Rabindranath Tagore’s Philosophy of Spiritual Humanism and the Problems of Women Presented in the Novel ‘Nexus’ (Yogayog, 1929)

Spiritual humanism means thinking about the progress of human beings in all fields - social, cultural, political or economical and advocates that science and philosophy, art and literature, or anything that human beings have achieved by logical thinking and idealistic thoughts must aim at the well-being of humanity. Its principal aim is to achieve human freedom, cheerful life with development and prosperity without any kind of discrimination among human beings. Rabindranath Tagore was a great poet, dramatist, novelist, short-story writer, musician, painter, educationist, social reformer, philosopher, spiritualist and a critic of life and literature.   He wrote about the problems of women in most of his works – whether it is a poem, novel, play or a short- story. Rabindranath Tagore’s novel ‘Nexus’(Yogayog,1929) is an important story of a married woman Kumudini’s struggle for freedom against the brutality of her cruel husband, Madhusudan. Here, Tagore’s evolving attitude towards the role of a married woman, Kumudini   and her rebellious thoughts towards the domination of her husband are clearly presented in this novel. Rabindranath Tagore believed that the solution for all the problems of society lies in spreading the message of non-violence, truth, peace, love, and wisdom, which brings happiness among human beings. The present paper is an effort to investigate the major problems of married women of the nineteenth century Bengali society and the importance of Rabindranath Tagore’s philosophy of spiritual humanism in the emancipation of women, which made Tagore a multitalented novelist, writer and personality.


Introduction
Rabindranath Tagore, a genius and creative writer was the first Indian to achieve Nobel Prize for Literature in November 1913, for his Gitanjali (songs-offerings), which is mainly a compilation of devotional lyrical poems. Set in the nineteenth century colonial Bengal, Rabindranath Tagore's writings, specially his novels depict the sufferings of women in the Indian society and show great compassion and understanding towards the predicament of women. His works portray social, political, cultural and religious circumstances of his period.
He has presented a remarkable understanding of women's psyche and supported for the greater freedom and decision-making power for women in the family and society.
According to Rabindranath Tagore, true religion means the service of humanity, sympathy and affection for the helpless people. It is the greatest form of worship of God. He thought that humanity and spirituality do not belong to two dissimilar orders. They are like the two sides of the same coin. Through his long literary career, Tagore has investigated woman as -the most creative transformative element within social life. Tagore was extremely conscious of the condition of women in the nineteenth century Bengali society. His novels include vast range of problems. The issues of social discrimination, religion, human relationships, human intellect, society's false principles and contemporary political tensions have often found their way in his writings. Controversial problems such as remarriage of Gender discrimination is a big problem in almost entire country. Through his works, Tagore is seen to shatter the fake principles of his society and he wanted to liberate women from their oppressions.Woman is an important part of the society, she plays a fundamental role in the economic, social and political growth of India. Physical and psychological development of the women seems to be influenced by discriminatory outlooks of the society, which is revealed in all the spheres of women's life. Woman, the weaker sex was not allowed to come outside the area of house and take part in the management of external world.
To the woman belongs domestic life and everything which is personal and human.
She takes no real interest in the things themselves; her interest is for the sake of the son or the father or the husband. (The Philosophy of Rabindranth Tagore, p-256-257) The main reasons behind were that, firstly, women were considered to be imperfect in intellectual as well as physical abilities. Secondly, in every relationship women are subordinates to men. In every relationship women represent the inferior part, whether in the relationship of husband-wife, son-daughter, brother-sister or father-daughter. The male counterpart, in every relationship, remains the superior and master. Rabindranth Tagore  other; girls and women are exploited , ill-treated, raped and killed by men; social and lawful justice is prejudiced; castes and category wise illegitimate activities has been growing. These kinds of violent and cruel activities are dangerous for the humanity. In this condition, Rabindranath Tagore's philosophy of Spiritual Humanism will absolutely bring peace among human beings.
Spiritual humanism considers people as equivalent and does not believe in caste, race and gender discrimination and gives importance to joyful and healthy living. True religion is that which makes a man to rise above his society, country and religious group and it cannot be judged by rituals, customs and superstitions. It accepts the equality and self-respect of all the people instead of their differences in thoughts. Tagore's philosophy of Spiritual Humanism gives justice and equality to all the human beings. Spirituality can be attained by The problems of women presented in the novel 'Nexus' (Yogayog, 1929) Tagore has presented the problems of women in a conjugal relationship in this novel 'Nexus'(yogayog)in the portrayal of a society whose traditions involve and direct a woman to tolerate the brutality done by her cruel husband in the form of marital rape. The story revolves around the opposition and conflict between two families-the Chatterjees, In the beginning she thought she had acquired the right to boss over the domestic staff, but now she was made to realize at every step that they were unwilling to accept her as the mistress.(Classic Rabindranath Tagore, Nexus, p-941) Her character is deplorable as she becomes unacceptable in Madhusudan's family.
Their illegal extra-marital relationship was temporary, as Shyamasundari was incapable to imagine a primary position in Madhusudan's home. Kumudini's hatred towards her husband is also revealed in this novel when Madhusudan repeatedly used to mock at Kumudini's family by feeling proud for his wealth. His inborn bad manners, the coarseness of his speech and the impoliteness of his body and mind made Kumudini feel hatred for him.
This novel reflects the problems of female protagonist Kumudini, her loveless life, her feelings of opposition against marital rape by her husband, Madhusudan, and her plan with her life as she was incapable to adjust herself with her husband. Her suppressed frustrations and rebellion as a submissive partner, is clearly presented in this novel. Kumudini is emotional, rational and freedom lover. All these qualities of her character made her inequitable with her deceitful, unfaithful, and hypocrite husband Madhusudan. As a freedom lover she could not adjust with the patriarchal society in which she is living. She wanted to share her divine love with her husband, but by physical violence of her husband Madhusudan, she becomes pregnant. Bengal, unanswered, as it is really a controversial problem.

Conclusion
Our society is full of inappropriateness. Rabindranath Tagore's purpose is to bring into light, the condition of women of the nineteenth century Bengali society. Rabindranath Tagore has presented the social problems of marital rape of a married woman Kumudini, her emotional conditions, loneliness and separation from her husband, Madhusudan, and her disappointments with her married life as she was unable to adjust herself with her husband.
Her suppressed frustrations, and struggle for freedom from bondage and domination of the society is clearly depicted in this novel 'Nexus'. This novel makes the readers to understand the problems of married women, who are dominated by their husbands.
It proves that Rabindranath Tagore was a great lover of humanity. He was a philosopher and social reformer. His philosophies of Spiritual humanism are dedicated to the freedom and progress of humanity. He had imagined a beautiful human society and struggled entire life for it. Indian society can't neglect his teachings and philosophies of 'Spiritual humanism'. Similarly, he had successfully opposed to false religion; superstitious principles, exploitation of women, evils of the society, etc. He was a messenger of non-violence, peace, truth, love, friendship, freedom, brotherhood, self-respect and social justice among the people of our country. Hence, his teachings are an encouragement for progress of all human beings. It is important for the development of Indian society.