jump to the content

Temples at Bishnupur, West Bengal

Property names are listed in the language in which they have been submitted by the State Party.

India (Asia and the Pacific)

Date of Submission: 03/07/1998
Criteria:
Category: Cultural
Submission prepared by:
Archaeological Survey of India
Coordinates:
23°45'N, 87°19'E
Ref.: 1087

Description

Built in bricks and also in laterite, the temples at Bishnupur are mostly of Eka-Ratna type with a single tower upon a sloping roof and a square cell (Garbhagriha) flanked by a porch on each side with three multicusped arches (i.e. Lalji, Kalachand, Radhashyam, Jormandir and Nandalal). Besides these there are a few with multiple towers of Pancha Ratna types (Shyam Rai of A.D. 1643). The Jor Bangle temple (A.D.1655) bears a distinctive character with two Dochala structures joined together by a Charchala Sikhara at the top. The Rasmancha (A.D.1600) represents a singular architectural style with a pyramidal roof standing on a spacious laterite plinth. The sanctum is enclosed by three successive circomambulatory galleries.