Shantiniketan was the name of the guest house built by Debendranath Tagore on 20 bighas of land (roughly 4 acres) in the ‘Bhubandangar math’ (grounds of Bhubandang). Just as fame cannot be bound by any constraints, the name of the guest house diffused far and wide and that place itself adapted to the name. Shantiniketan or the ‘house of eternal peace’ is where 11-year-old Tagore put up when he visited the Himalayas with his father.

The gallery also speaks of the confluence of great minds as it narrates Tagore’s encounter with Einstein, Gandhiji, Subhas Chandra Bose, Nehru, Romain Rolland and George Bernard Shaw. Specimens of articles used by Tagore and his enlightened family like a Japanese drum, Tagore’s Oxford gown and cap, shoes, bamboo lamp stand, walking stick and painting articles and a plethora of gifts presented to the Tagore family by the Raja of Pittapuram, Persia, Java, China and Japan are preserved with great care. 

Tagore family by the Raja of Pittapuram, Persia, Java, China and Japan are preserved with great care. The Tagore family enjoyed a brilliant network of camaraderie between different countries of the Orient as well as the Occident.

The Rathindra art gallery displays books written by Rathindranath Tagore, son of Rabindranath Tagore and also woodworks, flower studies and artworks. Tagore once had the wish of living in a brick mansion like the elites. With this desire he had built a house similar to what he had dreamt and named it ‘Udayan’. He also built ‘Shyamali’ with the hope of spending a few days in a thatched-roof cottage.

In 1911, Tagore built ‘Konark’ where he used to sit on the dalaan (open space near the courtyard) and write poetry. Finally, he built ‘Punascha’ where the contemplative poet was often found walking on the terrace. The Visva-Bharati University campus stands unique in its own ways. It does not scare you with the semesters; instead it soothes your soul and rejuvenates with all its greenery and chirping birds.

 It is in this campus Tagore planted two Bakul plants and named it ‘Bakulbithi’.

There are different trees like Amrakunja, Shaalbithi, Amlokikanon that adorn the place. Students are taught under these sprawling trees. The Prarthanaghar, the glass house with 16 doors lies next to the Chhatimtala from where the story of Shantiniketan began. Tagore used to collect pebbles from the Khowai River and had built the ‘Teen Pahar’ out of sedimentary pebbles.

Gandhi and Tagore used to talk about political issues in the Amrakunja. They called each other Mahatma and Gurudev.  There are facilities for higher studies in the university as well. There are departments for art and music called Kalabhavan and Sangeetbhavan respectively. Students can also pursue Masters in Shiksha (Science and Maths) or Vidya (Geography and History).  On the eve of Baishe Srabon (death anniversary), a sampling is planted ceremonially.  A long queue of Visva-Bharati students draped in yellow sarees and in utmost coordination enters the campus as another batch of enthusiastic students sing in the background. Indian culture is rich in art and heritage. Satyajit Ray and Indira Gandhi were among the notable students of Kala-bhavan.

Shantiniketan as the name suggests provides peace and serenity to one’s soul. A trip to the land of Tagore and rich heritage is always welcome as it brings immense delight in our mundane life.

Coordinator, Class X, 

Gokhale Memorial Girls’ School