In April 1885 (Baishakh 1292), the monthly magazine Balaka, edited by Jnanadanandini (wife of Satyendranath), was being published regulraly. She was staying in Calcutta for her children's education. Thakurbari was full of boys and girls growning up together, such as Sudhindranath, the fourth son of Dwijendranath, Balendranath, son of Birendranath, Hitendranath, son of Hemendranath and of the house no.5, Gaganendranath, Samarendranath, Abanindranath, the three brothers. Jnanadanandini knew Rabindranath was to be given the charge of managing the magazine Balaka, though she was at that time editing it. Rabindranath took the responsibility of writing many articles for the magazine. He wrote poetry, essay, letters, comics, a novel in the name of Mukut, and a big novel Rajarshi within a year.
Thakur Barir Balaka was first published in April 1885 (1292 Bangabde), edited by Jnanadanndini, with the support of Rabindranath. But it did not live long. After publishing only 11 issues it was amalgamated with 8 years old (29th July 1877) "Bharati", edited by Dwijendranath of which Swarnakumari was the then editor. For six years ( 1293-1299) the magazine was published in the name Bharati O Balaka. In 1300 Bangabda the magazine began to be published, as before, as Bharati. After amalgamation with Bharati Balaka lost its identity, but after 1300 Bangabda it vanished totally.
Parthajit Gangopadhyaya published a collection of these eleven issues, in 22 Shraban, 1415 with his own introduction.
