Karwar and Rabindranath

During his long life time of eighty years Rabindranath travelled many places home and abroad. In fact his foreign travels began in 1878, at the age of 17, with a trip to London via Paris. From 1878 to 1932 he travelled more than 33 countries of 5 continents. Particularly after winning Nobel Prize the world became interest about this almost unknown Bengalee as well as Indian poet. As a result, invitation after invitation started coming from different countries. Rabindranath responded to most of the invitations, went to many countries by ship and got acquainted with scholars and rulers there. He recited his poems and delivered speeches in many places including educational institutions, meetings and seminars. In this way his experience of life, philosophy and message of his poetry was conveyed directly to the people of the world.

However, apart from foreign travels Rabindranath travelled many places in India. Such a place is Karwar, a small town in the northern part of a southern Indian state of Karnataka. The life of the people of this city situated on the shores of the Arabian Sea is also quite simple. But why this city, which is almost out of public eyes, attracts tourists? A main reason is, there is a beach in this place which has been named after Rabindranath Tagore. There is wide difference between the customs and culture of the Bengalees and those of South India. In that very South India, naming the beach after a Bengalee poet is the main focus of interest. Road distance from Goa, a well-known and attractive beach, to Karwar, is not very long, only 77 kilometres.

According to history, Satyendranath Tagore, the first native ICS officer and elder brother of Rabindranath, came to this calm and quiet small town as district judge in 1882. Young Rabindranath of 21 came to visit this working place of his elder brother. This place, free from noise, attracted the poet intimately. Far away from the daily monotonous life among crowd and human-jungle, the poet composed his first opera (lyrical drama) Revenge of Nature in this calm and charming town. He has mentioned in his writings how much influence Karwar had in writings and life. He could never forget the contribution of Karwar to shape his literary career.

After the publication of His attraction towards this city and the sea and the opera the main beach of this city i.e. Karwar beach was renamed as Rabindranath Tagore Beach. This beach is still known as Rabindranath Tagore Beach. Adjacent to this beach there is a museum built in the shape of a warship. It is one of the largest warship museums in India. Apart from Rabindranath Tagore Beach, other beaches of Karwar are Devbhag Beacg and Majali

Beach.

Flowing towards this town a river called Kaali has mingled with the sea. The Kaali Bridge, which basically connects Karnataka and Goa, has been built over the river at the estuary of the sea. At the other end of this bridge there stands the Sadasibgarh Fort with its ghostly appearance. It is known from history that King Basaba Linga built this fort in 1715. Afterwards ownership of the fort changed during the reigns of different rulers. There are some other islands named Kurumgar, Maddilingar, Devgaur, Anja Dev. In Devgarh there is 5-storey light house built during the British period. Anja Dev Island was under Portuguese rule till 1961. At present the island is reserved for the Indian Navy. For this reason travelling of tourist is basically regulated.

A variety of water sports including parasailing, kayaking, snorkeling, banana boat rides are also available on this beach. Arabian, Portuguese, French and Dutch businessmen came to this region at different times for commercial purpose. The port rown of Karwar is now known for its charm of quiet and neat beaches. Not only the beach but also the train journey of Karwar fascinates the tourists. The train runs through the middle of the hill on both sides. This small town does not disappoint the tourists. Livelihood of the people of this region is mainly dependent on fishing in the sea. As such, marine fish is an easily available item in food here. The people of this region speak in Kankani and Marathi.

Karwar has rail and bus communication facilities with Bengaluru, the capital city of Karnataka. Goa Airport is the nearest airport from Karwar. Apart from this, Karwar also has direct rail links with Mumbai, Goa, Mangalore and Cochin. This beach is also the venue for a number of cultural activities including the famous Karavali Utsav which is held every year in the month of October. Also known as Tagore Festival, this socio-cultural event is an extravaganza which includes a huge collection of local cuisine, art, culture and handicrafts As a Bengalee if anybody wants to go on vacation, he can cherish an intention to visit this beautiful place containing memories of Rabindranath.

The writer is a former Commissioner of Taxes. He can be contacted at chinmayprasunbiswas@yahoo.com