Shantiniketan: Unveiling of Tagore’s Creative Abode
Shantiniketan – abode of peace – is Rabindranath Tagore’s Karmabhoomi – Tagore’s work place. Rabindranath Tagore established Santiniketan, a town 212 km north of Kolkata in Bolpur in Dec 22nd, 1901.
About Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore is the first Nobel Laureate of India. He was awarded Nobel Prize in literature in 1913. Here are a few lines on Rabindranath Tagore to help you understand him better.
Rabindranath Tagore is a renowned Bengali poet. Not just that he is famous as a writer, philosopher, and artist. Such was his calibre that Rabindranath Tagore had a profound impact on the world through his work. His vision of education, culture, and spirituality, as embodied in his Santiniketan School and Visva Bharati University, inspired generations of students and intellectuals.
It was his dream to provide open air, gurukul like atmosphere to the students instead of class room within four walls for studies. He named the University as Vishva Bharati, a place of Universal knowledge and culture. Vishva Bharti means communion of the world with India. It was recognised as central university in 1951.
Santiniketan: Unveiling the Mystique of Tagore’s Creative Abode
His literature, including the iconic poem collection Gitanjali, won him international recognition and the Nobel Prize for Literature. Tagore’s artistic legacy, including his paintings, music, and dance, has influenced a wide range of artists and genres. Rabindranath Tagore’s thoughts were not limited to just art and culture. He was very vocal on his advocacy for Indian independence and opposition to colonialism. His works had a significant impact on the nationalist movement.
Read more: Jorasanko Thakur Bari Kolkata, where Rabindranath Tagore was born in 1861.
Exploring Santiniketan, the Work Place of Rabindranath Tagore
Santiniketan, located in the Birbhum district of West Bengal, India, is renowned as the karmabhoomi or work place of Rabindranath Tagore. He established Shanti niketan in 1901 as an experimental school, later expanding it into a university with a unique educational philosophy that emphasized holistic development and creativity.
Over time, Santiniketan grew into a university with a unique educational philosophy that emphasized the integration of arts and humanities with science and technology. It rightly fits the description as – Santiniketan: A Historical and Cultural Hub in West Bengal.
Shantiniketan Open Air Classrooms
One of the main reasons for this open air classroom was that Rabindranath Tagore had dropped out of school because he felt claustrophobic within the 4 walls of a classroom. He was unable to think clearly and freely.
Rabindranath Tagore never wanted his students to go through that. He wanted to combine the sense of freedom yet get formal learning environment of a school.
He was a firm believer of the theory that education should be obtained with a sense of obligation towards the larger civic community. His several trips abroad enabled him to blend the best of western and traditional eastern systems of education.
From Santiniketan to the World: The Impact of Rabindranath Tagore’s Work
According to Rabindranath Tagore…
In childhood we learn our lessons with the aid of both body and mind, with all the senses active and eager.
When we are sent to school, the doors of natural information are closed to us; our eyes see the letters, our ears the abstract lessons, but our mind misses the perpetual stream of ideas from nature, because the teachers, in their wisdom, think these bring distraction, and have no purpose behind them…
so the growth of the child’s mind is not only injured, but forcibly spoiled.
Student in Shantiniketan Tagore’s Karmabhoomi
Apart from its rich educational heritage, Santiniketan town is also known for its distinctive architecture and design, which combines traditional Indian and modern Western influences. The town is dotted with beautiful red-brick buildings, landscaped gardens, and open-air classrooms, which create a unique and inspiring atmosphere for learning and creativity.
In Shanti niketan I saw how he implemented his ideas of education. Vast grounds, with huge shady trees, some buildings and a huge cordoned off area; it is here students sat around Tagore himself. Santiniketan is included in tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage sites since 2010.
The several departments here are:
- Vidya Bhawan – a School of research
- Siksha, Cheena Bhawan – school of Sino-Indian studies
- Kala Bhawan – a School of fine arts
- Sangeet Bhawan – a School of music and dancing
- Sri Niketan – an institution of rural construction.
Shantiniketan Tagore’s Karmabhoomi class rooms – The Architecture and Design of Santiniketan: A Unique Blend of Tradition and Modernity
Shantiniketan Tagore’s Karmabhoomi
Finally I was at my dream destination. Since my childhood days I had been hearing of this place, I had seen people who passed out of this university were looked upon with so much respect, lucky to have such opportunity in life. Most students from here are from arts and humanities fields.
