Letters from a Luminary
Posted On
Tagore’s Handwritten Notes to Be Auctioned for Rs 5–7 Crore
A rare and historically rich collection of 35 handwritten letters by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore is set to go under the hammer at AstaGuru’s upcoming online ‘Collectors’ Choice’ auction on June 26–27. Estimated to fetch between Rs 5 to 7 crore, the letters offer a profound glimpse into the inner world of one of India’s most iconic cultural figures.
These letters, classified as a ‘National Art Treasure’ and therefore not allowed to leave the country, were penned between 1927 and 1936. Addressed to noted sociologist and musicologist Dhurjati Prasad Mukerji, a trusted confidante and intellectual companion of Tagore, they are more than mere correspondence. They document a deep personal and philosophical exchange that spans literature, culture, and education. The set also includes 14 original envelopes and is part of a private collection based in Kolkata.
Manoj Mansukhani, Chief Marketing Officer at AstaGuru Auction House, remarks, “These letters go beyond mere communication; they offer a window into Tagore’s mind during a crucial phase of artistic and philosophical exploration. They span his time at Santiniketan, Darjeeling, and even aboard his houseboat, Padma. This is not just literary material — it’s a living testimony of a changing India and Tagore’s vision for it.”
Written in Bengali, on letterheads from Visva-Bharati University, his residence Uttarayan, and Glen Eden in Darjeeling, the letters cover a wide range of topics — from poetry and culture to the development of Visva-Bharati University, which Tagore founded in 1921. Some letters delve into Tagore’s poetic works like Punascha and Shesh Saptak, discussing both his creative intentions and the critical response they received. In one revealing passage, he reflects on his poetic philosophy, writing, “The rhythm of silence is part of the poem.”
Another letter praises artist Nandalal Bose and his pivotal role in what Tagore referred to as “Nandanology” — a philosophy rooted in aesthetic appreciation and indigenous art traditions. While some of the letters have previously been featured in Bengali literary publications such as Parichay, and in books like Sangeet Chinta and Chhanda, at least four of the 35 letters remain unpublished, making this collection particularly significant for scholars and collectors alike.
In addition to the letters, the auction will also feature a rare sculptural work by Tagore. Titled The Heart, the quartzite stone piece, created in 1883, is expected to sell for Rs 55 to 70 lakh. The sculpture, believed to have been dedicated to Tagore’s beloved sister-in-law Kadambari Devi, was made during a visit to Karwar, Karnataka, when the artist was in his twenties. An inscription on the stone reads: “Having cut my heart of stone, I have engraved (the words) with my own hand. Will it (the writing) be ever effaced by the flow of tears?”
Other highlights of the auction include a striking canvas by M.F. Husain from his Mother Teresa series, estimated at Rs 2–3 crore, A. Ramachandran’s Visions of Ramdev – Ahalya in Red (Rs 1.2–1.6 crore), and a watercolour landscape by Nandalal Bose (Rs 25–35 lakh).
This extraordinary auction not only showcases Tagore’s multifaceted genius — as poet, philosopher, educator, and artist — but also celebrates the enduring legacy of Indian art and thought. Each lot is a reminder of the profound beauty that lies in creativity, reflection, and human connection across generations.
