The Nectar of Architecture: Tagore's Architectural Cognizance in Santiniketon

Authors : Sayed Ahmed

Pages : 184-206

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Publication Date : 2020-07-30

Article Type : Other

Abstract :This study aims to discuss the reasons and justifications of socioeconomic, cultural, political and intellectual realm of Bengal from theoretical and critical basis. Such historical discourse will reintroduce a poet who already defined and shaped a nation's identity and also his concept reached in architectural realm which was never brought to light previously. An exposition for the findings related to the dwellings of Rabindranath Tagore, at Santiniketan could be the clue as he is considered one of the Bengal’s foremost modern personalities. The methodology will involve his writings as primary confab sources as well as recent and previous renowned researchers’ contextual works as secondary sources to derive comparison based interpretations and explore hypothetical scopes. Such punitive approach from historical inquiries with architectural perspective regarding Tagore’s literary genius will reveal his more patriotic philosophies that were previously misguided or even isolated and conventionally known ideologies from colonial context. The paucity of Tagore’s direct references are imperative sources to rely on, as in-situ analyses are also followed. Written allusions about space and architecture in his poems and dramas constructed the literature review of the study. In doing so, the paper also endeavours to comprehend the immense potential for understanding and appreciating Tagore's less-highlighted genius, like architectural creations. Placing these findings within the framework of contemporaneous accomplishments, this study will discover Bengal as pan-Asian leading position and analysis will show how regional modernism silently flourished through architecture under Tagore’s prophecy.
Keywords : Bengal architecture, Bengal art, Rabindranath Tagore, Santiniketan, identity