Subramaniya Bharathi

Subramaniya Bharathi

Subject – History

Context – Call to give national-level award to poet SubramaniaBharathi

Concept –

• He was a Tamil writer, poet, journalist, Indian independence activist, social reformer and polyglot.
• Popularly known as “MahakaviBharathi” (“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.
• After 1904, he joined the Tamil daily newspaper Swadesamitran. This exposure to political affairs led to his involvement in the extremist wing of the Indian National Congress (INC) party.
• Bharathi had the weekly newspaper named ‘India’ printed in red paper. It was the first paper in Tamil Nadu to publish political cartoons.
• He also published and edited a few other journals like “Vijaya”.
• Attended the annual sessions of INC and discussed national issues with extremist leaders like Bipin Chandra Pal, B.G. Tilak and V.V.S. Iyer.
• His participation and activities in Benaras Session (1905) and Surat Session (1907) of the INC impressed many national leaders for his patriotic fervour.
• Published the sensational “SudesaGeethangal” in 1908.
• Bharati’s reaction to the Russian Revolutions of 1917, in a poem entitled “Pudiya Russia” (“The New Russia”), offers a fascinating example of the poet’s political philosophy.
• Important Works: Kaṇṇanpāṭṭu (1917; Songs to Krishna), Panchalisapatham (1912; Panchali’s Vow), Kuyilpāṭṭu (1912; Kuyil’s Song), Pudiya Russia and Gnanaratham (Chariot of Wisdom).
• Many of his English works were collected in Agni and Other Poems and Translations and Essays and Other Prose Fragments (1937).