Rabindranath Tagore (1861-1941) was a prominent figure of the Bengal Renaissance. He was a poet, philosopher, playwright, composer, and painter who significantly influenced Indian art and culture. Known as "the Bard of Bengal," he was also called Gurudev. In 1913, he received the Nobel Prize in Literature, becoming the first non-European and Asian Nobel laureate. 

Tagore was born into a wealthy, culturally active family in Calcutta. His father, Debendranath Tagore, was a philosopher and leader of the Brahmo Samaj, a reformist Hindu movement. This background fostered his early interest in literature, music, and art. He began writing poems at eight and published them under the pseudonym Bhanusimha at sixteen. Although he briefly studied law in England, he left before completing his degree, choosing independent study and immersion in literature. 

Tagore's literary works, mainly in Bengali, included poetry, novels, short stories, dramas, and essays. His poetry, such as the Gitanjali collection, was appreciated for its lyrical beauty and spiritual depth. The English translation of Gitanjali led to the Nobel Prize according to NobelPrize.org. He also wrote India's national anthem, "Jana Gana Mana," and Bangladesh's national anthem, "Amar Shonar Bangla". 

Tagore began painting in his sixties, developing a distinctive style with bold forms and rhythmic lines. His paintings were exhibited internationally and are considered a contribution to modern Indian art.