• Dr. Anjali Mondal

Bishnupur, a town in the Bankura district of West Bengal, India, is renowned for its terracotta temples that date back to the 17th and 18th centuries. These temples, built by the Malla kings who followed the Gaudiya Vaishnava faith, are remarkable for their intricate and artistic patterns, composed of burnt bricks and terracotta, and embellished with sculptures and reliefs. The sculptures show various subjects, including Hindu deities, mythological settings, and everyday life. The temples also reflect the influence of various architectural styles, such as Bengali, Oriya, Islamic, and European. The terracotta temples of Bishnupur are not only monuments of historical and cultural significance, but also living spaces of worship and devotion, where the local community and visitors participate in various rituals and festivals. This article aims to explore the diversity and dynamism of the terracotta temples of Bishnupur, and how they continue to shape and be shaped by the social and religious practices of the people.

Bishnupur, terracotta temples, Gaudiya Vaishnavism, Malla kings, architecture, culture.

"Beyond Clay: The Living Legacy of Bishnupur’s Terracotta Temples", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 12, page no.h498-h505, December-2023, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2312762.pdf

"Beyond Clay: The Living Legacy of Bishnupur’s Terracotta Temples", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.10, Issue 12, page no. pph498-h505, December-2023, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2312762.pdf