Shantiniketan is one of those places in Bengal that never gets old or boring. This little hamlet has so many beautiful and intricate aspects of art, poetry, literature and romanticism entwined in it that people can spend a lifetime studying and understanding these. Amongst the many fascinating things that Tagore’s abode of Peace holds, the iconic sculptures by Ramkinkar Baij are definitely worth a mention.
Ramkinkar Baij – an icon of Modern Indian Sculpture:
Known as the “Father of Modern Indian Sculpture”, Ramkinkar Baij was born in Bengal’s Bankura district in a poor barber’s family. Tagore was quick to spot Baij’s talent as soon as he came to Kala Bhavan and gave this “eccentric genius” the resources and creative freedom that helped him create the masterpieces in multiple mediums. Kala Bhavan in Shantiniketan is the best place to see and study the Iconic Sculptures by Ramkinkar Baij. Many students of art and sculpture also come to Shantiniketan from all over the world to understand the techniques and thought process that went into creating these masterpieces.
People coming to Shantiniketan to enjoy its surreal beauty usually prefer to stay in Panthashala, which is one of the best hotels in Shantiniketan Bolpur. Most people with a creative bent of mind love to stay in Panthashala for its peaceful surroundings as well as its world class hospitality. Sculptors or students of fine arts, who especially come to study Ramkinkar Baij’s work extensively, can book homestays in Bolpur to soak in the vibes of the place and mostly study the following works of art in detail.
Ramkinkar Baij’s Creation – The Santhal Family:
Baij was extremely fascinated by the spontaneous Santhal way of life. The Santhal tribe lives in and around Shantiniketan due to which Baij got to observe them from close quarters. He was absolutely fascinated by their dynamism and rhythm of life. Baij tried to capture their simplistic joys and spontaneity through his paintings and sculptures. Created in 1938-39, the monumental Santhal family sculpture continues to intrigue and excite people. This sculpture depicts a tribal family, their two children and a dog with great detailing. The family is seen carrying several material possessions and the complete picture presented in this sculpture continues to interact with people’s perceptions and imaginations in different ways.
Ramkinkar Baij’s Creation – Mill Call:
This sculpture showing mill worker’s running off to work on hearing the siren leaving the child behind who tries to cling on is not only moving, also has relevance across ages. While Baij had tried to capture the changing lifestyles of the otherwise spontaneous, joyous and music and dance loving Santhals, people can even relate it to the modern working women who have to come out of home and go to work keeping all household worries aside.
Ramkinkar Baij’s Creation – Sujata:
Baij’s first sculpture in Shantiniketan, Sujata is a beautiful representation of his close attachment to nature and its forms. The sculpture beautifully blends with the surroundings and creates an impression of a magical creature visiting Shantiniketan.
Along with capturing subtle human emotions, with his art works like the Thresher which was made in response to the Bengal Famine of 1943, Ramkinkar Baij also put forth his thoughts on the socio-political changes taking place in the country.
Each of Ramkinkar Baij’s art works that can be seen in Kala Bhavan continues to mesmerize onlookers with the subtle imagery, interplay of light and shadows and the unique placements. Spending some time in Shantiniketan in Panthashala studying these sculptures can give people a whole new perspective on life.