHRA style sheet of the journal which can be accessed over the website: gitanjaliandbeyond.co.uk/submissions
Dr. Sharmila Chandra (Independent Researcher, Cultural Geography)
Dr Srabanti Basu (Professor, Heritage Institute of Technology)
Guest Editors of Issue 12, Gitanjali and Beyond
