Dwarkanath Tagore, born on 1794 to Rammoni Tagore and his wife Menaka Devi, was a multifaceted personality whose influence extended across literature, education, and philanthropy. Hailing from the illustrious Tagore family, he inherited a legacy of intellectualism and social responsibility.

Tagore’s educational journey commenced at Presidency College, Calcutta, where he honed his literary skills and acquired a deep appreciation for Bengali literature. His passion for education led him to establish the Jorasanko Thakur Bari School, providing quality education to children from diverse backgrounds.

In addition to his contributions to education, Tagore’s literary prowess left an indelible mark on Bengali literature. He penned several literary works, including poems, essays, and plays, which showcased his profound understanding of human emotions and societal issues.

In 1828, he became the first Indian bank director. In 1829, he founded Union Bank in Calcutta. He helped found the first Anglo-Indian managing agency industrial organizations that ran jute mills, coal mines, tea plantations, etc. as well as Carr, Tagore and Company.

Tagore’s company managed large zamindari estates spread across today’s West Bengal and Odisha states in India, and in Bangladesh, and held stakes in new enterprises that were tapping the rich coal seams of Bengal, running tug services between Calcutta and the mouth of the river Hooghly and transplanting Chinese tea crop to the plains of Upper Assam.

Carr, Tagore and Company was one of the Indian private companies engaged in the opium trade with China. Production of opium was in India and then sold in China. When the Chinese protested, the East India Company transferred the opium trade to the proxy of certain selected Indian companies, of which this was one.

However, Tagore’s philanthropic endeavours truly set him apart. In 1872, he founded the Bengal National College, a pioneering institution dedicated to promoting Indian culture and education. Tagore’s vision for the college was to nurture a new generation of enlightened individuals who would contribute to the social and intellectual progress of India.

Throughout his life, Dwarkanath Tagore remained committed to his ideals of education, literature, and social reform. His legacy continues to inspire generations of Indians to strive for excellence and contribute to the betterment of society.

In 1832 Tagore purchased the first Indian coal mine in Raniganj, which eventually became the Bengal Coal Company.

Tagore was also a passionate advocate for the improvement of transportation infrastructure in India. He was among the first promoters of railroads that were built in India. The year 1845 was when he created the Great Western Bengal Railway Company which constructed the very first railroad line through Bengal. Additionally, he invested in ship companies as well as steamboats.

Tagore’s ventures in the industrial sector were not free of obstacles. Tagore’s industrial ventures faced challenges from the East India Company, which was the sole owner of various industries in India was often hostile to his plans. There was also the opposition of some conservative members from Indian society. But, Tagore persevered, and his business ventures played an important part in the growth in the Indian economy.

The Bengal Heritage Foundation (BHF), a UK-based group of diaspora members promoting Bengali heritage and culture across the world, held a memorial meet at Kensal Green Cemetery in London on 01.08.21 which marks the 175th Death Anniversary of Prince Dwarknath Tagore. This event came across around two and half hours after heritage enthusiasts of Narayankuri village near Raniganj commemorated him on the Damodar bank beside the jetty that Carr, Tagore & Company had built for running the coal mine he had acquired.


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