Kadambari Devi

Who is Kadambari Devi?

Kadambari Devi was the wife of Jyotirindranath Tagore and daughter-in-law of Debendranath Tagore. She was thirteen years younger than her husband, whom she married on 5 July 1868, when he was 19. He arranged for her to be educated. She was nearly the same age as his brother Rabindranath Tagore.

She inspired young Rabindranath in composing many of his poems with her creative feedback and comments. She was also a good friend and playmate. She was one of the women who played a very important part in his life. Her relationship with Tagore was controversial, and has been a recurrent topic of discussion for many generations. However, for reasons that have not been revealed, she committed suicide on 19 April 1884, four months after Rabindranath Tagore married. The Tagore family always remained silent about her suicide. Rumors of family problems having led to her suicide have circulated. After Kaeddambari Devi's death, Rabindranath was completely broken. He took what is known as "Chuti". For long after her death, he wrote many songs and poems in memory of her.