Several notable Indian students studied in Santiniketan before they set out to shine in their respective fields of work. Popular among them are:
- Satyajit Ray – a legendary film maker(the one who named Jaisalmer Fort as Sonar Kila)
- Indira Gandhi – first woman prime minister of India
- Amartya Sen – Nobel Prize winner in Economic Sciences 1998
- Gayatri Devi – princess of Koochbehar, later Maharani of Jaipur
Art work by a student displayed in grounds of Shantiniketan
Festivals in Shantiniketan
Festivals and Celebrations at Santiniketan: Keeping Tagore’s Legacy Alive. Santiniketan hosts a series of festivals to celebrate different seasons and facets of life.
- Poush Mela
- Basant Mela
- Nandan Mela
- Sarodutsav
- Maghotsav
- Briksharopan Utsav
Sadly, the popular festivals Poush Mela and Basant Mela have been scrapped due to some unpleasant incidents. The festival celebrations are now limited within campus.
Nandan Mela, where university students sell their art, Sarodutsav (Autumn Festival), Maghotsav (Founding Day of the Sriniketan campus) and Brikhsharopan Utsav (Tree Planting Festival) are limited to one day.
If you are keen to see them plan your visit but before that please check the dates with authorities there.
Student at work in open class room of nature
Chhatim Tala in Shantiniketan
Exploring the Gardens and Nature Trails of Santiniketan: Tagore’s Love for the Environment
Rabindranath Tagore had a deep love for nature and the environment, which is reflected in the gardens and nature trails of Santiniketan. The university campus is spread over a vast area. The authorities there have maintained the lush greenery, landscaped gardens, and open spaces that provide a tranquil and inspiring environment for learning and creativity. Tagore believed in the importance of connecting with nature, and he incorporated this philosophy into his educational approach.
You can’t miss Chhatimtala while you are there. It is very beautifully maintained in the shade of trees, a raised platform and a path leading to it lined with flowering plants. For all related to Shantiniketan this is a holy divine place.
The guide told us: Maharishi Debendranath Tagore (father of Rabindranath Tagore) meditated in the shade of Chatim Trees. His experience of spiritual realization while meditating in ‘Chhatim Tala’ symbolizes the starting point of Santiniketan.
These trees are Alstonia scholaris (Saptaparni) and are called Chhatim Tree in Bengali. It is commonly called blackboard tree or devil’s tree in English. Tala means under, hence Chhatim Tala means under the Chhatim Tree.
Banyan Tree Santiniketan from times of Tagore – Exploring the Gardens and Nature Trails of Santiniketan: Tagore’s Love for the Environment
Wiki mentions the usage of this tree:
During Convocation the leaves of Chhatim Tree are awarded to graduates and postgraduates and scholars of Visva-Bharati University by Chancellor who in turn always the Prime Minister of India (though to prevent excessive damage to environment in recent years Vice Chancellor of university on behalf of all students accept one Saptaparni from Chancellor).
This tradition signifies the name of the plant. This tradition was initiated by the founder of the University Gurudeb Rabindranath Tagore.
Chhatim Tala Santiniketan: Tracing the Footsteps of Tagore’s Intellectual Journey
Over the years, he created numerous works of literature, music, and art that were deeply inspired by the natural beauty and cultural richness of the region. Tagore’s creative output ranged from poetry and novels to songs and paintings, and he encouraged his students and colleagues to engage with the arts as a way of exploring their innermost thoughts and feelings.
Rabindranath Tagore with Einstein and Mahatma Gandhi
Two pictures that I have always adored of Rabindranath Tagore were: one in which he is seen with Albert Einstein and another he is seen with Mahatma Gandhi. I had this strong desire to visit their homes and their place of work just to feel the ambiance, aura and atmosphere of the places where these great humans walked once.
Years later I did visit their homes/places of work. See here: Sabarmati Ashram in Ahmadabad and Einstein’s House in Bern Switzerland.
Guides of Santiniketan
Once you reach here you will be flocked by a group of people who call themselves guides. Our guide was keen to share all he knew.
He showed us the palm tree which inspired him to write the poem – Taal Gaachh. The song ekla cholo re was conceived in his mind while he walked along this path, he said, pointing to a narrow path. I wondered how he knows… but locals like to believe it that way.
Ekla Chalo re… song by Tagore – The Legacy of Rabindranath Tagore in Santiniketan: An Insightful Journey
Most buildings around this university are well marked with boards and description, but since the place is a huge one it is difficult to figure out where to start and where to end. No maps are provided. So a guide can be helpful in that respect alone, else it is best to explore on your own.
