1. Rabindranath Tagore was born in which year?
A) 1861
B) 1871
C) 1851
D) 1881
Answer: A) 1861
Explanation: Rabindranath Tagore was born on 7th May 1861 in Calcutta (now Kolkata), India.
2. The educational institution founded by Rabindranath Tagore is —
A) Aligarh Muslim University
B) Shantiniketan
C) Banaras Hindu University
D) Presidency College
Answer: B) Shantiniketan
Explanation: Tagore established Shantiniketan in 1901, which later became Visva-Bharati University in 1921, promoting alternative, holistic education.
3. The core philosophy of Tagore’s education system was —
A) Industrial education
B) Technical training
C) Education through freedom and nature
D) Rigid discipline and order
Answer: C) Education through freedom and nature
Explanation: Tagore believed that education should be free, joyous, and in harmony with nature, fostering creativity and individuality.
4. Rabindranath Tagore won the Nobel Prize in Literature in —
A) 1913
B) 1915
C) 1921
D) 1930
Answer: A) 1913
Explanation: He received the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1913 for his book of poems, “Gitanjali”.
5. The motto of Visva-Bharati University is —
A) Knowledge is Power
B) Where the world makes a home in a single nest
C) Education for All
D) Lighted to Lighten
Answer: B) Where the world makes a home in a single nest
Explanation: Visva-Bharati’s motto reflects Tagore’s ideal of universalism and global unity in education.
6. Tagore’s views on discipline in education emphasized —
A) Strict military discipline
B) Natural self-discipline
C) Corporal punishment
D) Passive obedience
Answer: B) Natural self-discipline
Explanation: Tagore believed in freedom and self-discipline rather than imposed authority.
7. According to Tagore, the ultimate goal of education is —
A) Job-oriented skills
B) Religious devotion
C) All-round development of personality
D) Political awareness
Answer: C) All-round development of personality
Explanation: Tagore emphasized holistic development — physical, intellectual, aesthetic, and spiritual.
8. The literary work “Gitanjali” is mainly —
A) A novel
B) A drama
C) A collection of songs and poems
D) An autobiography
Answer: C) A collection of songs and poems
Explanation: “Gitanjali” is a renowned collection of Tagore’s poems, many of which are devotional in tone.
9. Which educational thinker is known for the concept of “learning through joy”?
A) Rousseau
B) Gandhi
C) Rabindranath Tagore
D) John Dewey
Answer: C) Rabindranath Tagore
Explanation: Tagore’s educational approach emphasized joyful learning through creativity, music, and nature.
10. Which language did Tagore originally write “Gitanjali” in?
A) Sanskrit
B) Bengali
C) Hindi
D) English
Answer: B) Bengali
Explanation: “Gitanjali” was originally written in Bengali, and later translated into English by Tagore himself.
11. Which of the following was not an element of Tagore’s educational ideas?
A) Free atmosphere
B) Nature-centric learning
C) Emphasis on rote memorization
D) Development of creativity
Answer: C) Emphasis on rote memorization
Explanation: Tagore rejected rote learning, promoting expression, imagination, and interaction with nature.
12. Rabindranath Tagore emphasized the use of which method in education?
A) Rote method
B) Lecture method
C) Heuristic method
D) Activity method
Answer: D) Activity method
Explanation: He advocated learning by doing and participation in music, drama, crafts, and outdoor activities.
13. Visva-Bharati was declared a Central University in the year —
A) 1951
B) 1947
C) 1961
D) 1954
Answer: A) 1951
Explanation: After Indian independence, Visva-Bharati was declared a central university in 1951 through an Act of Parliament.
14. Tagore opposed the colonial system of education mainly because —
A) It promoted nationalism
B) It lacked aesthetic and emotional development
C) It was too affordable
D) It emphasized Indian values
Answer: B) It lacked aesthetic and emotional development
Explanation: Tagore criticized the British colonial education system for being mechanical, suppressing creativity and emotional intelligence.
15. What role did Tagore assign to the teacher in education?
A) Mere information-giver
B) Policeman of the classroom
C) Facilitator and guide
D) Strict disciplinarian
Answer: C) Facilitator and guide
Explanation: Tagore viewed the teacher as a friend, guide, and co-learner, not a figure of fear or rigid authority.
16. Which of the following elements did Tagore integrate most in his curriculum?
A) Political science and history
B) Agriculture and carpentry
C) Music, art, and literature
D) Engineering and mathematics
Answer: C) Music, art, and literature
Explanation: Tagore emphasized aesthetic education, including music, art, dance, and literature to develop the whole personality.
17. Tagore’s concept of internationalism in education is best reflected in —
A) National Curriculum Framework
B) The motto of Shantiniketan
C) Foundation of Visva-Bharati
D) Tagore’s Nobel speech
Answer: C) Foundation of Visva-Bharati
Explanation: Through Visva-Bharati, Tagore promoted universal brotherhood, intercultural dialogue, and global unity in education.
