Jorasanko Thakur Bari

Kolkata, West Bengal

Jorasanko Thakur Bari

Location: Kolkata, West Bengal
Category: Historical Places

About

Jorasanko Thakur Bari is the ancestral home of the Tagore family and the birthplace of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, located in North Kolkata, West Bengal, India. Built in the 18th century by Nilmoni Tagore, the mansion spans approximately 35,000 square meters and now houses the Rabindra Bharati Museum, dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Tagore family. The museum exhibits include personal artifacts, photographs, and paintings of the Tagore family, as well as galleries dedicated to Rabindranath Tagore's international connections with countries like Japan, China, the United States, and Hungary. Rabindranath Tagore's room has been maintained as it was during his lifetime, offering visitors a glimpse into his personal space. The museum also organizes a light and sound show depicting the life of Rabindranath Tagore, making it one of Kolkata's most significant cultural landmarks and a must-visit destination for literature, history, and culture enthusiasts.

History & Background

Jorasanko Thakur Bari was built in the 18th century by Nilmoni Tagore, establishing it as the ancestral home of the illustrious Tagore family. The mansion became the birthplace of Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel laureate poet, writer, philosopher, and cultural icon of Bengal, who was born here in 1861. Over the decades, the house served as a center of cultural and intellectual activity, hosting numerous literary, artistic, and social gatherings. The Tagore family, known for their contributions to Bengali literature, art, music, and social reform, made Jorasanko Thakur Bari a hub of cultural renaissance in Bengal. Following Rabindranath Tagore's death in 1941, the house was converted into the Rabindra Bharati Museum to preserve and showcase the legacy of the Tagore family. The museum was established to honor Rabindranath Tagore's contributions to literature, music, art, and education, and to preserve the cultural heritage of one of Bengal's most influential families. Today, Jorasanko Thakur Bari stands as a testament to the Tagore family's legacy and continues to serve as a center for cultural preservation, education, and inspiration for visitors from around the world.

Architecture & Features

  • 18th-Century Mansion: Built in the 18th century by Nilmoni Tagore, showcasing traditional Bengali aristocratic architecture

  • 35,000 Square Meters: The mansion spans approximately 35,000 square meters, reflecting the grandeur of the Tagore family residence

  • Rabindra Bharati Museum: Houses the Rabindra Bharati Museum dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Tagore family

  • Preserved Rooms: Rabindranath Tagore's room has been maintained as it was during his lifetime

  • Personal Artifacts: Exhibits include personal artifacts, photographs, and paintings of the Tagore family

  • International Galleries: Galleries dedicated to Rabindranath Tagore's international connections with countries like Japan, China, the United States, and Hungary

  • Light and Sound Show: The museum organizes a light and sound show depicting the life of Rabindranath Tagore

  • Cultural Heritage: Preserves the cultural heritage and legacy of the Tagore family

Activities & Highlights

  • Exploring the ancestral home of the Tagore family

  • Visiting Rabindranath Tagore's preserved room, maintained as it was during his lifetime

  • Viewing personal artifacts, photographs, and paintings of the Tagore family

  • Exploring galleries dedicated to Rabindranath Tagore's international connections

  • Attending the light and sound show depicting the life of Rabindranath Tagore

  • Learning about the Tagore family's contributions to Bengali literature, art, and culture

  • Understanding Rabindranath Tagore's life, works, and legacy

  • Appreciating the cultural heritage and historical significance of the mansion

Visiting Guidelines

  • Visiting Hours: Open Tuesday to Sunday, 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM; Closed on Mondays and public holidays

  • Entry Fees: Indian Adults: ₹20; Indian Students: ₹10; Foreign Nationals: ₹150; Free entry for physically challenged visitors, underprivileged children, and students up to 5th grade

  • Light and Sound Show: Check with the museum for show timings and additional charges

  • Best Time to Visit: During visiting hours, preferably during the winter months (November to February) when the weather is pleasant

  • Photography: Check photography policies before taking pictures; some areas may have restrictions

  • Respectful Behavior: Visitors should maintain respectful behavior as it is a heritage site and museum

Location & Connectivity

  • Location: 6/4 Dwarakanath Tagore Lane, Kolkata, West Bengal 700007, India

  • Nearest Airport: Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport, Kolkata – approx. 18 km

  • Major Railway Stations:

    • Sealdah Railway Station – approx. 3 km

    • Howrah Railway Station – approx. 5 km

    • Kolkata Railway Station – approx. 4 km

  • Metro Station: Girish Park Metro Station – approximately 10-minute walk from the museum, providing convenient access via the Kolkata Metro network

Jorasanko Thakur Bari is strategically located in North Kolkata, making it easily accessible from various parts of the city and well-connected to major transportation hubs.

Communication & Transport Modes

Jorasanko Thakur Bari is well connected by road, metro, and rail. The mansion is located at Dwarakanath Tagore Lane in North Kolkata, which provides excellent connectivity to the city center and surrounding areas. The Girish Park Metro Station is approximately 10 minutes walk away, providing convenient access via the Kolkata Metro network. Public bus services operated by the West Bengal Transport Corporation and other operators provide regular connectivity to the area. Taxis, auto-rickshaws, and app-based cab services operate regularly in the area, offering convenient access for visitors. Jorasanko Thakur Bari is easily accessible from major railway stations including Sealdah, Howrah, and Kolkata stations, with Sealdah being just 3 km away, and the international airport, making it convenient for both local visitors and tourists. The mansion's location in North Kolkata and excellent connectivity make it easily accessible and a popular destination for literature enthusiasts, history buffs, students, researchers, and tourists exploring Kolkata's rich cultural heritage and the legacy of Rabindranath Tagore and the Tagore family.

External Link: View