Imagine a time when Bengal’s art and culture were being redefined. That place is Jorasanko Thakurbari. This ancestral house of the Tagores stands as a testament to their immense contribution.
The trip to Kolkata is incomplete without visiting Jorasanko Thakur Bari. It is also known as the house of the Tagores. The most eminent Tagore was Rabindranath Tagore. He was a poet, artist, and the first Asian to win a Nobel Prize.
Jorasanko Thakur Bari is a beautiful heritage building. Rabindranath Tagore was born here. He spent his childhood and later years here. Gaganendranath and Abanindranath Tagore also lived here. They founded the Bengal School of Art.
Locals fondly call it Thakur Bari. It has been the nerve center of Bengal’s art and cultural reformation. This includes the Bengal Renaissance and Brahmo Samaj. Artists and art lovers consider it a pilgrimage.
The history of Jorasanko Thakur Bari dates back to 1784. Nilmoni Tagore received land on the east side of Chitpur Road. He had disputes within his family. Nilmoni Tagore built a small house at Jorasanko.
Prince Dwarkanath Tagore expanded the Thakur Bari in the 18th century. He was Rabindranath Tagore’s grandfather. The mansion is located near Girish Park on Chittaranjan Avenue. The Seth family donated the land to Prince Dwarkanath Tagore. Rabindranath was born here in 1861. He spent most of his life in this home. He passed away here in 1941.
The name Jorasanko comes from twin Shiva temples nearby. Jorasanko Thakur Bari spans over 35000 square meters. It started as a small house. Different wings and alleys were added to the original architecture.
The rounded verandah allowed members to watch programs clearly. The natya manch was at the center of the house. The Tagores never followed the purdah system. Women openly discussed culture, literature, art, and business. This outlook contributed to cultural changes in society.
In 1959, the West Bengal government planned a university. It would be a memorial to Rabindranath Tagore. The Rabindra Bharati University was founded on May 8, 1961. It is located at his residential house in Jorasanko. It advances learning and culture especially in music, dance, and drama. The Rabindra Bharati Museum was established the following year.
Maharishi Bhavan is named after the poet’s father. Rabindranath was born and breathed his last here. This house is now a museum. It has galleries dedicated to Tagore. It also honors Tagore family members and the Bengal Renaissance. The galleries display family photographs and portraits. They show Tagore’s evolution as a poet and philosopher.
The Rabindra Bharati Museum has a vast collection. This includes books, journals, paintings, photographs, crafts, sculptures, personal items, and furniture.
The first gallery showcases Tagore’s life and works. The other two galleries exhibit stories about his family. They also highlight stalwarts of 19th Century Renaissance Bengal. These include Dwarakanath, Debendranath, Abanindranath, and Gaganendranath.
Two galleries display paintings of the Bengal School. They also feature portraits of the Tagore house. These were mainly drawn by the Anglo-Indian School. There are galleries showing Rabindranath Tagore’s life and activities.
The museum includes the Japan Gallery, China Gallery, the US Gallery, and the Hungary Gallery. These explore Rabindranath’s visits and relations with these countries. There are over 700 paintings, manuscripts, books, and antiques.
The museum has a unique collection of around 3000 photographs on display. It also has a section dedicated to old musical records.
Photography is prohibited inside the house. Tagore’s room is preserved with all his belongings. His wedding invitation card is a highlight.
Tagore’s original paintings are the most interesting exhibits. There are 40 original paintings. The West Bengal Government acquired them from Rabindranath’s son. Notebooks show Tagore’s scribbles and sketches.
Rabindranath’s Humber Car is parked in the backyard. The staff is helpful and shows visitors around. The Jorasanko Thakurbari stands as a symbol of cultural renaissance. The place is open to all. It is a treasure trove of history.