Have you ever wondered where Rabindranath Tagore was born? It was right here at Jorasanko Thakur Bari. This ancestral home of the Tagore family stands in Jorasanko North Kolkata. It is more than just a building. It is a testament to a family’s legacy. It is the birthplace of a Nobel laureate.
Jorasanko Thakur Bari was built in 1784 by Nilmoni Thakur. The Sett family donated the land to Prince Dwarkanath Tagore. Dwarkanath was Rabindranath Tagore’s grandfather. The name Jorasanko comes from two small bridges. These bridges once crossed a marshy land. Nilmoni Tagore moved here due to family disputes. Prince Dwarkanath Tagore expanded the complex.
Rabindranath Tagore was born in 1861 in the Bhdrashan Bari. This building is now known as Maharshi Bhavan. Another house called Boithak Khana Bari was built in 1823. It was used to receive European visitors. Later, it housed Girindranath and his family. Abanindranath and Gaganendranath Tagore also lived here. They were prominent artists of the Bengal School of Art. Sadly, this house was destroyed in 1943.
Today, Jorasanko Thakur Bari is also home to Rabindra Bharati University. The university was established in 1961. It commemorates Tagore’s birth centenary. The Rabindra Bharati Museum is located within the complex. It showcases the Tagore family’s history. It highlights their involvement in the Bengal Renaissance and the Brahmo Samaj. Photography is allowed outside but not inside the museum.
The Rabindra Bharati Museum has a wide collection. There are galleries dedicated to Dwarakanath, Debendranath and Rabindranath. You will also find galleries for Abanindranath and Gaganendranath. One gallery displays artworks from the Bengal School of Art. Another features portraits of the Tagore family. These portraits are from the Anglo-Indian school. The museum also has galleries dedicated to Rabindranath’s life and works. There are galleries for Japan, China, Hungary and the US. These show Tagore’s connections with these countries.
Bichitra Bhavan was built in 1897 by Rabindranath Tagore. Its architecture follows the colonial style. The red brick structure is partly plastered and painted in white. Today, Bichitra Bhavan houses the museum and archives.
Thousands gather at Jorasanko Thakur Bari for cultural programs. These events celebrate Tagore’s birthday and death anniversary. The university also organizes the Aban Mela arts festival.
Imagine the echoes of literary discussions. Feel the artistic energy that once filled these halls. Jorasanko Thakur Bari is more than a museum. It is a living monument to a family that shaped Bengal’s cultural landscape. As you leave, remember the legacy of the Tagore family. Their contributions continue to inspire generations.