Finding traces of Rabindranath Tagore's legacy in Mumbai

The saree made for Jnanadanandini Devi. Pic Courtesy/CSMVS

Young Rabi in Bombay

Sabyasachi Mukherjee, director general of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya (CSMVS), shares that the poet's elder brother, Satyendranath, coaxed young Rabindranath Tagore to come to Bombay in 1878. "The goal was to prepare him for a journey to England for higher education," Mukherjee explains.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee

During this time, young Rabi stayed with Dr Atmaram Pandurang Turkhud at 65, Kandewadi in Girgaon. Quoting from Pratapaditya Pal's commemorative work on the poet, Something Old, Something New, Mukherjee adds that Rabi developed a special bond with Dr Turkhud's daughter, Annapurna, fondly known as Ana. This friendship and interlude in Bombay would lay the foundation to Tagore's early romantic poetry and literary greatness.

The connection does not end there. CSMVS also houses a rare Baluchar saree that belonged to Jnanadanandini Devi, the wife of Satyendranath Tagore. Though it is traditional in its weave, the design around the pallu features a contemporary scene of a steam engine train with European passengers wearing typical hats and costumes.

Eclectic cuisine

Madhumita Pyne

Chef and culinary revivalist Madhumita Pyne has been serving Thakurbari cuisine across the city. As a family, the ‘Thakurs' (anglicised to ‘Tagore by the British) were travellers and gastronomes who would source recipes from Europe, Asia and from across India. Tagore also began the monthly tradition of a Khamkheyali Sabha at Jorasanko Thakur Bari, the ancestral home of the Tagore family. "This was a whimsical gathering of writers, poets, and artistes over an evening of performances. The mandate for the food was that it has to be just as whimsical. One of the popular ones is a payesh prepared from onions," she reveals.

The artistic genius

Anusree Bonnerjee in a performance of Chitrangada in 2009

The multi-faceted genius of Tagore is most evident in his literary and musical work. For Anusree Bonnerjee, city-based danseuse and honorary creative director of Shahana, Rabindra Sangeet was an introduction to the intricacies of Bengali culture and language. "In fact, the interpretation of these songs through movement in his dance dramas led to a new form, Rabindra Nritya," the danseuse reveals. This evolution emphasised lyrical movement to underline self-expression. She explains, "Tagore brought in Manipuri as the base form. Each character uses a different classical dance form influence to overlay. As a process, it became an amalgamation of forms, while developing into a distinct style."

A friend to the Mahatma

Sandhya Mehta and A handwritten letter by Mahatma Gandhi to Rabindranath Tagore on his return from England. Pics Courtesy/Mani Bhavan Sangrahalaya

Though he was older than Mahatma Gandhi - who would address him as Gurudev or the poet - Tagore shared a close bond with him. "He travelled to Bombay in 1920 when he met with Gandhiji at Mani Bhavan," shares Sandhya Mehta, researcher at the Mani Bhavan Sangrahalaya and co-author of Gandhi in Bombay. "Gandhiji even wrote in a letter to Devdas Gandhi quoting, ‘I saw a good deal of the poet in Bombay.' Remember, this was also the time they were propagating the idea of Swadesi," she adds. Those intrigued can always drop in for a peek at the letter that is displayed at the Sangrahalaya till date.

Mangsher safed korma

Ingredients

>> 1 kg mutton
>> 1 ltr milk
>> 4 large onions
>> 1 head garlic
>> 2 tsp ginger paste
>> 10-12 green chillies
>> 500 gm curd
>> 1 inch cinnamon
>> 4 cloves
>> 2 cardamom
>> 3 tbsp ghee
>> Salt to taste

Method

Marinate the meat with curd, ginger paste and salt overnight or at least for a couple of hours. Finely chop the onions. Make a paste with the garlic. Heat the ghee and add cinnamon, clove and cardamom. Once they start sputtering, add the garlic paste and cook for a minute. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent. Do not let the onions brown. Add the marinated mutton and cook till water separates. Add the slit green chillies. Cover and cook till the meat is fully cooked. In the meantime, boil and reduce the milk till it reduces to half. Once the mutton is cooked, take it off the heat, add the reduced milk and mix well. Serve with pulao or parathas.

Recipe courtesy: Madhumita Pyne

Events to catch

Pic Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons

Catch Rabindra Sangeet in its traditional form
On May 11; 6.30 pm onwards
At Ground next to BG House, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai.
Log on to @Powaibengaliwelfareassociation

A performance of Dui Bigha Jomi
On May 11, 7.30 pm onwards
At NMBA premises, Plot 25, Sector A, Vashi.
Log on to @nmba.vashi for details

Essential Tagore

>> Gitanjali
>> Ghaire Baire /The Home and The World
>> Kabuliwala
>> The Postmaster
>> Fireflies
>> Gora
>> Sonar Tari/ The Golden Boat
>> Baaghbaan/The Gardener

Available Leading bookstore and e-stores