Mukut Ghar is a significant heritage house located within the Visva-Bharati University campus in Santiniketan, Bolpur, West Bengal. As part of the cultural and historical legacy of Santiniketan, established by Maharshi Debendranath Tagore and expanded by Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore, Mukut Ghar reflects the simplicity and community spirit of the early Santiniketan Ashram.
Mukut Ghar, meaning “Crown House” in Bengali, is one of the heritage houses built during the formative years of the Santiniketan Ashram, founded in 1863. The house was constructed to accommodate teachers, students, or guests of the Ashram, embodying Tagore’s vision of a community centered on education, equality, and cultural exchange. The name “Mukut” suggests a sense of honor or distinction, possibly indicating its role as a residence for notable individuals associated with the Ashram.
The architecture of Mukut Ghar is characterized by its modest design, featuring mud-plastered walls and a structure that blends harmoniously with Santiniketan’s natural red-soil landscape. Like other Ashram houses, it was built with functionality and simplicity in mind, aligning with the principles of the Brahmo Samaj and Tagore’s ideals of a casteless, inclusive society. Mukut Ghar stands as a testament to the Ashram’s enduring legacy and contributes to Santiniketan’s recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2023.