Heritage of Bengal
BISHNUPUR
Bishnupur was the capital of Mallabhumi Kingdom, one of the most important Hindu dynasties in Bengal. Founded 8th century and lasted till 19th century, Mallabhumi Kingdom had an astounding growth and it reached to the Pinnacle of Glory. During this tenure of more than1000 years, the kings of Mallabhumi had developed Bishnupur in all respect of art and culture to a great extent. The Bengal’s famous Terracotta Art flourished during this period. The Terracotta Art spread all over India. Today, there are more than dozen temples and various constructions in Bishnupur whose walls are abundantly decorated with exquisite Terracotta Art. The viewers will be absolutely mesmerized with its beauty and grandeur of this form of art.
DAMADAL KAMAN
The Dalmadal Kaman (or canon) was constructed in 16th century AD. During this time, the king Dharimalla and Birhambi reigned the kingdom. Bishnupur became famous in Indian political history. When in1742 Maratha Sardar Bhaskar Pundit attacked Bishnupur this canon was used to drive him away. This canon is 12 feet long and has 1foot diameter at the mouth.
RASHMANCHA.
Maharaja Birhambi was most popular and powerful king of Mallabhumi. He established this Rashmancha in the year1567 AD in Bishnupur. This pyramid like structure will not be seen any where in Bengal. There is no idle of God placed in this mancha. But it is said during Rash Mela, this mancha was decoded very elaborately and the festivities of Rashlila were celebrated with great fan and fare. Today this edifice stands high to declare its epitome art and culture of Bishnupur of yesteryears.
JORA MANDIR.
Mallaraj Raghunath Singha established this temple in 1655 AD. In this Jora Mandir two temples are attached together having one roof with a peak on the top of it. Entire the wall of this temple is elaborately adorned with intricate Terracotta Art of Bengal which enthralls viewers from not only India but also aboard. These Terracotta Arts are mostly based on scenes Ramayana-Mahabharata, Kishnalila or hunter killing his prey.
RADHASYAM TEMPLE.
Mallaraj Chayeetanya Singha established this temple in 1758 AD. During this period within Bishnupur, it was happy time. But outside Bishnupur, it was bad phase. British Raj was at its full swing and its ills were visible every where. Bengal was reeling under financial crisis. Inspite of financial crisis, he established this temple in order keep the tradition of establishing temples in his family.
SHYAMRAY TEMPLE.
Decorated fully with Terracotta Art, this temple was established by Mallaraj Raghunath Singha in 1643 AD. This temple has five special peaks. The walls of this temple is generously ornamented Terracotta Art from Bengal. The art depicts the incidents from Ramayana-Mahabharata, Krishna Lila etc.
TERRACOTTA ART
Terracotta (or burnt clay) Art is the earliest form of art which also flourished in Bengal. Instances of this art are abundantly displayed on the walls of temples of Bishnupur. In this form of art clay are used to make the models and then are burnt for hardening and durability. This art was practiced in Bengals Bishnupur and Bankura district from of pre-medieval to medieval period and even persisted on the walls Hindu temples and monuments till the middle of 19th century. The art mostly depicts the incidents of Ramayana-Mahabharata, Krishna Lila, idols of Gods, hunter killing his prey etc. In Bankura district the model of Horse is most famous. Even Terracotta ornaments are also very popular among the women.
Terracotta Art is not only found in Bengal. These forms of arts are visible practically in every state of India. In Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh clay models of elephant, serpent, bird, and horses are found. In Orissa and temples of South India, exquisite Terracotta curvings of on the walls of temples are noticed. Even the terracotta idols are found in various historical locations.
MRINMOYEE TEMPLE
Oldest temple is the in temple in Bishnupur. This temple was established in the year of 997 AD under the order of Maharani Jagatmalla Devi. When this old temple was established, there was no existence of Bishnupur. The temple was situated inside a jungle. Later Bishnupur raj darbar was constructed behind this temple. It is a Durga Temple and during Durga puja, puja is being performed for 15days.
RADHALALJIU
This Radha-Krishna temple, inside raj darbar, was established 100years back. Besides regular puja, the Hindu festival Rashlila, Holi, Rathyatra are very auspiciously celebrated in the temple.
Besides the historical places described here, there are many other places in Bishnupur which tourists find very interesting. I have described here the most important ones which have maximum tourist attraction.
Bishnupur is around 200Km from Kolkata. To reach, one can taxi from Kolkata. There are very convenient Bus services available from Kolkata. One can take express trains also to Bankura and from there take cab to reach Bishnupur, which is very close.
Enjoy the history of Bishnupur. Enjoy the history of Bengal.
ABHIJIT GHOSH
Very nicely covered. Good post Abhijeet