Rabindranath Tagore received the Nobel Prize in Literature for which of the following works?

Difficulty: Easy

Correct Answer: Gitanjali

Explanation:


Introduction / Context:

This question assesses your knowledge of Indian literature and major international awards. Rabindranath Tagore was the first non European Nobel laureate in Literature. Identifying the specific work that brought him this honour is a frequent question in exams related to literature, history, and general awareness.



Given Data / Assumptions:

    • The question focuses on Rabindranath Tagore's Nobel Prize in Literature.

    • Four options are provided: "Gitanjali", "Rajatarangini", "Chokher Bali", and "None of these".

    • We assume standard Nobel Prize records as maintained by the Nobel Foundation and literary histories.

    • Only one option correctly identifies the work associated with the award.



Concept / Approach:

The main idea is factual recall but also understanding the relative importance of Tagore's works. "Gitanjali", often translated as "Song Offerings", is a collection of poems that gained him world wide recognition. "Chokher Bali" is an important novel, and "Rajatarangini" is a historical chronicle written by Kalhana, not Tagore. By mapping each title to its author and importance, you can identify the correct answer.



Step-by-Step Solution:

Step 1: Recall that Rabindranath Tagore's Nobel Prize came in 1913. Step 2: Remember that the prize citation mentioned his deeply sensitive, fresh, and beautiful verse in "Gitanjali". Step 3: Recognise that "Chokher Bali" is a well known Bengali novel by Tagore but is not the work linked to the Nobel citation. Step 4: Know that "Rajatarangini" is a historical work about Kashmir written by Kalhana, not by Tagore. Step 5: Eliminate incorrect options and select "Gitanjali" as the work for which Tagore was awarded the Nobel Prize.


Verification / Alternative check:

Official Nobel Prize documentation and literary histories clearly state that Tagore was honoured for "Gitanjali" and its English translation. The Nobel website describes this work as central to the award. Cross checking authorship of "Rajatarangini" confirms it belongs to Kalhana, and "Chokher Bali" is not cited in the prize justification. This confirms "Gitanjali" as the correct answer.



Why Other Options Are Wrong:

"Rajatarangini" is not a work by Tagore at all; it is an ancient chronicle of the kings of Kashmir written by Kalhana.

"Chokher Bali" is a Tagore novel, but the Nobel Prize in Literature was not specifically awarded for this work.

"None of these" is incorrect because "Gitanjali" is present among the options and is the correct, historically attested answer.



Common Pitfalls:

Students sometimes confuse Tagore's various works and may feel that any famous title could be linked to the Nobel Prize. Another pitfall is not recognising that some options, such as "Rajatarangini", do not belong to Tagore at all. A solid strategy is to memorise the key works responsible for major awards for each author.



Final Answer:

Rabindranath Tagore received the Nobel Prize in Literature for his work "Gitanjali".


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