18. According to Tagore, true education should be —
A) Confined to textbooks
B) Imposed strictly
C) Liberal, creative, and nature-based
D) Focused only on examination
Answer: C) Liberal, creative, and nature-based
Explanation: He rejected rigid, exam-oriented methods and favored freedom of learning through creativity and environment.
19. Tagore believed that education should develop —
A) Only memory power
B) Only language skills
C) Intellectual, emotional, and moral faculties
D) Obedience and fear
Answer: C) Intellectual, emotional, and moral faculties
Explanation: He aimed for the holistic development of learners, including intellect, emotion, morality, and creativity.
20. The core of Tagore’s philosophy of education is rooted in —
A) British liberalism
B) Eastern Vedantic philosophy
C) Greek rationalism
D) Islamic ethics
Answer: B) Eastern Vedantic philosophy
Explanation: Tagore’s educational thought was inspired by Vedantic ideas, particularly unity of life and the divinity of the soul.
21. In which book did Tagore express his thoughts on education?
A) Sadhana
B) Gora
C) Manusher Dharma
D) The Religion of Man
Answer: A) Sadhana
Explanation: In “Sadhana” and other essays, Tagore elaborated on his educational ideals based on Indian spirituality and universal human values.
22. Tagore criticized the existing system of education as —
A) Suitable and adaptive
B) Scientific and realistic
C) Mechanical and lifeless
D) Moral and creative
Answer: C) Mechanical and lifeless
Explanation: Tagore viewed the British colonial education system as inflexible and oppressive, stifling creativity and individual growth.
23. Which foreign thinker had a profound impact on Tagore’s educational thought?
A) Rousseau
B) Froebel
C) Pestalozzi
D) All of the above
Answer: D) All of the above
Explanation: Tagore was influenced by European thinkers like Rousseau, Froebel, and Pestalozzi, especially their emphasis on child-centered and nature-based education.
24. Which song written by Tagore became India’s National Anthem?
A) Vande Mataram
B) Gitanjali
C) Jana Gana Mana
D) Amar Shonar Bangla
Answer: C) Jana Gana Mana
Explanation: “Jana Gana Mana”, written in Bengali by Rabindranath Tagore in 1911, was adopted as the National Anthem of India in 1950.
25. Which song by Tagore became the National Anthem of Bangladesh?
A) Gitanjali
B) Amar Shonar Bangla
C) Ekla Chalo Re
D) Rabindra Sangeet
Answer: B) Amar Shonar Bangla
Explanation: “Amar Shonar Bangla”, written by Tagore, is the National Anthem of Bangladesh, showcasing his cross-national influence.
26. Tagore introduced rural education through —
A) Sriniketan Project
B) Sevagram
C) Wardha Scheme
D) Nai Talim
Answer: A) Sriniketan Project
Explanation: In 1922, Tagore established Sriniketan, an institute aimed at rural reconstruction and practical education for villagers.
27. According to Tagore, education should be imparted in an environment of —
A) Control and punishment
B) Fear and reverence
C) Freedom and affection
D) Rigidity and formality
Answer: C) Freedom and affection
Explanation: Tagore believed in free exploration and emotional bonding between teachers and learners.
28. Rabindranath Tagore regarded the child as —
A) A passive learner
B) A mechanical being
C) A storehouse to be filled
D) A growing individual with innate potential
Answer: D) A growing individual with innate potential
Explanation: For Tagore, every child had inherent abilities, which education should help unfold naturally and joyfully.
29. According to Tagore, education must be in harmony with —
A) Society’s economic demands
B) Natural surroundings and creativity
C) Western traditions
D) Traditional religious dogmas
Answer: B) Natural surroundings and creativity
Explanation: Tagore encouraged learning amidst nature, fostering creativity, beauty, and inner freedom.
30. Tagore’s educational philosophy can be best described as —
A) Traditional and authoritarian
B) Utilitarian and job-oriented
C) Child-centric and idealistic
D) Religious and dogmatic
Answer: C) Child-centric and idealistic
Explanation: Tagore emphasized joyful, learner-centered education, based on idealism, universal values, and self-realization.
31. The medium of instruction at Shantiniketan was originally —
A) English
B) Hindi
C) Sanskrit
D) Mother tongue (Bengali)
Answer: D) Mother tongue (Bengali)
Explanation: Tagore emphasized the use of mother tongue in early education to ensure better understanding and emotional expression.
32. What was Tagore’s view on examination systems?
A) They are essential for discipline
B) They are effective and necessary
C) They cause fear and hinder creativity
D) They are the only way to assess merit
Answer: C) They cause fear and hinder creativity
Explanation: Tagore criticized the examination system, considering it a mechanical process that suppresses natural growth and creativity.
33. Which aspect of life did Tagore integrate most deeply with education?
A) Politics
B) Economics
C) Art and culture
D) Science and technology
Answer: C) Art and culture
Explanation: Tagore viewed art and culture as vital elements of a fulfilling education that nurtures the soul and refines sensitivity.
