Santiniketan

Why in news?

• The International Council on Monuments and Sites, a UNESCO advisory body, has recommended that Santiniketan be included in the list of World Heritage Sites.

More about the News:

• If selected, Santiniketan would be the second cultural symbol from West Bengal to be included in the UNESCO list.
• In 2021, UNESCO included ‘Durga Puja in Kolkata’ in its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity

About Santiniketan:

• Santiniketan is a renowned cultural and educational institution (comprising Viswa Bharati University) located in the Birbhum District of West Bengal
• Santiniketan literally means “abode of peace” in Bengali.
• Initially, Santiniketan was started as an ashram founded by Debendranath Tagore. Eventually it developed into a centre of art, culture, and learning under the guidance of his son Rabindra Nath Tagore.
• It is known for its unique educational philosophy, which emphasizes the integration of nature, creativity, and holistic learning.
• It follows the concept of an open-air classroom where students are encouraged to learn in close connection with nature.

Add ons:     

• Santiniketan is also adorned with splendid sculptures, frescoes, murals, and paintings created by renowned artists such as Rabindranath Tagore, Nandalal Bose (one of the pioneers of modern Indian art) and Ramkinkar Baij (master sculptor and painter) among others.

PRACTICE QUESTION:

Santiniketan, a renowned cultural and heritage place, is established by:

(a) Mahatma Gandhi

(b) Madan Mohan Malaviya

(c) Debendranath Tagore

(d) Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar

Answer