Fascinating work of Terracotta work by Mall dynasty during the 17th century reached the extreme art form in Bengal. The most of the work is spread across Bengal but the maximum work can be found in Bishnupur of Bankura district in West Bengal. King Jagat Malla decided to shift his capital to Bishnupur and since then for over 800 years these terracotta work is uniquely built by his descendants. Stone and terracotta are mixed form of architecture in this temple.Temple Town Bishnupur
Rasmancha : Built in 1600 AD by Malla King Hambir its the oldest structure of architecture still stands today. Thanks to Archaeological Survey of India. The structure is unique in pyramidal form. During Ras festival all idols are brought here to celebrate commonly but Rasmancha does not have any major terracotta works displayed now.
Shyamrai Temple : This temple, built by the Malla Kind Raghunath Singh in AD1643, is the best example in brick of Pancharatna Tyre i.e., five Sikharas on a curved Bengal Chala roof. Its Terracotta Panels are unique and beautiful peice of art.
Radhashyam Temple : A dedicatory inscription on the frontal facade states that Mall King Chaitanya Singha built this temple of Radhashyam in AD 1758. Square on plan, this ekratna south facing laterite temple stands within a large courtyard enclosed by boundary wall. The Sikhara or the Ratna of the temple is dome shaped and slightly different from the other ekaratna temples in Bishnupur. The outer wall are fashioned with carvings in low relief which are decorated with fine stucco work. These decorative motifs include both geometric and floral patterns. Epic and puranic scenes etc. It is a living temple and images from different dilapidated temples of the locality are housed in the sanctum of this temple.
Jor Bangla Temple : Jorbangla also known Kesta Rai temple was erected by the Malla King Raghunath Singha in AD 1655 as evidenced from the inscription affixed on the front facade of the temple. The temple facing south is raised on a square platform in the form of a pair of Hut Shaped structures with sloping roofs joined together and surmounted by a charchala sikhara on the top. Both the exterior and interior walls and ceiling of the temple depict exquisite and elaborate terracotta ornamentation these terracotta panels narrate scenes from epics, krishnalila hunting scenes various and of social life. Its one of the finest terracotta works in West Bengal.
Madan Mohan Temple : This temple built by the Malla King Durjan Singh in AD 1694, is the best example in brick of this type with a single sikhara on a curved Bengal Chala Roof. Its terracotta panels are noteworthy.
Image by Sayan Biswas (copyright reserved)
