Natun Bari – A Cherished Heritage House in Santiniketan

Natun Bari is a significant heritage house located within the Visva-Bharati University campus in Santiniketan, Bolpur, West Bengal. As part of the cultural and historical legacy of Santiniketan, founded by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore and expanded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, Natun Bari holds a special place in the Ashram’s history, reflecting the personal and communal life of the Tagore family.

About Natun Bari

Natun Bari, meaning “New House” in Bengali, was constructed around 1902–1903 following the death of Rabindranath Tagore’s wife, Mrinalini Devi. It was built to accommodate Tagore’s mother-in-law, who lived there with her grandsons and granddaughters. The house became a vital part of the Santiniketan Ashram, serving as a residence for family members and later for notable figures associated with the Ashram’s early days, including Gajadananda Roy and Satishchandra Roy, who were involved in the Ashram Vidyalaya (school).

The architecture of Natun Bari is simple, featuring mud-plastered walls typical of the Ashram’s early structures, designed to blend with Santiniketan’s natural surroundings. Over time, the house has been repurposed and is now known as the Somindra Library, preserving its historical significance while serving the Visva-Bharati community. Natun Bari stands as a symbol of the Ashram’s commitment to family, education, and cultural heritage, contributing to Santiniketan’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2023.