Published as part of Naibedya (1901) Tagore’s Shotabdir Surjo Aji (This Century’s Sun Today) remains relevant to this day.
THE CENTURY’S SUN
The century’s sun sets today amidst clouds that are blood-red.
Revelling in violence, the crazed ragini* of death
Plays a fierce tune. Civilisation’s merciless serpent raises
Its evil hood, its concealed fangs with deadly venom laced.
Conflicts are born of self-interest.
Wars are fought to satiate greed.
Hurricanes rage in distress and churn
Barbarism that rouses from filth
Shamelessly, disguised as decorum.
Terrible outrages are committed.
Faith is pushed adrift by force,
Ostensibly, for the love of the race.
Poets scream stirring fear in hearts.
Dogs in the graveyard snatch and bark.
*Female raga
This poem has been translated from Bengali by Mitali Chakravarty with editorial input from Sohana Manzoor
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