Kolkata Photowalk - Jorasanko Thakur bari

মাঝে মাঝে তব দেখা পাই…..চিরদিন কেন পাইনা।

It seems like these words of Kobiguru Rabindranath Tagore resonate through my ears whenever I have been back to one of the most popular residences of this country, Jorasanko Thakur bari. The ancestral home of the Thakur poribaar, the famed Tagore clan! It was this place where the Noble laureate, Shri Rabindranath Tagore spent his childhood and stayed for the major part of his life.

Situated in the North Kolkata, this massive entrance to the Jorasanko Thakur bari can be noticed from the main road itself. Follow the road that leads from there, and you will reach the Rabindra Bharati University Campus, of which Jorasanko Thakur bari is a part thereof.

Jorasanko Thakur Bari Kolkata Places to visit

The Jorasanko Thakur bari is maintained superbly by the university body. And, in order to offer a glimpse into the life of the Tagore’s to the public, a part of the house has been converted into a museum, known as Rabindra Bharati Museum.

To promote footfalls, the Jorasanko Thakur bari ticket price has been kept very nominal at Rs. 10/- per person. There is a further discount for children and students.

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History of the Tagore family of Jorasanko Thakur bari

Jorasanko Thakurbari is famous due to the members of the Tagore family, who were themselves stalwarts of their era. Before Rabindranath Tagore made headlines for his literary art, his ancestors have been basking in glory for several decades. Prince Dwarkanath Tagore, grandfather of Rabindranath Tagore was one of the first Indian industrialists and entrepreneurs.

Shri Gopimohon Tagore of Pathuriaghata branch of the family was one of the founding members of the Hindu College, presently known as Presidency University, Kolkata. Gnanendramohan Tagore read for the bar in England and subsequently became the first Indian to be qualified as a Barrister.

Rabindranath Tagore’s father, Shri Debendranath Tagore founded the Brahmo religion, which some of the other members of Tagore family confirmed in the later years. Interestingly, Tagore family is originally Bengali Brahmins, Bandopadhyays of Shandilya gotra who immigrated from present-day Bangladesh in the 18th century.

Amongst them, Rabindranath Tagore attained worldwide fame as the first Asian to win a Nobel Prize. He is also the only person to have written National Anthems for 2 countries, India and Bangladesh. Very few people know that the term ‘Mahatma’ for Mahatma Gandhi was coined by him! His contribution to Bengali literature still stands unparalleled.

Members of Tagore family spread far and wide throughout different continents, but the Jorasanko Thakur bari has always been the place that held their roots to its place.

Among various personal memorabilia on display, the Rabindra Bharati Museum also houses the personal car of Kobiguru Rabindranath Tagore.

Rabindra Bharati Museum at Jorasanko Thakurbari

Today, the house has been maintained just as it was during the lifetime of the poet. Various sections of the building have been arranged with his personal belongings so that visitors can soak in the life of the Tagore’s. While the gardens around the house and the ground floor allow photography, the rest of the premises is completely off-limits.

The courtyard offers a majestic view of the inside pristine white facade of the building. Rabindra Bharati University organizes several cultural programmes, including light and sound shows, to commemorate the Tagore family throughout the year. Fans of Tagore do not miss visiting this place on his birth anniversary as well as his death anniversary.