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Vishnupur (the distance from Kolkata is 132 kms), now the headquarters of the subdivision of the same name in Bankura district, is a seat of crafts and culture.
For almost a thousand years it was the capital of the Malla kings of Mallabhum, of which Bankura was a part, till their power waned during the times when Mughal rule weakened under the last monarchs of the dynasty.
The patronage of Malla king Veer Hambir and his successors Raja Raghunath Singha and Veer Singha made Vishnupur one of the principal centres of culture in Bengal. Most of the exquisite terracotta temples for which town is justly famous were built during this period.
Apart from the unique architecture of the period, Vishnupur is also famous for its terracotta craft and its own Baluchari sarees made of tussar silk.
Royal patronage also gave rise to Vishnupuri gharana (school) of Hindustani classical music and the Vishnupur school of painting.
History
Temples and other places of Interest Vishnupur is famous for its beautiful terracotta temples and artifacts. There are many such temples which stand testimony to the exquite craftsmanship of the artisans of the region. We take a brief look at some of them:
Temples
Rasmancha Rasmancha: Oldest brick temple. Built in the late 16th century by King Beera Hambira. The temple has an unusual elongated pyramidical tower, surrounded by hut-shaped turrets, which were very typical of Bengali roof structures of the time.
Jor Mandir Jorebangla Temple of Keshta Rai: Built by King Raghunath Singha Dev II in the 17th century. The ornate terracotta carvings are set off by the roof in the classic chala style of Bengal architecture.
Nandalal Temple
Radhamadhab Temple
Kalachand Temple
Radhagovinda Temple
Sarbamangala
Shyamray Temple Pancha Ratna Temple of Shyam Rai: Built in 1643 by King Raghunath Singha. The walls are richly decorated with terracotta carvings featuring aspects of Lord Krishna’s life.
Krishna-Valaram Temple
Mrinmayee Temple
Radhashyam Temple
Jor Bangla Temple
Radha Laljiu Temple
Madanmohan Temple Madanmohan Temple: King Durjana Singh Deva built the temple in 1694 AD in the ekaratna style, a square flat-roofed building with carved cornices, surmounted by a pinnacle. Impressive carvings on the walls depict scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas.
Malleswar
Sanreswar
Radhalaljiu
Madangopal
Chhinnamasta Temple
Other Places of Interest
Dalmadal Caman
Lalgarh
Lalbandh
Acharya Jogeshchandra Museum
Gumgarh
Pathar Darwaja (Main Gateway of Bishnupur)
Garh Darwaja (Small Gateway of Bishnupur)
Stone Chariot
Nutan Mahal
Birthplace of Shrinibas Acharya
Music
Specialities: Terracotta is the benchmark of Vishnupur. Apart from the temples, terracotta pottery, artifacts and even jewellery made in this very traditional material is famous. The potters here derive their inspiration from the glorius history of kings, soldiers and wars.
A school of music, root of the Vishnupur Gharana, was established here in 1370 A.D.
Vishnupur is also known for its silk (tussar), particularly the Baluchari Sarees. Woven on unusual punch-card looms, these sarees have episodes from the Mahabharata woven into the border and pallu.
Bellmetalware, conch-shell jewellery are also available here.
Festivals & Fairs: There is a snake festival in August and the Vishnupur fair in December.
'Communication:'
Vishnupur may be reached by both train and bus. It is linked by rail to Kolkata. There are regular bus services between Vishnupur and Kolkata as well.
You may stay at the Tourist Lodge of West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation.
For details contact: Department of Tourism,
Government of West Bengal 2, Brabourne Road Kolkata - 700 001 Phone: +91-33-2225-4565/8183/4723-25 Fax:+91-33-2225-4565 E-mail: dtwbtour@vsnl.net
Tourism Centre,
3/2 B.B.D. Bag (East) Kolkata - 700 001 Phone: +91-33-2248 8271/5168 2210-3199, 2243-7260 Fax: +91-33-2248 5168
Tourism Centre,
M-4 Building, Hill Cart Road Siliguri, Dist: Darjeeling Ph: +91-353-2511974, 2511979, Telefax: +91-353-2517561
West Bengal Tourism Office,
1, Nehru Road, Darjeeling 734101 (WB) Phone: +91-354-2254050/2254102
West Bengal Tourism Office,
State Emporia Building (1st floor) Baba Kharak Singh Marg New Delhi - 110 001 Phone: +91-11-2374 2840
West Bengal Information Bureau,
West Bengal Youth Hostel, 18, Wallajah Road, Chennai Phone: +91-44-2841 1046
West Bengal Tourism Development Corporation Ltd,
Netaji Indoor Stadium Kolkata - 700 021 Phone; +91-33-2248 7302/8256/8242/7318/9416, 2210 3194 Fax: +91-33-2248 8290 E-mail: wbtdc@cal2.vsnl.net.in
www.wbtourism.com or
www.westbengaltourism.com
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