34. Which term best describes Tagore’s approach to curriculum?
A) Child-centric and flexible
B) Strict and uniform
C) Job-oriented
D) Exam-based
Answer: A) Child-centric and flexible
Explanation: Tagore promoted a flexible curriculum designed around the child’s interest, imagination, and development.
35. Tagore’s approach to rural development and education was institutionalized through —
A) Nai Talim
B) Shantiniketan
C) Sriniketan
D) Sevagram
Answer: C) Sriniketan
Explanation: Sriniketan, a rural reconstruction center near Shantiniketan, focused on vocational training and rural upliftment.
36. Which of the following was not a feature of Tagore’s educational philosophy?
A) Emphasis on nature
B) Corporate-style classrooms
C) Integration of music and arts
D) Learning by doing
Answer: B) Corporate-style classrooms
Explanation: Tagore opposed rigid classroom structures, instead favoring open-air classes, creativity, and freedom.
37. What kind of environment did Tagore believe was most suitable for learning?
A) Urban, structured buildings
B) Nature-based open environments
C) Religious institutions
D) Government-controlled centers
Answer: B) Nature-based open environments
Explanation: Tagore believed natural surroundings encouraged spiritual and intellectual awakening.
38. According to Tagore, which element is central to a child’s learning process?
A) Memorization
B) Discipline
C) Joy
D) Competition
Answer: C) Joy
Explanation: He insisted that joy and freedom are central to learning, enabling children to develop naturally.
39. What role did drama and storytelling play in Tagore’s educational method?
A) They were discouraged as entertainment
B) Used only during festivals
C) Core methods for emotional and aesthetic development
D) Replaced formal lectures
Answer: C) Core methods for emotional and aesthetic development
Explanation: Tagore used storytelling and drama to foster empathy, imagination, and emotional intelligence.
40. Which of these best reflects Tagore’s concept of “education for life”?
A) Preparing for competitive exams
B) Gaining economic independence
C) Developing full human potential
D) Learning foreign languages
Answer: C) Developing full human potential
Explanation: He emphasized education as a lifelong process of self-realization and social contribution.
41. Tagore described the teacher as —
A) An authoritarian figure
B) A silent observer
C) A friend, philosopher, and guide
D) A strict disciplinarian
Answer: C) A friend, philosopher, and guide
Explanation: Tagore believed teachers should inspire and support rather than impose authority.
42. Which of the following methods was discouraged by Tagore?
A) Heuristic method
B) Activity method
C) Lecture method
D) Storytelling method
Answer: C) Lecture method
Explanation: Tagore discouraged passive lecturing, encouraging interactive, experiential learning instead.
43. Tagore’s idea of international education aimed to promote —
A) Cultural supremacy
B) Economic globalization
C) Unity of mankind and mutual respect
D) Competition between countries
Answer: C) Unity of mankind and mutual respect
Explanation: Tagore believed in universalism and human unity, as reflected in Visva-Bharati’s philosophy.
44. Which activity was frequently included in Tagore’s educational timetable?
A) Competitive exams
B) Industrial training
C) Singing and reciting poetry
D) Religious instruction
Answer: C) Singing and reciting poetry
Explanation: Music, poetry, and the arts were daily components in Tagore’s curriculum, forming part of Rabindra Sangeet.
45. Tagore’s model of education opposes which educational practice?
A) Holistic learning
B) Creative freedom
C) Rote memorization
D) Child participation
Answer: C) Rote memorization
Explanation: He strongly rejected rote learning, favoring thoughtful, expressive learning.
46. Which of the following was an innovation introduced by Tagore in school practice?
A) Classroom confinement
B) Periodic punishment
C) Classes under the trees
D) Early specialization
Answer: C) Classes under the trees
Explanation: Tagore’s “Patha Bhavana” was famous for its open-air classrooms amidst trees and nature.
47. According to Tagore, the purpose of education is to achieve —
A) A government job
B) Knowledge for power
C) Harmony between self and society
D) Religious indoctrination
Answer: C) Harmony between self and society
Explanation: He viewed education as a path to achieving inner peace and contributing to society harmoniously.
48. Tagore viewed childhood as a time of —
A) Preparation for exams
B) Strict mental training
C) Freedom and creative exploration
D) Duty and obedience
Answer: C) Freedom and creative exploration
Explanation: Childhood, for Tagore, was sacred and imaginative, deserving of freedom and encouragement.
49. What is Rabindra Sangeet?
A) A religious text
B) A method of teaching
C) A genre of music composed by Tagore
D) A cultural movement
Answer: C) A genre of music composed by Tagore
Explanation: Rabindra Sangeet refers to the songs written and composed by Tagore, often taught in his schools for aesthetic development.
50. Tagore’s educational philosophy was most deeply influenced by —
A) British system of education
B) Marxist principles
C) Vedanta and Upanishads
D) Buddhist monastic education
Answer: C) Vedanta and Upanishads
Explanation: Tagore’s ideals were rooted in Indian spiritual traditions, especially the Upanishadic concept of universal soul and oneness.