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.

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:

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.

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.

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.

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.

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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