Poki
Poki, also known as Jyoti Bharati, is the ancestral home of the legendary Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, the pioneer of Assamese cinema and a revered cultural icon known as "Rupkonwar." Built in 1874 by his grandfather, Hari Bilash Agarwala, it was the first "Pucca" (brick) house in Tezpur, standing as a s ymbol of prestige and progress. This house is not just a building but a sanctum of history, having hosted national leaders like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Lala Lajpat Rai during the Indian independence movement. It was on the lawns of Poki that the first bonfire of foreign goods was lit in Assam, marking a significant moment in the state's revolutionary history. Today, the house has been converted into a museum that preserves the personal belongings, manuscripts, and the creative spirit of the Agarwala family. Visitors can walk through the rooms where Jyoti Prasad composed his famous "Jyoti Sangeet" and planned his masterpiece film, Joymoti. The museum displays rare photographs, traditional musical instruments, and the printing press that played a role in the regional awakening. For any visitor to Tezpur, Poki offers a deep dive into the soul of Assamese identity, art, and the indomitable spirit of its freedom fighters. The house continues to inspire artists and historians alike.
General information
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Ideal Duration:
1 to 2 HoursPlace Type:
Heritage & MuseumEntry Fees:
General Entry: A very nominal entry fee of approximately Rs.10 to Rs.20 is charged for maintenance of the heritage site.
Photography Fee: A small additional fee may be required if you wish to take professional photos inside the museum rooms. ...General Entry: A very nominal entry fee of approximately Rs.10 to Rs.20 is charged for maintenance of the heritage site.
Photography Fee: A small additional fee may be required if you wish to take professional photos inside the museum rooms.Timing:
Regular Timings: Open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays and public holidays).
Ideal Visit Time: Visit during the morning hours (around 11:00 AM) when the museum is quiet and the light is perfect for seeing th...Regular Timings: Open from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM from Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays and public holidays).
Ideal Visit Time: Visit during the morning hours (around 11:00 AM) when the museum is quiet and the light is perfect for seeing the exhibits.Special Events:
Silpi Divas: Celebrated on January 17th (the death anniversary of Jyoti Prasad), where the house becomes a center for cultural performances and art exhibitions.
Jyoti Sangeet Competitions: Annual events held to promote the traditional music ...Silpi Divas: Celebrated on January 17th (the death anniversary of Jyoti Prasad), where the house becomes a center for cultural performances and art exhibitions.
Jyoti Sangeet Competitions: Annual events held to promote the traditional music composed by the Rupkonwar among the youth.Best Photo Spots:
The Entrance Facade: The grand brick entrance with the "Jyoti Bharati" signage is the most iconic spot for a commemorative photo.
The Courtyard: The stone-paved central courtyard offers a beautiful perspective of the building's historical an...The Entrance Facade: The grand brick entrance with the "Jyoti Bharati" signage is the most iconic spot for a commemorative photo.
The Courtyard: The stone-paved central courtyard offers a beautiful perspective of the building's historical and architectural depth.Photo Gallery
Things To Do
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Museum Tour: Explore the well-curated exhibits showcasing the life and times of the Agarwala family and their contribution to Assam.
Photography: Capture the classic colonial-era architecture and the nostalgic interiors that transport you back to the early 20th century.
Music Appreciation: Listen to recordings of "Jyoti Sangeet" that are often played in the museum, providing a rhythmic backdrop to your visit.
Educational Walk: Read the detailed placards that explain the significance of the house in India's struggle for independence.
Architectural Study: Observe the unique brickwork and the fusion of Marwari and Assamese design elements in the building's facade.
Garden Relaxation: Spend some time ...
Information
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Why Famous:
Cultural Birthplace: Famous for being the residence of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, where the foundations of modern Assamese music, literature, and cinema were laid.
Historical Meeting Point: Renowned for hosting Mahatma Gandhi during his visits t...Cultural Birthplace: Famous for being the residence of Jyoti Prasad Agarwala, where the foundations of modern Assamese music, literature, and cinema were laid.
Historical Meeting Point: Renowned for hosting Mahatma Gandhi during his visits to Tezpur in 1921 and 1934. -
Architecture:
A Fusion of Styles: Poki features a unique architectural blend of Rajasthani and Ahom styles, reflecting the family's journey from Marwar to Assam. The building is a two-storey structure with thick brick walls, high ceilings, and an extensive use of wood.A Fusion of Styles: Poki features a unique architectural blend of Rajasthani and Ahom styles, reflecting the family's journey from Marwar to Assam. The building is a two-storey structure with thick brick walls, high ceilings, and an extensive use of wood.
Dimensions and Features: The central courtyard measures approximately 50x20 feet, paved with flat stones that have witnessed historic meetings. The house is designed with deep verandahs (arcades) to keep the interiors cool in the humid climate of the Brahmaputra valley. The ornate wooden doors and windows showcase intricate floral patterns, while the traditional sloping roof ensures efficient drainage during the heavy Assamese monsoons. -
How To Reach:
By Air: Only 9 KMs from Tezpur Airport, making it a quick 20-minute drive for air travelers.
By Train: Just 3 KMs from Tezpur Railway Station, easily reachable by local rickshaw or taxi.
By Road: Located in ... -
Near Tourist Places:
Mahabhairab Temple (0. 5 KMs), Cole Park (1. 5 KMs), Agnigarh (2. 5 KMs), Padum Pukhuri (1. 2 KMs), District Museum (1 KM), Ganesh Ghat (2 KMs), Ketakeshwar Dewal (2 KMs), Hazara Pukhuri (2. 5 KMs), Bamuni Hills (3. 5 KMs), Bhairabi Temple (4 KMs).
Tourism Tips
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Health and Safety: The museum is well-maintained, but be mindful of the old wooden stairs which can be steep for elderly visitors.
Packing Tips: Carry a small notepad to jot down interesting historical facts and a camera for heritage photogr...
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