Hara Kumar Tagore

Hara Kumar Tagore (1798–1858) was a Bengali landowner, Sanskrit scholar, writer, and patron of classical music from Calcutta. He belonged to the Pathuriaghata branch of the Tagore family.

Biography

Born in 1798, Hara Kumar was the eldest son of Gopi Mohan Tagore. Following his father's death, he assumed leadership of the Pathuriaghata estate, managing extensive landholdings and family properties in nineteenth-century Calcutta. He assisted Radhakanta Deb (1783–1867) in compiling the Sanskrit encyclopedia Sabdakalpadrum. thumb Young Hara Kumar Tagore and his brother Prasanna Kumar Tagore, ca. late 18th–early 19th century.

His written works primarily served as manuals for orthodox and esoteric Hindu practices. His compositions include Haratattva-didhiti (published posthumously in 1881), Purashcharana-bodhini (1895), and Shila-chakrarthabodhini, a treatise detailing various sacred stones (shilas) worshipped as symbols of Narayana. He also authored procedural manuals regarding Tantric rites and Kali worship. In addition to his literary work, he was trained in Hindustani classical music and composed musical pieces.

Literary Works

Haratattva-didhiti (1881) Purashcharana-bodhini (1895) Shila-chakrarthabodhini

Legacy and Contributions

In memory of their father, Hara Kumar and his brother Prasanna Kumar constructed the Shyamnagar Mulajore Kali Bari along the Hooghly River.

A public square in Kolkata, Hara Kumar Tagore Square, was named in his honor.

Family tree