Nested in 212 kilometres away from Kolkata, Shantiniketan is a well-liked tourist destination in Birbhum District, West Bengal. It was founded by the famous Tagore family. Earlier this area was referred to as Bhubandanga (after a local dacoit). Later, this site with red soil and vast paddy fields was spotted by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore who built a house here and named it Shantiniketan, meaning abode of peace.
A Journey from School to University
Rabindranath Tagore—established a school in 1901 or we can say (Brahmacharya Ashram) modelled after the ancient gurukul system. Progressively the school went on to become the famous Visva-Bharati University. This University gave us famous students like Satyajit Ray and Amartya Sen.
Tagore Family
Near the Shantinikatan you can also visit Tagore Ashram, where you can get an insight into the life of not only the poet but the entire Tagore family. While exploring the campus, you will also see beautiful frescoes, sculptures, paintings and murals of Rabindranath Tagore, Binodbehari Mukhopadhyay and several other renowned personalities.
Other Attractions
There are many other attractions within the campus, such as Chhatimtala, Sangeet Bhavan, Bichitra Bhavan and Cheena Bhavan, to name a few. A visit to Rabindra Bhavan and Nandan Museum at Kala Bhavan is something that you cannot miss. Besides, you might get an opportunity to listen to the mystic minstrels (Bauls) which is quite refreshing.
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