Have you ever wondered what it would be like to visit the ancestral home of one of the most celebrated writers of India, Rabindranath Tagore? If yes, then you should definitely add Jorasanko Thakurbari to your bucket list of places to see in Kolkata. Jorasanko Thakurbari is not just a museum and a university, but also a living legacy of the Tagore family and their contributions to Bengali culture and literature.
In this article, we will take you on a tour of Jorasanko Thakurbari and show you why it is one of the most fascinating and beautiful places in Kolkata. Whether you are interested in history, architecture, art, or education, you will find something to enjoy and learn at Jorasanko Thakurbari. So, let’s get started!
History and Architecture of Jorasanko Thakurbari
Jorasanko Thakurbari was built in 1784 by Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a prominent social reformer and philanthropist who wanted to create a model of a modern and progressive society. He hired a team of architects from Mughal, European and Indian styles to design his house, which was named after his wife’s ancestral village.
The house was later acquired by Raja Surendranath Tagore, the father of Rabindranath Tagore, who added more rooms and extensions to it. The house became the center of the Tagore family’s life and activities, as they hosted many guests and events there.
Some of the notable personalities who visited or stayed at Jorasanko Thakurbari include Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, Rabindranath Tagore himself, his wife Sukumar Ray, his son Shyamaprasad Mukherjee, his daughter-in-law Abanindranath Tagore, his grandson Shantanu Tagore, etc.
The house has a unique architectural style that blends Mughal domes with European arches and Indian courtyards. The house has four floors with 18 rooms in total. The rooms are decorated with paintings by various artists such as Nandalal Bose, Abanindranath Tagore, Kishor Kumar Ray Chaudhuri etc.
The house also has a library that contains thousands of books on various subjects such as philosophy, religion, literature etc. The house also has a museum that exhibits 700 paintings by various artists such as Abanindranath Tagore himself, Kishor Kumar Ray Chaudhuri, Nandalal Bose, etc. The museum also has manuscripts, books, antique items, musical instruments, etc.
Timings and Entry Fee of Jorasanko Thakurbari
Jorasanko Thakurbari is open throughout the year but some events may be held during specific seasons or occasions such as festivals, exhibitions, workshops etc. The opening hours are from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm on all days except Mondays when it is closed for maintenance.
There is no entry fee for general visitors but donations are welcome for supporting the museum’s activities.
Light and Sound Show at Jorasanko Thakurbari
One of the most popular attractions at Jorasanko Thakurbari is the light and sound show that takes place every evening at 6:00 pm in front of the main gate. The show lasts for about 20 minutes and features scenes from the histor, culture , art, literature, music etc. of Bengal.
The show is synchronized with music and narration that highlight the significance and beauty of each scene. The show also uses special effects such as fireworks, lasers, smoke etc. to create an immersive experience for the audience. The show is a great way to learn more about Jorasanko Thakurbari’s past, present, future etc.
Best Time to Visit Jorasanko Thakurbari
The best time to visit Jorasanko Thakurbari depends on your preferences and interests . If you want to avoid crowds or heat, then you should visit during winter months from November to February when it is cooler and less humid. However,
if you want to enjoy festivals or events such as Durga Puja, Diwali, Christmas etc., then you should visit during these months when there are more celebrations and decorations . If you want to see more flowers or trees then you should visit during spring months from March to May when they bloom or green up . If you want to see more birds or butterflies then you should visit during summer months from June to August when they fly around .
How to Reach Jorasanko Thakurbari
Jorasanko Thakurbari is easily accessible by road from different parts of Kolkata. You can take a bus, a taxi, or a rickshaw to reach the place. There are also various options for parking near or inside the house depending on your budget or preference.
You can also take a metro train to reach the nearest station and then walk for about 10 minutes to reach the place. Alternatively, you can take a flight to Kolkata and then take a taxi or a bus to reach the place.
Jorasanko Thakurbari is a must-visit place for anyone who loves history, culture, art, or education. It is not just a museum and a university, but also a living legacy of the Tagore family and their contributions to Bengali society and literature. It is a place where you can admire the architecture, the paintings, the manuscripts, the books, and the antique items that showcase the rich heritage and diversity of Bengal.
It is also a place where you can enjoy the light and sound show that takes you on a journey through time and space. It is also a place where you can learn more about Rabindranath Tagore and his works that have inspired millions of people around the world.
So, what are you waiting for? Book your tickets now and visit Jorasanko Thakurbari today!
