In the east part of India, lies a state called West Bengal (quite ironic isn’t it!!) and in the northern part of the state lies a quaint town called Bishnupur, which is regarded as the nurturing ground of terracotta artwork. It is world famous for its terracotta temples and the balucheri sarees.
For almost a thousand years it was the capital of the Malla kings of Mallabhum, of which Bankura was a part. The patronage of Malla king Veer Hambir and his successors made Bishnupur 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.
Today, Bishnupur is a charming town with well preserved archaeological monuments, a thriving terracotta art work & handicrafts scene and most of all, friendly locals. The whole town is an amalgamation of new and old, with the heritage structures standing beautifully alongside the modern constructions. going through the town one feels like being in an open air exhibition of terracotta architecture and culture.
Though it is not much known among Indians, lot of foreign research scholars and tourists frequent this town for the beautifully preserved terracotta heritage and unique arts & crafts.
For me, Bishnupur is more than a tourist destination, I have been to this place many a times since childhood and always more than a traveler, as it’s my grandfather’s (my mum’s uncle’s) native place. Each time, I have marveled at the beautiful terracotta monuments and also discovered some new monument each time!!…..It is an un-ending treasure-box of terracotta architecture for me!! But it pains my heart to see some of the neglected temples of Bishnupur.
Also, the shopaholic in me just loves to shop for terracotta art work and also Bishnupuri saris, which are made in this town and are a unique brand in themselves.
The Bishupuri saris are renowned in Bengalis for their handicraft; the scenes of epics Ramayana and Mahabharata are crafted in the saris in the terracotta art form and are a quite a visual treat to the eyes!!
And thanks to my many visits there, I have quite a collection of them ( I guess in every primary color except red!!)
If anyone ever visits West Bengal for a longer duration, a trip to this place is recommended by me….you will find this to be a terracotta dream come true!!!
Note: For more info on Bishnupur and Balucheri Saris click here & here
Mamar-baari is always special, it always has been to us, no? 😉
Fantastic post!
Never heard of Terracotta buildings. Bengal sure is full of surprises and still an undiscovered destination. Would love to see it one day. Thanks for sharing ��
Seems like a must visit place. And thx for the appreciation of my posts. Have a nice day!
Bisnupur is that Bengal..that even Bengalis often do not know..lovely post!
This place is in my wish list . Last time around when i was in west Bengal was not aware of these temples . Anyways should catch up in my next trip .
Bishnupur is on my bucket list and hopefully 2012 will see me visiting this beautiful place.
Thanks for the wonderful write-up and photographs.
Nice 🙂
It looks like a place that I will love visiting 🙂 🙂
the temple is just amazing!!!
Oh wow! These are some wonderful pictures.
I LOVE these pictures! It looks like a beautiful place.
Nice to visit your blog after a long time and its total refreshing. As always you have presented very beautifully with gorgeous pictures. Excellent post.
You are welcome in my blogs.
the pictures are soo pretty, I would love to visit there. the archetect is so breath taking… wow <3
This place looks stunning!
Love the pictures too 🙂
and… would love to see the things you bought! may be .. in an outfit post? 😉
Amazing pics.. I wonder if Bishnupur is really as beautiful as it looks in the photos. I have never travelled the eastern side but will surely add this place on my 'yet to' list. Loved this post!
so beautiful… i am adding it to the list of places I want to visit.. and this one with mom probably.. coz she goes gaga over beautiful sarees! :):) put more pictures of u!! 🙂
wow good one ya
so serene and beautiful.
thanks for sharing these.
Beautiful shots of the temple. The details are amazing.
Nice to be back in your blog after a long time…and I must say here terracotta work and your Photography, both are at its best here. Fabulous captures which will attract any art and terracotta lover to the place easily.
Great place with beautiful photos. Thanks for sharing the info about this terracota town!
An un-ending treasure-box of brilliant architecture, You said it just perfect! This is beautiful… Feel like going there right now!
I will remember it! Looks like a beautiful destination. Great shots!
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Impressive monuments full of culture and history and gorgeous pictures. I follow this blog!
loved the palce. Will make it a point to go there this year itself. 🙂
Wow! I love the images! I totally crave travelling towards the east!
Ah stunning!!! I need to make a point to go here next time I go home. Really pretty and gorgeous pictures 🙂
what lovely pictures babe … have always wanted to go but could not make it.. perhaps you could do an outfit post with terracota jewellery..