Santiniketan, Educational neighborhood in Bolpur, India
Santiniketan is an educational neighborhood in Bolpur, in the Indian state of West Bengal, known as the site of Visva Bharati University and recognized as a World Heritage Site. The grounds hold brick and laterite teaching buildings, faculty housing, art galleries, and open spaces where large trees provide shade.
The father of poet Rabindranath Tagore founded this settlement in the mid-19th century as a spiritual retreat. His son later expanded it into an educational center that became a university in 1921, drawing students from around the world.
The name means "abode of peace" in Bengali, and students here follow an open-air teaching method introduced by Tagore's educational vision. Classes often take place beneath shading trees, with learners sitting on mats to maintain a close connection with the natural environment.
Most visitors come between October and March when the weather is comfortable and exploring the outdoor areas is easier. The railway station is close enough to walk to the main grounds, and cycle rickshaws offer short rides to buildings farther out.
Many buildings carry no doors to emphasize the idea of a borderless community. This feature reflects the philosophy that learning should happen without barriers between inside and outside.
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