Bishnupur was the capital of Mallabhumi Kingdom, one of the most important Hindu dynasties in Bengal. Founded 8^th century and lasted till 19^th 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 16^th 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 19^th 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

Bengali New Years Day. (The Year is 1416)

Bengali New Years Day is commonly known as Poila Boishak. It is the first day of the Baishak month. It generally falls on the 14^th or 15^th of April. Like other parts of India, this is also the harvesting month in Bengal. During this time, the rice fields are being harvested (Boro Dhan) and the villagers store rice in their respective homes. This brings smiles all over.

Every home, not only the villages of Bengal, even in urban areas lit up with lots of fun and frolics during this time. There are general celebrations and happiness all around in Bengal.

On Poila Boishak, the traditional Bengali New Years Day, Bengalies are dressed in their best attire. They assemble at the temples to perform puja and seek blessings from the God for their prosperity and happiness. And for businessmen a new Khata (New accounts book) for the current year is being opened which is considered to be auspicious.

Bengalies wish SHUBHO NABABARSHO (Happy New Year) to their relatives and friends.

Traditionally, during this time, the singing, dancing, and festivities are at its best at all Bengali homes. Celebrations are at its peak.

Bengalies assemble at one point and sing the popular Rabindra sageet to well come the New Year ……
Esho he boishakh esho esho,
Taposho niswasho baye; Mumursure dao uraye,
Batsarer aborjona dur hoye jak
Jak puratana smriti; Jak bhue jawa giti;  
Asru baspo sudure milak
Esho he boishak esho esho

Bengalies are very much fond of foods. On any festivities, they just cannot do away with food extravaganza. Poila Boishak is associated with lots, lots and lots of food. Bengalies humorously call it “Bangalir Bhuri Bhoj”(which means Bengalie food for stomach full) . It always calls for much delicious food stuff from Bengal which comprises of Radhaballabhi, cholardal, traditional fish or meat preparations etc. The Bengali sweets such as sandesh, kalakand and most popular of them the illustrious ROSSOGOLLA are essential ingredients of Bengali cuisine during this festival of Bengali New Year. 

Some mouth watering Bengali recipe’ on the occasion of Bengali New Years Day

Sorshe Chingri (Prawn Speciality)
Ingredients
3 cups large prawns, Shelled, De-veined, Cleaned
6 dry red chilies
1/2 tsp turmeric powder
3 tsp cumin seeds
1large pod garlic
1tbsp mustard seeds
3 large onions
1tsp Chili powder

Oil accordingly
Salt as per taste
Garnish with chopped Coriander

Cooking Method:

Grind together the chillies, cumin seeds, garlic, mustard seeds and onions. To this ground paste add turmeric powder and mix. Smear the ground paste on prawns. Heat oil in a pan and add the prawn mix then fry, and add water and bring to boil.

Puli Pithe (Sweet Dish)

Ingredients:
Rice Powder – 500 Gms
Grated Coconut – 500 gm
Jaggery – 500 gm
Milk – 2-litre
Sugar – 500 gm
Warm Water – 100 gm.

Cooking Method:

Make smooth dough of rice powder and warm water. Heat a pan, add jaggery and after melting it add coconut grated. Mix them properly as they make dough like mixture. Boil the milk until it turns half and add sugar in it.

Make small balls with rice dough and stuff the coconut mixtures in it and cover it carefully, which called Pulies. Now add the all pulies in the boiled and hot milk and cover it to cook for 15 minutes.

My dear friends I wish you all SUBHO NABABARSHO to all of you and be happy always.   

ABHIJIT GHOSH

About Me……..

I am an Electrical Engineer. I am working in a MNC. I have 25 years experience in various Steel Plants projects. I have opportunity to commission steel melting furnaces.

We are a small family, staying Kolkata. Me, my wife, and my son. My son is now studying engineering. He is now in second year studying Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering.

My hobbies are reading books, cooking good foods and of course writing blogs. I sincerely hope that you will like my blogs as I am going to start shortly.

There is nothing much I can write about me. Besides being simple man, I have faith in God. It is that, we have to perform our duties in life sincerely and leave it to God to bestow us His blessings.

ABHIJIT GHOSH