UnboxBengal

Soulfully Yours, Unbox the Untold

A terracotta temple in Bishnupur

Photo Essay

The Terracotta Temples of Bishnupur

By Riya Sen
Visual Story
Bishnupur
Temples
Terracotta
Art & Craft

In the red-soil region of Bankura, the town of Bishnupur stands as a testament to a glorious past. The Malla kings, who ruled this area for nearly a thousand years, were great patrons of art and architecture, leaving behind a legacy of stunning terracotta temples. This photo essay explores the beauty and intricacy of these unique structures, where history is baked in clay.

Wide shot of a grand terracotta temple in Bishnupur under a clear blue sky.
The Jor-Bangla Temple, an exemplary piece of the double-hut style architecture.
Close-up of a terracotta panel depicting scenes from the Ramayana.
Every panel tells a story, with intricate details carved from baked clay.
The Rasmancha monument illuminated at night, showing its unique pyramidal structure.
The Rasmancha, a one-of-a-kind structure, was built to stage the Ras festival.
The majestic Madan Gopal Temple with its single pinnacle (ek-ratna style).
The scale and symmetry of the temples are as impressive as their details.
A terracotta plaque showing Lord Krishna with gopis.
Mythological tales, especially from the life of Krishna, are a recurring theme.
An ornate archway of a Bishnupur temple covered in terracotta art.
Even functional elements like archways are transformed into canvases.
AI Itinerary Planner

Powered by AI

Craft Your Perfect Bengal Journey
Tell us your interests, budget, and travel style, and our smart planner will generate a personalized itinerary just for you.
Start Planning
    Plan AIExperiencesEventsStories