India Condemns Attack on Rabindranath Tagore's Heritage Site
India has vehemently denounced the vandalism of Kutcherybari, the ancestral home of Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore in Bangladesh. The incident, which involved a mob attack following a dispute over a motorcycle parking fee, has stirred outrage and demands for accountability.
What Happened at Kutcherybari?
On June 8, 2025, a clash erupted at the Rabindra Kutcherybari museum in Sirajganj district after a disagreement broke out between a visitor and museum staff regarding motorcycle parking charges. Allegedly, the visitor was confined and assaulted, fueling public anger. This quickly escalated into a protest that turned violent, with a mob storming the museum premises and causing significant damage to both the museum and the adjoining auditorium.
India’s Strong Response: Terrorism and Extremism Condemned
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India labeled the attack as "despicable" and "disgraceful," describing the perpetrators as "terrorists." MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that this violent act undermines the legacy and inclusive philosophy of Tagore, a symbol of syncretism and tolerance across South Asia.
Jaiswal further asserted that this incident reflects a growing pattern of extremist attempts in Bangladesh aimed at eroding cultural heritage and syncretic values. He urged the Bangladeshi government led by Prime Minister Mohammad Yunus to take stringent action against the perpetrators and prevent such occurrences from recurring.
Calls for Justice and Protection of Shared Heritage
While the Bangladeshi government has yet to issue an official statement, the museum has been temporarily closed, and a probe is underway. A three-member committee from the Department of Archaeology has been tasked with submitting a report within five working days. The site is currently under strict surveillance, according to museum custodian Md Habibur Rahman.
Voices of Concern From India
- Pushkar Singh Dhami, Uttarakhand Chief Minister, condemned the attack on social media as "shocking and unacceptable," accusing the Bangladeshi government of silent inaction. He called the incident a premeditated hate crime targeting the cultural heritage of India and the marginalization of Hindu Bengalis in Bangladesh.
- Mamata Banerjee, Chief Minister of West Bengal, wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging a robust diplomatic response to ensure justice. She emphasized that the attack wounds a shared cultural legacy, as Tagore’s contributions are deeply embedded in Bengali language and literature.
The Historical and Cultural Significance of Kutcherybari
Kutcherybari was originally purchased in 1840 by Dwarkanath Tagore, Rabindranath’s grandfather, for 13 rupees and 10 annas. The estate served as the administrative center of the Tagore family and later became a museum showcasing his literary and cultural legacy. Recognized as a protected archaeological site since 1969, the house features distinctive Indo-European architecture with seven main rooms, expansive corridors, and a large garden overlooking the river and surrounding greenery.
The adjacent 500-seat auditorium, often used for cultural events such as the annual Rabindra Festival, also suffered damage during the attack.
Looking Ahead
The incident highlights ongoing cultural tensions and raises concerns over the safeguarding of historical sites linked to shared cultural figures. India's demand for strict punitive measures underscores the broader need to preserve diverse cultural identities and foster cross-border respect.