IMPORTANT: The Shantiniketan grounds are open to public only the later part of the day, when school hours are over.
Facade of a building in Shantiniketan Tagore’s Karmabhoomi – A Glimpse into the Life and Work of Rabindranath Tagore at Santiniketan
Open Timings
Rabindra Bhavan, where Rabindranath Tagore’s memorabilia and other possessions are on display, is open on Sundays, closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
Visva-Bharati stays closed only on Wednesdays and the university has half days on Tuesdays.
Conclusion
Tagore’s work continues to inspire and resonate with people around the world, making him one of the most important cultural figures of the 20th century. Today, Santiniketan remains an important cultural and educational hub, attracting visitors from around the world who come to explore Tagore’s life and works, experience the natural beauty of the region, and participate in the many festivals and celebrations that take place throughout the year.
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Wow! What a beautiful place to learn.
A part of Tagore's soul still lives on in the form of Shantiniketan … 🙂
really wonderful, beautiful narration. nice blog.
A tribute to Tagore. Great pictures to accompany your lovely post, Indrani.
Great collection and beautiful post.
Wish to be a student of this great insti atleast for a day in this life, TFS 🙂
brilliant captures..i hvnt been 2 dis place bt really wanna visit once, 🙂
Read a lot about this place and your post has re-inforced by wish to go there once. Beautiful shots.
Excellent post. Perfectly photos.
Greetings.
Lucia
Ah! Wish I can visit there someday!
This is something that students of the present miss out on. They are so busy engaged in updating their social network, and applying for scholarships and studying abroad. The love for nature, the very introduction to our body is derived from such gurukul experiences only.
Great post.
Apurva
kalapalette.blogspot.in
Good post. Truly Shantiniketan is a fountain of knowledge.
I've always wanted to visit Shantiniketan. Lovely captures and an informative narrative!
Lucky you :)Beautiful pics 🙂
A place..where soul explores its inner beauty and wisdom!
Calm serene tranquil and inspiring. So nice you could visit this great place of learning.
Wow! I hope to visit someday 🙂
This place is so lovely…Now I have developed the urge to go there and next time when I cross Bolpur I will surely be there..
had ti satisfy myself with the Tagore Bhavan on Kolkatta! Would love to make it to shantineketan, Did not know is 200 kms away from Kolkatta
Beautiful post and always been a very favourite spot of mine. I will share my own pics with you sometime.
I can feel the pride and patriotism flowing from the post. Thank You for sharing 🙂
looks like such a calm and serene place…a place worthy of what it stands for and justifies its name 🙂 never been there. loved the pictures
Ohhh I can feel a return trip to India coming on! Wonderful post and I especially love the black and white building!
Wren
A splendid place, Indrani, thanks for sharing!
What an impressive school! I'd love to visit someday, I like the learning principles.
Pretty place to spend your time, the building are superb, but, the last one, it is so beautiful.
Lovely post Indrani..makes me want to visit there!
Peace and tranquility prevails quite! Love to be there someday… beautiful capture on the environment and buildings.
Looks like a place I'd blossom in.
Want to visit this place!
What an excellent place. I feel as if I learn a lot about myself when walking around outside under trees.
An open air study sounds interesting. lovely photos! 🙂 and a very special painted house the last one here! 🙂
I really need to visit Shantiniketan on my next visit to Kolkata!
That's a great round up. I would love to be here someday. Simply because I am always mesmerized by historically valid places. Lovely post!
Interesting history about the Shantiniketan. such a great post…
Beautiful and serene. Nice post.
Tagore is one of my favorites! Thank you for showing me around!
A great idea!! Boom & Gary of the Vermilon River, Canada.
Tagore is special and what a wonderful University! Thanks for sharing, wonderful photos. Have a happy day!
What a wonderful place – love that last building. Tagore is one of my favourite poets.
Great post.
Tagore was most insightful writer and your photography is excellent ~ carol, xo
On my must visit list 🙂
All the more after going through your beautiful post!
Great post. Wonderful shots an interesting narrative.
Your posts on West Bengal are inspiring me to plan a visit soon… Such an wonderful post…
I like this impression Indrani…. very well done.
Greetings, Joop
What a wonderful post, Incrani! I've been an admirer of Tagore for years so this was of particular interest to me! Thank you for sharing! Hope you have a lovely week!
it looks like a special place to spur creativity.