A city that has a rich heritage of art and culture can never forget the contribution that Rabindranath Tagore has made to it. Similarly, talking about the heritage houses that one can visit in Kolkata, one can never leave the house of Rabindranath Tagore unmentioned. It is a place that has both historic and artistic significance.
Tagore House is known as the Thakur Poribaar‘s residence, and it is here that the Noble laureate, Shri Rabindranath Tagore, spent most of his life, having spent his whole youth and dying in 1941. The house has been restored to its former splendor, as it was when the Tagore family lived there, and is now a museum dedicated to the Nobel Laureate’s work and life.
History of Tagore House
Going back in time to the land history where the Jorasanko Thakurbari was constructed, it could be known that the affluent and illustrious Sett Family had gifted this property to Prince Dwarkanath Tagore in the 18th century. Prince Dwarkanath Tagore was the grandfather of Rabindra Nath Tagore. This Thakurbari then became the ancestral house and birthplace of the renowned writer Gurudev Rabindra Nath Tagore.
The whole area of the land is about 3500 square meters. The name ‘Jorasanko’ stems from the fact that the twin temples of Lord Shiv are located close to the house. The then Chief Minister of West Bengal, Dr. Bidhan Chandra Ray formally acquired the home in 1961 as part of Tagore’s centenary celebration. Since then, it came under the responsibility of the Government.
Finally, on May 8, 1961, this house had been reconstructed into a museum called the Rabindra Bharati Museum in honor of Kaviguru by India’s Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. The museum is located in the 217-year-old building and displays the life and work of Rabindra Nath Tagore.
The ambiance of the entire home is kept with great care and attention. All the images present here depict important events that occurred in Tagore’s life. There are numerous souvenirs and recollections of the Tagore family in this mansion. Thus, the house is surrounded by the grace and memory of devoted people of Bengali culture.
Rabindra Bharati Museum
There are numerous buildings inside the museum complex. The museum is located within the University, which is a notable repository of Tagore’s family works, particularly those of Abanindranath Tagore and Rabindra Nath Tagore. The museum has a large number of paintings of Rabindra Nath Tagore which had been acquired by the government of West Bengal from Tagore’s son. It also has several pictures of permanent loans taken from the National Library.
The Museum is a component that comes within the premise of Rabindra Bharati University, built-in 1962, and is dedicated to promoting higher education for students of humanities and performing arts. The museum has three main galleries:
- Gallery 1: This covers the activities and life of Rabindranath Tagore.
- Gallery 2: This covers the members of the Tagore family-like Dwarkanath, Maharshi Debendranath, Abanindranath, and other brothers and sisters of Tagore.
- Gallery: This tells the story of Bengal’s resurgence in the nineteenth century, as well as the role played by prominent pioneers in a variety of fields.
Moreover, the Thakurbari museum has 2071 books, 3297 photographs, 770 journals, 208 personal items, 16 paintings, and 27 crafts & sculptures with 53 furniture collections with other things.
Festival celebrated in Tagore House
Holi, also known as Basanta Utsav in Bengal, is celebrated by Rabindra Bharati University students at Jorasanko Thakurbari. This festival is held every year on a full moon day and marks the beginning of the spring season. On the occasion of this Utsav, students of the university perform a variety of cultural performances. They perform Rabindra Nritya along with Rabindra Sangeet and other cultural performances. The people, who love the writings of Tagore and wish to be a part of the Bengali cultural performance can enjoy it during this festival.
Rules & Drawbacks
Inside the museum, visitors are required to remove their shoes and are prohibited from taking any pictures. If you want to record these experiences on your camera, you can acquire coupons at the counter. The museum has lost its individuality and old feel because it has been modernized to meet today’s requirements. Even though the museum has been renovated, certain staff, such as security officers, continue to follow the old regulations of not allowing anybody to use their phone for any reason.
Location & How to Reach
The way to Tagore’s residence is easily accessible through any public transportation. It is located at 6/4 Dwarkanath Tagore Road in Jorasanko, on the Rabindra Bharati University campus. To get there, one can take the metro to Girish Park and visit the heritage house of Tagore. The main entrance of it is on the side of Ganesh-talkies.
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FAQ
Q.1 What specific artifacts or items related to Rabindranath Tagore’s life are displayed in the museum?
Ans. The museum at Tagore House displays a variety of artifacts related to Rabindranath Tagore’s life and works, including personal items, photographs, paintings, journals, and sculptures. Additionally, there are significant collections of books and furniture associated with the Tagore family.
Q2. Are there any guided tours available for visitors to explore Tagore House and the museum?
Ans. Guided tours are indeed available for visitors interested in exploring Tagore House and the museum. These tours offer insights into the life and legacy of Rabindranath Tagore, as well as the history of the Jorasanko Thakurbari complex. Visitors can learn about the significance of various artifacts and gain a deeper understanding of Bengali culture and literature.
Q3. How does the celebration of Holi at Tagore House reflect the cultural significance of Rabindranath Tagore’s works?
The celebration of Holi, known as Basanta Utsav in Bengal, at Tagore House reflects the cultural vibrancy and artistic legacy of Rabindranath Tagore. During this festival, students of Rabindra Bharati University perform cultural performances such as Rabindra Nritya (dance) and Rabindra Sangeet (songs) to commemorate the arrival of spring. It provides an opportunity for visitors to experience the richness of Bengali cultural traditions.
Q4. Can visitors access the entire Jorasanko Thakurbari complex, or are there restricted areas?
Visitors to Tagore House can access the museum complex, which includes galleries dedicated to Rabindranath Tagore’s life and family members, as well as exhibitions highlighting Bengal’s cultural resurgence in the nineteenth century. While some areas may be restricted for preservation purposes, guided tours ensure that visitors can explore the significant parts of the heritage house.
Q5. What are some notable events or exhibitions held at Tagore House throughout the year, aside from the Basanta Utsav celebration?
Throughout the year, Tagore House hosts various events and exhibitions beyond the Basanta Utsav celebration. These events may include literary readings, art exhibitions, musical performances, and cultural festivals showcasing the diversity of Bengal’s artistic heritage. Visitors can check the museum’s schedule for upcoming events and exhibitions to plan their visit accordingly.
