Rabindranath Tagore's essay "Village and City"
Rabindranath Tagore's essay "Village and City" offers a deep philosophical
and social reflection on the contrast between rural and urban life in India.
Written during the colonial period, it explores not just the material
differences between villages and cities but also their cultural, spiritual, and
societal implications. Tagore draws from his personal experiences and
observations, advocating for a more balanced development of both settings.
Key Themes and Points:
The Village: Heart of Indian Civilization
Tagore views the village as the soul of India — the cradle of its civilization,
culture, and traditional values.
He emphasizes the simplicity, harmony with nature, and close-knit social
fabric of village life.
Villages, according to Tagore, embody a spiritual richness and a natural way
of life, where people live in touch with the environment and in mutual
dependence.
He criticizes the neglect and degradation of villages under British colonial
rule, noting that rural areas had become impoverished and stagnant due to
lack of education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
The City: Center of Modernity and Disconnection
The city represents modern civilization, with its advancements in
technology, infrastructure, and institutions.
However, Tagore is deeply critical of urban life, especially its materialism,
individualism, and alienation.
He sees the city as a place of artificiality, where people are cut off from
nature and from one another.
The city fosters inequality and competition, in contrast to the community-
oriented spirit of the village.
Colonial Influence and Cultural Displacement
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Tagore links the decay of village life to British colonial policies, which
centralized power and wealth in urban centers while draining resources
from the countryside.
He warns against blindly imitating Western models of development and
urges Indians to rediscover the strengths of their own rural traditions.
Need for Synthesis and Regeneration
Tagore does not reject the city outright but calls for a harmonious
integration of rural and urban strengths.
He advocates for rural reconstruction, where education, health care, and
cooperative economic systems could revitalize village life without turning it
into a mirror of the city.
His vision is of a self-sustaining rural society, enriched with the benefits of
modern knowledge and technology, but rooted in its traditional values and
ecological balance.
Educational and Social Reform
A major solution Tagore proposes is education tailored to rural needs — not
bookish, but practical and life-oriented.
He stresses the importance of community participation, dignity of labor, and
moral
upliftment as the basis for a just society.
Village vs. City – According to Rabindranath Tagore
Village City
Soul of Indian Symbol of modernity,
Essence civilization; rooted in centralization, and
tradition and nature material growth
Close-knit, communal, Isolated, individualistic,
Social Structure
cooperative competitive
Lifestyle Simple, natural, Artificial, rushed,
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disconnected from
harmonious
nature
Self-sustaining, Money-driven, industrial
Economic System
agriculture-based and commercial
Relationship with Deep connection, Exploitative, distant from
Nature respect for environment natural surroundings
Spiritual/Cultural Spiritually rich, culturally Spiritually hollow, often
Values grounded culturally displaced
Impact of Marginalized, Developed and favored
Colonialism impoverished, neglected by colonial powers
Lacking access, but
Bookish, detached from
Role of Education should be practical and
real-life rural needs
value-based
Needs revitalization Driven by Western
Development
with modern tools and models, often misaligned
Approach
traditional values with Indian needs
Should be the Should be balanced and
Tagore’s View foundation for national contribute positively to
regeneration villages
In his essay "Village and City", Rabindranath Tagore uses several examples
and contrasts to illustrate the differences between rural and urban life.
These examples help convey his critique of urbanization and his
appreciation of village life. Here are some key examples he uses for
comparison:
The Relationship with Nature
Village: Tagore highlights that in the village, people are in constant touch
with nature. The villagers live in harmony with the seasons, the soil, and the
natural rhythms of life. For example, farming is deeply tied to the land, and
people are mindful of the ecological balance.
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City: In contrast, the city is portrayed as detached from nature. People live
in artificial environments, disconnected from the land. The urban landscape
is dominated by concrete, machines, and factories, which alienate
individuals from the natural world.
Community and Social Interaction
Village: The village is described as a place of close-knit communities, where
people know each other intimately and work together in mutual support.
Social interactions are frequent, and there is a sense of collective
responsibility. Tagore uses the example of the village community working
together during harvest time or festivals, fostering cooperation and shared
joy.
City: Tagore contrasts this with the city, where people are often isolated and
disconnected. Despite the large number of people in urban spaces, social
relationships tend to be superficial and driven by individual ambitions.
People are constantly busy and preoccupied with personal goals, making
them indifferent to the suffering of others.
Simplicity vs. Materialism
Village: Tagore describes village life as simple and unpretentious. The
villagers lead humble lives, prioritizing spiritual values and community well-
being over material wealth. For example, they celebrate festivals with
simplicity and avoid excessive extravagance.
City: The city, in contrast, is depicted as materialistic and driven by the
pursuit of wealth and status. Tagore critiques the consumerist mindset of
urban life, where people are constantly striving for more possessions and
wealth, often at the cost of their happiness and values.
Work and Labor
Village: In the village, people engage in labor that is meaningful and
connected to nature. Tagore uses the example of farmers working the fields,
weaving, and other traditional crafts, which are seen as dignified and
essential for survival. Their work is not just for personal gain but is tied to
the welfare of the entire community.
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City: In the city, work is often industrialized and disconnected from its
human and ecological roots. Urban workers are seen as mere cogs in a
larger machine, contributing to the city's economic growth but not
necessarily to the emotional or spiritual growth of the individual.
The Role of Education
Village: Tagore notes that education in the village is often limited and
traditional, but it is practical and tied to the realities of rural life. There is an
emphasis on knowledge that helps villagers understand their environment
and community needs, such as farming techniques, handicrafts, and social
harmony.
