RABINDRASANGEET

The Department started in the year 1979 under the Headship of Prof. Suchitra Mitra (Padmasree and present Sheriff of Calcutta) with 5 teachers and a two-year postgraduate course only. Three-year degree Honours, two-year special honours and two-year Pre Degree courses were introduced later. At present, the department consists of 11 full time and 4 part-time teachers and 600 students approximately.

The syllabi of post-graduate and undergraduate level courses in Rabindra Sangeet have been prepared with special emphasis on practical learning of Rabinda Sangeet. The learning of Indian classical music which has enriched Rabindra Sangeet, is also emphasized. Poet’s life, his lyrical compositions, Geetinatyas, Nrityanatyas, thematic classification of Tagore’s songs, Tagore’s idea and ideology of music, a short history of Indian music, the swadeshi movements that inspired and influenced the poet’s patriotic songs etc. are subject which are covered in the theoretical papers. The courses are oriented to train the students in the use of notations and to teach them to learn and identify swaras and shrutis as these are distinctive features of Tagore’s compositions. Regular discourses and seminars are organised by the department to help students to learn and render Rabindra Sangeet in its true spirit.