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Tagore and Gandhi, 1940

Unknown author · 1940

A photograph of Tagore seated with Mahatma Gandhi in 1940, documenting their long friendship despite political disagreements.

Shows Tagore with Gandhi, documenting their close but sometimes contentious friendship.

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Black-and-white photograph of two elderly men seated side by side indoors. The man on the left has white hair and a full white beard and wears a loose light robe. The man on the right is bald, wears round-framed glasses, and is wrapped in a white shawl, with his hands folded in his lap.
Rabindranath Tagore and Gandhi, 1940. Photographer unknown.

About this source

What it is

A black-and-white photograph taken in 1940 showing two elderly men seated indoors: one with white hair and beard in a loose robe, the other bald, wearing round glasses and wrapped in a shawl, hands folded. The photographer is unknown.

Why it matters

The photograph records a meeting between Rabindranath Tagore and Mahatma Gandhi, two of the most influential figures in India's struggle for independence. Though they often disagreed, especially over nationalism and the non-cooperation movement, the image is evidence of their enduring personal respect and friendship.

Look closer

  • What do the men's postures and expressions suggest about their relationship?
  • Why might a photograph like this have been taken and kept?
  • What can't a photograph tell us about the disagreements between these two men?

This photograph is part of the curated material that grounds the AI version of Rabindranath Tagore on Humy.ai — when students ask about related events, the AI can quote it and cite it.

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Primary source

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