City: On the other hand, urban education is portrayed as more academic
and detached from real-life application. In cities, education often focuses on
preparing people for work in factories or offices, rather than nurturing well-
rounded individuals who understand their culture and the natural world.
Tagore criticizes the lack of moral or spiritual teaching in city schools.
The Spirit of Living
Village: The village, according to Tagore, represents a life of contentment
and spiritual fulfillment. Villagers, despite their hardships, have a sense of
peace and belonging because their lives are deeply connected to nature and
their community.
City: In contrast, city dwellers are portrayed as restless, discontent, and
spiritually impoverished. Despite their material wealth and technological
advancements, they lack true inner peace and are consumed by the endless
cycle of work, competition, and consumption.
Nature's Influence on Art and Culture
Village: Tagore asserts that village culture is shaped by its intimate
relationship with nature. The rural environment fosters art, music, and
literature that are organic, reflective of life, and inspired by nature's
rhythms. He suggests that the natural beauty surrounding the villagers
inspires them to create more soulful and deeply meaningful works.
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City: Conversely, in the city, art and culture are often more artificial and
commercialized. Urban artists may still create, but their work tends to
reflect the alienation and disconnection of city life, rather than a genuine
connection to nature or the community.
The State of the Individual
Village: Tagore emphasizes that the individual in the village has a strong
sense of belonging to a larger whole. The collective well-being is valued, and
the individual’s actions contribute to the community’s prosperity. There is a
deep sense of security and moral clarity.
City: In the city, however, individuals are often left to navigate life alone.
People are encouraged to pursue personal success, and their actions are
often seen in terms of personal gain, rather than collective well-being. This
creates a sense of alienation and disconnection, where personal happiness
is elusive.
In "Village and City", Rabindranath Tagore uses the figures of Kuber (the
god of wealth) and Lakshmi (the goddess of prosperity and good fortune)
as symbols to further illustrate the differences between village and city
life. These examples highlight his views on wealth, prosperity, and the
contrasting values of rural and urban environments.
Kuber and Lakshmi: Symbolism in Village and City Life
Kuber – The God of Wealth
Kuber in the City:
In the city, Kuber symbolizes material wealth, greed, and the pursuit
of fortune at any cost.
Urban life is driven by a relentless quest for riches and material
success. The city represents a world where people are constantly
striving to accumulate wealth, often by exploiting resources, labor,
and individuals. The city is portrayed as a place where Kuber is
worshipped in a more materialistic, detached manner, focusing on
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wealth accumulation without a sense of morality or purpose beyond
profit.
Tagore critiques this self-centered pursuit of wealth and how it fosters
social inequality, competition, and alienation in the city. People
worship Kuber but often at the expense of their spiritual health and
human connections.
Kuber in the Village:
In the village, however, wealth as symbolized by Kuber is more
humble, simple, and organic. The focus in the village is not on
accumulating wealth for personal gain, but rather on sustaining the
community and supporting the collective good.
Villagers may seek wealth in the form of land, crops, and livestock,
but their wealth is intertwined with their relationship to nature and
the land. The wealth they seek is modest, enough to ensure the
community’s survival and prosperity, rather than extravagant or
excessive.
Tagore suggests that in the village, Kuber is respected but is seen
through the lens of mutual care and sustainability, rather than greed
or excess.
Lakshmi – The Goddess of Prosperity
Lakshmi in the City:
In the city, Lakshmi, the goddess of prosperity, represents a form of
wealth that is disconnected from the roots of traditional values. She is
often associated with luxury, comfort, and status in urban life.
People in the city worship Lakshmi with the desire for material
prosperity, aiming for wealth that brings status, power, and luxury.
Tagore implies that this kind of prosperity is superficial because it is
tied to the external and visible aspects of wealth, such as money,
fashion, and consumption.
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The worship of Lakshmi in the city is often a pursuit of wealth for
personal and individual gain, rather than the prosperity of the
community or the greater good.
Lakshmi in the Village:
In the village, Lakshmi symbolizes a prosperity that is connected to
moral and spiritual growth. Prosperity in the village is not just about
accumulating riches but about ensuring the well-being and growth of
the community. Tagore emphasizes that Lakshmi in the village
represents balanced prosperity, which is nurtured by hard work,
simplicity, and a deep connection with the land and nature.
The village sees Lakshmi as the goddess who blesses the land, the
crops, the harvest, and the well-being of the family unit. The
prosperity she brings is tied to sustaining life, fostering contentment,
and ensuring that the fruits of labor are shared in the community.
Tagore contrasts this sense of prosperity rooted in virtue and shared
labor with the city, where prosperity is more often tied to personal
greed and the imbalance of power.
Moon in the Village: Symbolizes spiritual connection, natural harmony, and
communal life, where the villagers appreciate the moon as a source of
serenity, beauty, and unity.
Moon in the City: Represents alienation from nature, superficiality, and
disconnection. The overwhelming artificial lights and constant activity of the
city prevent people from connecting with the moon and the deeper spiritual
aspects of life.
Through the metaphor of the moon, Tagore highlights the emotional and
spiritual richness of rural life, which is in tune with nature, as opposed to
the shallow, disconnected urban life that is consumed by modernity and
materialism.
Conclusion
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In "Village and City", Tagore offers a profound critique of unbalanced
modernization. He upholds the village as essential to India's identity, yet
recognizes the benefits of progress if it is grounded in ethical and cultural
wisdom. His message is not nostalgic retreat but constructive reform, aimed
at building a future where rural and urban life coexist in mutual enrichment.
