The Research Dialogue

Author : Debdip Bhattacharyya

DOI: https://doi.org/10.64880/theresearchdialogue.v5i2.26

Abstract

The Tagore family from Jorasanko, Kolkata, had a huge impact on the Bengal Renaissance, changing the way people thought and lived in Bengal in the 19th and early 20th centuries. This paper aims to analyse the family’s significant contributions to religious reform, institutional education, women’s emancipation, music, theatre, and literature, illustrating their crucial role in the development of a unique modern Bengali identity. This examination centers on prominent individuals including Dwarakanath, Debendranath, Hemendranath, Rabindranath, Jyotirindranath, and Satyendranath Tagore. This paper also highlights the significant contributions of Rabindranath Tagore in education and culture of Bengal. Utilizing a qualitative methodology, the research engages with secondary literature, institutional histories, and digital archives. This paper delineates the evolution from home-based education and early Brahmo reform to the educational developments at Santiniketan, Visva-Bharati, and Sriniketan. It finds that Tagore’s distinctive perspective on colonial education prioritized holistic personal development, artistic enrichment, intercultural communication, and civic participation. The study also examines the significance of Jorasanko Thakur Bari as a cultural hub that fosters innovation in music, theater, and women’s participation.

Key words: Tagore Family, Education, Culture, Bengal Renaissance

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