Architecture

Inspired by Sister Nivedita’s suggestion, the main building, constructed with fine sandstone, is copiously decorated with symbolic Hindu-Buddhist motifs from Ajanta and Ellora.

The Emblem

A sketch of the double Vajra (thunderbolt) – the emblem of Bose Institute, symbolising purity and firmness of Spirit – by Sister Nivedita 

The wooden door at the Entrance Hall

The historical door depicts two plants that Bose studied extensively, Mimosa Pudica and Desmodium gyrans, sandwiched by double Vajra motifs (top and bottom). Emperor Ashoka’s emblem, the Amalaki fruit (Phyllanthus emblica) adorn the cornices. The word mother in Sanskrit is engraved at the centre, a tribute to his motherland, his own mother and his American friend Mrs Sara Chapman Bull, who was a close friend and disciple of Swami Vivekananda and had generously contributed towards setting up Bose Institute.

Lecture Hall

Acharya J. C. Bose had delivered many lectures at the Royal Institution, London demonstrating his works on polarisation of electric rays, millimetre waves, plant autographs etc. Later, when Bose Institute was designed, a large Lecture Hall built on the lines of the Royal Institution, became an integral part of the Institute. The ceilings are adorned with frescos designed by one of the greatest pioneers of modern Indian art - Nandalal Basu and executed by Suren Kar.