Shantiniketan
An
International University founded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore where the
cultures of the East & the West could meet and mingle. Named Vishva-Bharati,
the University represents Indian traditions while incorporating the best of
other cultures. Shantiniketan, the abode of peace, was initially an Ashram or
hermitage founded in 1863 by Maharishi Devendranath Tagore. In 1901 his son,
Rabindranath converted it into an experimental open-air school with just five
students. It proved a success. He widened the scope of studies which gradually
formed the nucleus of a University.
Another
interesting feature about Shantiniketan is that splendid sculptures, frescoes,
murals and paintings of Rabindranath, Nandlal Bose, Ramkinkar, Bindobehari
Mukhopadhyaya and others adorn the campus.
Shantiniketan
is a University town and a centre of learning. The Uttarayan complex where the
poet lived consists of several buildings such as Udayana. Konark, Shyamali,
Punascha and Udichi which reflect the architectural genius of the poet's
illustrious son the late Rathindranath Tagore. In addition there are Kala Bhavan
(College of Fine Arts and Crafts). Sangit Bhavan (College of Music and Dance),
Vidya Bhavan (College of Humanities), Siksha-Bhavan (College of Science) and
Vinaya Bhavan (Teacher's Training College), Cheena Bhavan and Hindi Bhavan. The
Shantiniketan campus of Viswa Bharati has grown up to be a centre for learning
with a bias towards art, music and humanities. At Shriniketan, mainly a Centre
for Rural Service and Studies (Palli Samgathan Bibhaga), there is a college of
Agriculture (Palli Siksha Sadan) as well.
The places of
interest are mainly on the campus and have a distinctive feature of some of the
best in Indian art and culture.
China
Bhavan : The Chinese
Faculty
Chhatimtala : Here Maharshi
Devendranath, the father of
Rabindranath Tagore, used to meditate. Prayers are held usually at Convocation
time. Successful graduates of the Vishwa Bharati University are presented a
branch of five leaves each from the Saptaparni trees which abound in the area.
Kala Bhavan :
The College of Fine Arts & Crafts has an museum exhibiting sculptures,
frescoes & murals and a library of art books.
Patha Bhavan :
Now a secondary school, it is of particular interest as an example of the
traditional `Brahmacharya Ashram'.
Prayer
Hall
: Founded by the poet's father in 1863, the hall is
made of glass. Prayers are held on Wednesday.
Bichitra : Also called Rabindra
Bhavan, a Research
Centre and Museum where the poet's personal belongings, paintings & various
editions of his works are exhibited.
Sangeet Bhavan
: College of Dance and Music. The University
is replete with works on Art, Music and the Humanities.
Uttarayan Complex: The poet lived and worked in the Northern
Complex consisting of several buildings as : Udayana, Konarka, Shyamali,
Punascha and Udichi. The Bichitra ( or, Rabindra Bhavan ) designed by the poet's
son Rathindranath Tagore.
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