In his lectures on nationalism, Rabindranath Tagore argued that— 1. nationalism frees men and women from narrow loyalties and bonds, and connects them to wider and better community of fellowship 2. nationalism will foster a feeling of rootedness and cultural belonging, and put an end to warmongering Select the correct answer using the codes given below—

Rabindranath Tagore's lectures on nationalism presented a profound critique rather than an endorsement of the concept. He argued that nationalism was a 'mechanical' and 'commercial' organization that prioritized political and economic power over human relationships. Contrary to the first statement, Tagore believed nationalism fostered division, limited human potential, and acted as a force that could 'limit human potential' rather than connect people to a wider fellowship. Regarding the second statement, Tagore viewed nationalism as the 'root cause of war, aggression, and death' [1]. He explicitly stated that 'patriotism cannot be our final spiritual shelter' and that his refuge was humanity. He saw the 'Nation' as a source of 'animal politics' and 'brute force' that endangered international peace. Therefore, both statements misrepresent his critical stance, which favored universal humanism and internationalism over the restrictive bonds of nationalism.

Sources

1. [1] Political Theory, Class XI (NCERT 2025 ed.) > Chapter 7: Nationalism > TAGORE'S CRITIQUE OF NATIONALISM > p. 108