Satyendra Nath Tagore was born on November 1, 1842, in Calcutta (now Kolkata), into a distinguished and intellectually prominent Bengali family. His father was Prince Dwarkanath Tagore, a wealthy landowner, and his mother was Swarnakumari Devi. He was part of the Tagore family, a well-known and influential family in Bengal.
Satyendra Nath’s early education was at the Hare School in Calcutta, where he was an outstanding student. He later attended Presidency College, Calcutta, where he studied subjects like mathematics and history. His academic brilliance was apparent from an early age.
Joining the Indian Civil Services (ICS):
In 1863, at the age of 21, Satyendra Nath Tagore became the first Indian to join the Indian Civil Services (ICS), an elite and highly prestigious administrative service in British India. At that time, the ICS was dominated by the British, and it was extremely difficult for Indians to gain entry. The examination for the ICS was held in England, and few Indians were able to pass it due to language barriers and the lack of proper facilities. However, Satyendra Nath was determined to serve in the civil administration of British India, and after a great deal of hard work and dedication, he succeeded in securing a position in the ICS.
He passed the ICS examination in London in 1863, a remarkable feat given the stiff competition from English candidates. The Indian Civil Services were an essential part of the British colonial administration, and his achievement was a momentous one.
Career and Contributions:
Satyendra Nath served in several important administrative positions during his career in the ICS. He worked in various provinces of British India, particularly in Bengal. His work was marked by a deep sense of duty and a strong commitment to public service. However, despite his successful career, Satyendra Nath became increasingly disillusioned with the British rule over India.
He became a prominent figure in the social and cultural movements of Bengal, especially during the Bengal Renaissance, and began to see the need for reforms in Indian society.
Involvement with the Brahmo Samaj:
Satyendra Nath was deeply influenced by the Brahmo Samaj, a reformist religious and social movement founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy. The Brahmo Samaj sought to reform Hindu society by eliminating social evils like caste discrimination, child marriage, and the practice of Sati (the burning of widows). Satyendra Nath was an active member of this movement, and his involvement with the Brahmo Samaj marked the beginning of his journey toward social reform.
He worked for the upliftment of women’s rights, education, and the abolition of caste-based discrimination. His contributions to these causes were significant in shaping the modern Indian thought during the 19th century.
Retirement and Writing:
Satyendra Nath Tagore eventually retired from the Indian Civil Services and devoted himself to intellectual and cultural pursuits. He wrote extensively, producing works on literature, music, and philosophy. He was a key figure in the Bengali Renaissance and contributed significantly to the development of Bengali culture.
Relation to Rabindranath Tagore:
Satyendra Nath Tagore was the eldest brother of Rabindranath Tagore, the famous poet, philosopher, and Nobel laureate. Rabindranath Tagore, who is one of India’s most celebrated literary figures, had a deep admiration and respect for his elder brother.
Satyendra Nath played a significant role in encouraging Rabindranath’s literary pursuits. He was instrumental in introducing Rabindranath to some of the most significant cultural and intellectual ideas of the time. He also helped Rabindranath gain access to intellectual and artistic circles, which influenced his early works.
Rabindranath Tagore later described his elder brother as a man of high ideals and a beacon of moral and intellectual guidance. Satyendra Nath’s progressive thinking, social reform initiatives, and involvement with the Brahmo Samaj had a lasting impact on Rabindranath, and it helped shape his views on social issues and his literary career.
Later Life and Legacy:
Satyendra Nath Tagore passed away on January 10, 1923. He left behind a legacy as a pioneer in the civil services, a social reformer, and a cultural figure who contributed significantly to Bengal’s intellectual and cultural revival.
Although Satyendra Nath Tagore is often overshadowed by his more famous younger brother, Rabindranath Tagore, his contributions to the Indian social and political scene were immense. His status as the first Indian to join the ICS, along with his deep involvement in social reform, marked him as a prominent figure of his time.
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Final Words:
Satyendra Nath Tagore was a remarkable figure in Indian history. His success in the ICS was groundbreaking, and his contributions to social reform, literature, and cultural movements in Bengal left a lasting imprint. His relationship with his younger brother, Rabindranath, was deeply influential in shaping the latter’s literary career and ideas. Satyendra Nath Tagore is remembered not just for his administrative career but also for his intellectual contributions to Indian society during the 19th century.
