Archive for the ‘Shantiniketan’ Category
December 14th, 2011 | 
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When it comes to excursions in Calcutta, the mention of Shantiniketan is like a must. Shantiniketan in Calcutta, is mainly known for Vishva-Bharati University that provides a platform for the convergence of western and eastern culture. Its foundation was laid by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore. The best part about this international university is that it exhibits the Indian tradition in the most modest manner, while simultaneously incorporating the best of other cultures.
The best time to visit this soothing place is between November to March. Set up in the midst of green lushy fields and forested land, it makes an excellent landscape. Initially, Shantiniketan of Kolkata, India was an ashram that was started by Maharishi Devendranath Tagore in 1863.
History
Santiniketan was previously called Bhubandanga (named after Bhuban Dakat, a local dacoit), and owned by the Tagore family. Rabindranath’s father, Maharshi Debendranath Tagore, found it very peaceful and renamed it Santiniketan, which means abode (niketan) of peace (shanti). It was here that Rabindranath Tagore started Patha Bhavan the school of his ideals, whose central premise was that learning in a natural environment would be more enjoyable and fruitful. After he received the Noble Prize (1913), the school was expanded into a university. Many world famous teachers have become associated with it, and Indira Gandhi was one of its more illustrious students.
Kala Bhavana, the art college of Santiniketan, is still considered one of the best art colleges in the world. Other institutions here include Vidya Bhavana; the Institute of Humanities, Shiksha Bhavana; the Institute of Science, Sangit Bhavana; Institute of Dance, Drama and Music, Vinaya Bhavana; Institute of Education, Rabindra Bhavana, Institute of Tagore Studies and Research, Palli-Samgathana Vibhaga; Institute of Rural Reconstruction, and Palli Shiksha Bhavana; Institute of Agricultural Sciences.
Tourist Attractions
Santiniketan 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 Santiniketan 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.
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Shantiniketan stand as a place of cultural pride of Bengal.The foundation of this place has been laid in the memory of Rabindranath Tagore,It is a land of art & literature. This place forms a part of Birbhum District of West Bengal .Shantiniketan displays the work of famous poet Rabindranath Tagore.One will be enthralled to see the various collections of Rabindranath’s used items in the Museum.Shantiniketan was earlier called Bhubandanga (named after Bhuban Dakat, a local dacoit), and was owned by the Tagore family.
Best Time To visit
Weather in Santiniketan is usually a pleasant one. Spring season has its own charm in Santiniketan not only because of its natural beauty blooming to its fullest amidst the lush greenery but also due to the famous Vasanta Utsav held to mark the festival of Holi with the onset of Spring.
Here is the brief introduction of the few places to seen in Shantiniketan.
Chatimtola
Chatimtola is the place where Rabindranath Tagore’s father perform meditation.The Leaves of the Saptaparni trees serves a great importance. They are given to graduating students at the annual convocation. The Prime Minister of India is the Chancellor of the University. Some of the famous students of Visva-Bharati include India’s former Prime Mister the Ms Indira Gandhi (1917-1984), world famous film director Mr.Satyajit Ray (1921-1992) and Nobel Laureate Amartya Sen.
Kenduli
Kenduli is located at 30 kms away from Shantiniketan. Kenduli is the place where Jaydev was born.Jaydev is the first famous Bengal poet.He composed the famous Geeta Govinda.Several temples are located near Kenduli.the place is renowed for its folk song festival.the festival held during Makar Sankranti (Mid January). Bauls, a sect of wandering ministrels, gather here during this festival.This festival is the largest of its kind in the state.
Nonoor
Noonor is located 18kms away from Shantiniketan.It is the birth place of famous poet kabi, Chandidas.He was renowed for his Vaishnava Padavalis.The place serves as a major attraction for the tourist worldwide.
Uttarayan Complex
Uttarayan complex is the place where poet lived and worked.The Northern Complex consists of several buildings such as Udayana, Konarka, Shyamali, Punascha and Udichi. The Bichitra commonly known as Rabindra Bhavan was designed by the poet’s son Rathindranath Tagore.
Tarapith
Tarapith is located at 80 kms away from Shantiniketan.The tourist can avail various conveyance facilities. One can reach Tarapith firstly from Bolpur to Rampurhat by train or bus and then 5 kms by bus or cycle rickshaw. Ramkanai Dharamshala a number of hotels are there.
Bichitra
The place is also known as Rabindra Bhavan.It encompasses a Research Centre and Museum.The museum displays poet’s personal belongings, paintings & various editions of his works.