Subramania Bharati

Subramania Bharati

Subject – History

Context – On his 100th death anniversary on Sept 11, a new book and a podcast throw light on unknown facets of the literary icon.

Concept –

• Tamil writer, poet, journalist and nationalist, Subramania Bharati, whose 100th death anniversary falls on September 11, also wrote extensively in English, of which little is known.
• Popularly known as “Mahakavi Bharathi” (“Great Poet Bharathi”), he was a pioneer of modern Tamil poetry and is considered one of the greatest Tamil literary figures of all time. His numerous works included fiery songs kindling patriotism during the Indian Independence movement.
• He fought for the emancipation of women, against child marriage, stood for reforming Brahminism and religion. He was also in solidarity with Dalits and Muslims.
• In The Coming Age, published by Penguin Modern Classics, edited and presented by his great granddaughter Mira T Sundara Rajan, we get a peep into the Tamil literary icon’s original English writings.
• Bharati saw himself as standing on the world’s stage, engaging in a dialogue with writers and thinkers around the world, touching the hearts of people, and finding a common humanity.
• His writings are so contemporary, they could have been written yesterday, today, or tomorrow.
• He covered political, social and spiritual themes.
• The songs and poems composed by Bharathi are very often used in Tamil cinema and have become staples in the literary and musical repertoire of Tamil artistes throughout the world.
• “Kannan Pattu” “Nilavum Vanminum Katrum” “Panchali Sabatam” “Kuyil Pattu” are examples of Bharathi’s great poetic output.
• He published the sensational “Sudesa Geethangal” in 1908.
• In 1949, he became the first poet whose works were nationalised by the state government.
• He edited and published journals India, Vijaya, Bala Bharatham and Suryodayam.