• Source:JND
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Santiniketan: September 17 marked a proud day for India and Indians as West Bengal's Santiniketan got included in UNESCO's World Heritage List. Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his 'delight' on the news and called it a 'proud moment' for the country. Established in 1901 by renowned poet Rabindranath Tagore, this place was a residential school and a centre for art based on ancient Indian traditions. Santiniketan holds great significance for West Bengal as Tagore, a Bengali philosopher, polymath, and the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, is a revered figure in the eastern state of India. 

According to the official website of Santiniketan, first, the town of Santiniketan was founded by Maharshi Devendranath Tagore, the father of Rabindranath Tagore. In 1963, he bought a large piece of land in Bhubandanga. He then renamed it Santiniketan which means 'abode of peace'. He then started an ashram on the piece of land where he used to teach his students about the principles of the Brahmo Samaj, and the significance of nature and simplicity.

Rabindranath Tagore And Santiniketan

Tagore visited Santiniketan (town) for the first time when he was a 17-year-old in 1878. Born in 1861 in Calcutta, he was deeply inspired by his father’s teachings. He would spend a lot of time at the ashram in Santiniketan, according to the official website.

Visva-Bharati University

Visva-Bharati University (Image Credits: Santiniketan)

Tagore went to the University of London for studies and later became a renowned poet, writer and philosopher.

(Image Credits: visvabharati)

In 1901, Rabindranath started a Brahmacharyaashrama, which was later known as Patha Bhavana in 1925. In 1921, he founded Visva Bharati. Initially a small school for the study of Indian culture and traditions, it was later declared a central university and institute of national importance in 1951.

Cultural Significance of Santiniketan

Visva Bharti sought to establish a place where individuals from all over the world could come together as a single family. Its multifaceted approach included educating children, fostering a love of nature, utilising music and the arts to promote emotional development, engaging in social work to assist neighbouring villages, promoting rural development through Sriniketan, and conducting philosophical and cultural research.

Image Credits: visvabharati

Tagore's vision was not only confined to creating an intimate community of teachers and students, as incorporated in the traditional Indian Gurukul system, but he also wanted to make an environment that would open students’ minds to the world within and around them. Even today, this tradition is practised in Santiniketan. His vision also included promoting unity among people of different cultures worldwide.

Festivals At Santiniketan

Santiniketan hosts a slew of events throughout the year. Basant Utsav and Holi Utsav are among some of the well-known celebrations that take place at Santiniketan. Cultural festivals like Poush mela and Nandan mela are two of the most vibrant annual fairs where art, crafts, music and dance forms of the region are showcased. Santiniketan also organises two prominent agricultural festivals, Briksharopan (tree planting) and Halakarshan (ploughing ceremony).

Santineketan, Now A Tourist Attraction

Santiniketan is now a famous tourist destination because of its numerous cultural institutions, beautiful natural surroundings, and rich cultural history. It is a significant component of India's cultural and intellectual history and continues to be a hub of learning and cultural exchange.

Santiniketan is continuing with the traditions of the Utsavs, festivals, open-air classrooms and the curriculum that encourages the infusion of performing and fine arts in academics.

Indian Heritage Sites In UNESCO's World Heritage Site List:

Agra Fort

Ajanta Caves

Ellora Caves

Taj Mahal

Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram

Sun Temple, Konarak

Kaziranga National Par

Keoladeo National Park

Manas Wildlife Sanctuary

Churches and Convents of Goa

Fatehpur Sikri

Group of Monuments at Hampi

Khajuraho Group of Monuments

Elephanta Caves

Great Living Chola Temples 13

Group of Monuments at Pattadakal

Sundarbans National Park

Nanda Devi and Valley of Flowers National Parks

Buddhist Monuments at Sanchi

Humayun's Tomb, Delhi

Qutb Minar and its Monuments, Delhi

Mountain Railways of India

Mahabodhi Temple Complex at Bodh Gaya

Rock Shelters of Bhimbetka

Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park

Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (formerly Victoria Terminus)

Red Fort Complex

The Jantar Mantar, Jaipur

Western Ghats

Hill Forts of Rajasthan

Great Himalayan National Park Conservation Area

Rani-ki-Vav (the Queen’s Stepwell) at Patan, Gujarat

Archaeological Site of Nalanda Mahavihara at Nalanda, Bihar

Khangchendzonga National Park

The Architectural Work of Le Corbusier, an Outstanding Contribution to the Modern Movement 

Historic City of Ahmadabad

Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles of Mumbai

Jaipur City, Rajasthan

Dholavira: a Harappan City

Kakatiya Rudreshwara (Ramappa) Temple, Telangana