Exploring Visva-Bharati: A sneak-peak into Tagore’s Abode of Peace – panthashala

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Exploring Visva-Bharati: A sneak-peak into Tagore’s Abode of Peace

Exploring Visva-Bharati

Bolpur, a quaint city in the Birbhum district of West Bengal has a very important role to play in the cultural landscape of India. Shantiniketan, which is known the world over as Tagore’s literary abode lies in the heart of Bolpur. While Shantiniketan was only a small meditation retreat established by the Sri. Debendranath Tagore, the Nobel laureate’s father, Visva-Bharati literally evolved from Rabindranath Tagore’s school Brahmacharyasrama which was established to help the masses realize the intrinsic values of the ancient education system followed in India. This school was thus different; here classes were held in open under the trees, fine arts was an essential part of the curriculum and students were encouraged to respect and celebrate nature.

The Visva-Bharati that we see today was built over the years as students from all over the country came here to study. The school eventually grew into a college and the college the global university that we know today. It is however interesting to note that amidst all these new additions, the intrinsic structure of education which emphasized on fine arts and connecting with nature still remains at the core of Visva Bharati.

While all of us have a fair idea of what this global institution is all about, it is impossible to understand what this university stands for unless you come to Shantiniketan and explore the campus. You can always book a guest house near Visva Bharati and explore the university campus at your own pace. Panthashala, which is one of most idyllic places to stay in Shantiniketan is just the place to crash after exploring Tagore’s wonderland. Right from the food to the ambience, everything here is in sync with the overall feel of Shantiniketan. So, if you decide to come to Shantiniketan to explore Visva Bharati, here are all the places you must explore.

Kala Bhavan

Established in the year 1919, the Kala Bhavan serves as the fine arts faculty of Visva Bharati. Along with the interesting façade of this wing of the institution, its art gallery Nandan is a haven for art lovers. This gallery is a treasure trove of intriguing sculptures, frescoes and murals. The gallery also has many priceless works of renowned Chinese and Japanese artists that were made in the premises as well as presented to the poet. The Sangit Bhavan, though a separate building is also an integral part of the arts wing and many renowned artists have had their formal education in music here.

Cheena Bhavan

As the name suggests, this building is a landmark structure and promotes study of the Chinese language, arts and literature. Not only is the building’s structure inspired from Chinese architectural styles, its walls too are adorned with elegant frescoes, relief work as well as Chinese calligraphy.

Rabindra Bhavan

This building is perhaps the heart of the institution as here people can actually get a sneak-peek into Tagore’s life. Several manuscripts, correspondences, paintings and sketches made by the poet are on display here. The museum at the Vichitra building is open to the public and you must not miss a chance to visit this place.

Upasana Griha:

Also known as the Kanch Mahal, the Upasana Griha is perhaps the most beautiful part of the university. Made with several colored Belgium glass and marble steps on all four sides, this stunning prayer hall continues to mesmerize people visiting Shantiniketan.

Apart from the ones mentioned above, there is a lot more to the university and Shantiniketan that you must explore. Visva Bharati is so vast that you cannot really cover all aspects of the university in a day or two. You should ideally book a homestay near Visva Bharati or a guest house and stay here for a few days and explore the university complex bit by bit to know all about it. You can also try and enroll into a short course or attend a workshop at the university to get a feel of the Shantiniketan way of life from close quarters.