I greatly admire the works of K.P. Krishnakumar (1958 – 26 December 1989). When planning my visit to Shantiniketan, I made it a priority to see the site where Krishnakumar’s sculpture of Rabindranath Tagore is installed. However, I received misleading information from a friend, stating that the sculpture was in Sriniketan. Despite visiting Sriniketan and inquiring with locals, I found no trace of the sculpture. Fortunately, my toto driver then guided me to Amar Kutir, a cooperative society for arts and crafts with a historical background tied it to the independence movement.
Amar Kutir, once a refuge for independence activists, transformed into a hub for arts and crafts on the banks of the Kopai River. Established in 1927 after Sushen Mukherjee’s meeting with Gandhi, the place holds cultural significance. Sushen Mukherjee, the founder of Amar Kutir was born late in the eighteenth century.
Interestingly, my toto driver took an unconventional route through a red-soiled rough road within a jungle of plantations, despite a shorter approach road to the main one. To my surprise, this detour led me to the Amar Kutir, where Krishnakumar’s sculpture of Rabindranath Tagore stood tall. This artistic tribute beautifully captures the timeless legacy of Kaviguru Rabindranath Tagore, symbolizing the profound impact of Tagore’s philosophy on our cultural fabric.
I stand in silence, observing the sculpture from every angle. It’s mesmerizing and commanding, exuding the vibes of the towering painter-poet and the sculptor’s mastery of both inner and outer skills.
After sometimes , I stroll through the sales counter of Amar Kutir, where a variety of handmade and handwoven items are on display.I eagerly searched for a leather handbag but couldn’t find any suitable ones. From a design perspective, all handmade items looked old-fashioned. I believe contemporary designer interventions are needed.
I also explore a small museum and a Batik studio within the campus . In the studio, three elderly women are diligently drawing design motifs on white cloth pieces using thick brushes and hot liquid wax. As lunchtime is coming to an end, we need to head back. My toto driver is also quite hungry. In a rush, I hop into the vehicle and left the place.
