Jorasankho Takurbari

• One of the poignant seats of Bengal renaissance is undoubtedly the mansion of the erstwhile Tagore family. A part of this palatial building is now used as the Rabindra Bharati University campus while the remaining part serves as a museum. Located at 6/4 Dwarakanath Tagore Lane, the house is easily accessible due to its connectivity by public transport. The by-lanes leading to the house has several marble workshops as well as houses and temples which stands as silent testimony to a certain era of economic supremacy. Though, much of the locality is now dilapidated, the opulent vibe still lives on. 
• This house was built in the 18th century on the land donated by the famous Sett family of Burrabazar. As per belief, Jorashanko, takes its name from the original Jora Shankar, from the twin Shankar (Shiva) temples nearby.  In1760s, Nilmani Tagore separated from the original family residency in Pathuriaghata and moved to the Jorasanko/Mechuabazar area.awns has the two statues on either side of the entrance to Maharshi Bhawan – of Maharshi Debendranath Tagore and of Rabindranath Tagore. Upon entering the Maharshi Bhawan a huge white thakur dalan greets the visitors. This area is used for the renowned programme held on Tagore’s birthday and other occasions. 

Dalan

Entrance to the dalan

• The museum spans the first and second floor of the building.  It meticulously maintains photographs, paintings, personal items, books, manuscripts and journals, tapes, disc, records, etc. It offers deep insights into the history, culture and ideologies of the Tagore family, and also about their involvement with the Bengal Renaissance and the Brahmo Samaj. 
• The first floor has multiple rooms each of which has several photographs, writings and paintings and items being used by the Tagore family members. One sequentially passes through the dining room, Maharshi Debendranath Tagore’s bedroom (with his bed and dress), Mrinalini Devi’s kitchen, her room (with old world mirrors), living room, music room, family maternity room and also rooms belonging to the other Tagore family members.
• In addition, there is Vichitra Bhawan which displays the life and works of Abanindranath Tagore. The Dinendranath gallery and a gallery of Indian style (particularly Bengal School) paintings of Nandalal Bose, Jamini Roy and their disciples. A separate gallery displays western style paintings of that era. A replica of Tagore’s Nobel prize (medal and certificate) is on display here. Separate rooms display life size paintings of the Tagore family men in ceremonial attires; life events of Rabindranath and his accolades be-speaks of his illustrious life. 
• The Tagore family tree displayed here is huge and detailed.  An exhibit of a scale model of the train in which Rabindranath travelled from Shantiniketan to Kolkata for the last time, models of cars used by Rabindranath, the boat he used to travel in and model of Tagore’s final medical operation, done at this house are displayed. 
• The room where Tagore breathed his last is preserved with great sanctity. 
• The notable attractions are the galleries in this building, each one dedicated to the work of Tagore and his associates in different countries of the world. Each room has been aesthetically done as per the decorative style of each country.
• Japan Gallery –Artifacts include artworks of Gaganendranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose to wash paintings made in Japanese style.
• Chinese Gallery – This has a huge collection of artifacts depicting and narrating the times when Rabindranath Tagore visited China including water and ink painting of Tagore by renowned scholar Wen Yiduo during Tagore’s visit to China in 1924. 
• American Gallery – Several magazines and newspaper cuttings along with photographs are housed in this gallery. Few photographs which would catch your eye are the photographs of Rabindranath with Helen Keller and Einstein. 
• Hungarian Gallery – This mostly has the artifacts from times when Rabindranath visited Budapest. An interesting item on display here are a set of 8-10 rotating prism shaped pillars. On each of the side of the pillar is a part of an image. 
• Thai Gallery displays the art influence which Tagore derived from this country, including the renowned batik work. 
• Italian gallery is present besides the terrace and displays Rabindranath’s interaction while in Italy and other countries of Europe. On second floor which has a balcony on one side. 
• The rooms which are at the side of the balcony mainly contain artifacts related to Renaissance period. 
• At the backside of the building, the Fiton car which belonged to the Tagore family stands with all its royalty.

Photography is only allowed in the outside premises of the building and in the ground floor of Maharshi Bhawan.

The visit was undertaken on 23.07.2026 as a part of Educational trip for UG Semester II students as per the Ethics and Value Education course of Bethune college.