Author(s): Dr Divya Singh

Abstract: This paper undertakes a comprehensive study of Rabindranath Tagore’s seminal novel Gora (1910), examining its multilayered engagement with nationalism, self-discovery, and cultural identity within the turbulent social and political background of colonial Bengal. By way of introduction, the paper situates Gora within Tagore’s broader literary project and the socio-historical currents of the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. A close reading of the plot of Gora reveals how the eponymous protagonist’s fervent Hindu nationalism gradually gives way to a universal humanist vision, catalysed by the revelation of his Irish birth. The paper pays particular attention to Binoy, whose sustained protests against the bonds of society illuminate the novel’s critique of rigid orthodoxy and the emancipatory possibilities of reason and personal freedom. Through an analysis of key characters and narrative episodes, the paper demonstrates how Tagore interrogates the nature of nationalism, arguing that authentic patriotism must be grounded in freedom of conscience rather than exclusionary identity. The thematic axis of self-discovery runs through the novel as characters negotiate the competing demands of tradition and modernity. The discussion situates these concerns within contemporary relevance, showing how Gora’s interrogations of communal identity, religious dogma, and political belonging resonate deeply with present-day discourses on pluralism and citizenship in South Asia and beyond. The paper concludes with recommendations for further scholarly engagement with Tagore’s humanist legacy.

Keywords: nationalism, freedom, self-discovery, cultural identity, contemporary relevance, postcolonial literature.

Article Info: Received: 18 Mar 2026; Received in revised form: 16 Apr 2026; Accepted: 20 Apr 2026; Available online: 25 Apr 2026

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.112.78