Rabindrabhabnay Shantiniketane Alpana

• Author: স্বাতী ঘোষ (Swati Ghosh)
• Publisher: Ananda Publishers
• Language: Bengali
• Edition: Hardcover
• ISBN: 9789350400494
• Pages: 136
• Weight: 615 gm

Book Description

রবীন্দ্রভাবনায় শান্তিনিকেতনে আলপনা (Rabindrabhabnay Shantiniketane Alpana) delves into the rich artistic and cultural heritage of Santiniketan, with a particular focus on the significance of alpana (traditional floor and wall paintings). The book explores how Rabindranath Tagore envisioned Santiniketan as a unique educational and artistic hub that nurtured creativity beyond conventional academic methods.

Tagore’s close associate, the legendary artist Nandalal Bose, played a crucial role in integrating indigenous art forms into Santiniketan’s aesthetic ethos. Alpana, in particular, became a key element in this cultural expression, blending folk traditions, classical influences, and the beauty of nature into a distinctive artistic style.

This book traces the evolution, refinement, commercialization, and integration of alpana into various art forms, providing an insightful analysis of its enduring impact on Indian art and craft traditions. Through meticulous research, it highlights the philosophy behind Santiniketan’s artistic innovations and their connection to the broader socio-cultural landscape of India.

About the Author

স্বাতী ঘোষ (Swati Ghosh) was born in 1964. She completed her schooling in Bardhaman and Durgapur before earning her B.A. and M.A. in English Literature from Visva-Bharati University. She worked in the Photography Department of Rabindra Bhavan at Visva-Bharati for several years before dedicating herself to research, translation, and writing.

Her published works include রবীন্দ্রভাবনায় শান্তিনিকেতনে আলপনা (Rabindrabhabnay Shantiniketane Alpana). She has also translated প্রসঙ্গ বৌদ্ধধর্ম: ভগিনী নিবেদিতা (Prasanga Bauddhadharma: Sister Nivedita).