Benikunja

Benikunja is a notable heritage house located within the Visva-Bharati University campus in Santiniketan, Bolpur, West Bengal. As part of the rich cultural and historical legacy of Santiniketan, established by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore and expanded by his son, Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, Benikunja holds a special place in the Ashram’s history. This house reflects the simplicity and community spirit that defined the early days of Santiniketan.

About Benikunja

Benikunja is one of the heritage houses built during the formative years of the Santiniketan Ashram, which was founded in 1863. The name “Benikunja” evokes a sense of natural beauty, possibly referring to a grove or garden-like setting, aligning with the Ashram’s ethos of living in harmony with nature. The house was constructed to accommodate teachers, students, or guests of the Ashram, fostering an environment of learning and equality.

The architecture of Benikunja is characterized by its modest design, featuring mud-plastered walls and a structure that blends seamlessly with Santiniketan’s red-soil landscape. Like other Ashram houses, it was built with functionality and simplicity in mind, embodying Tagore’s vision of a community free from caste distinctions and rooted in education. Benikunja, though less prominent than other heritage houses like Kalo Bari or Punascha, remains a significant part of Santiniketan’s historical fabric, contributing to its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2023.