MALLABHUM

Nestled amidst the verdant landscape of West Bengal, the quaint town of Bishnupur boasts a plethora of culture and history intertwined. Adorned by its architectural marvels and steeped in art Bishnupur beckons travelers from all around to come and revel in its rich heritage as they take a walk through the winding lanes of the town.

Once the capital of the gallant and undefeated Malla rulers from Bengal, Mallabhum flourished in all angles leaving behind a tapestry of art, history, architecture, cuisine, music and religion. The hallmarks of this history can be found in the terracotta temples and monuments which lie scattered across the town to be discovered by keen tourists and travelers.

The temples of Bishnupur are a sight to behold. Pulsating with architectural fervor the temple walls have intricate carvings depicting various scenes from the Mahabharata standing as testaments of the exquisite craftsmanship of yesteryears. Every nook and corner has myriad stories to tell, be it the Rasmancha built during the 16th Century for Vaishnavite worship or the majestic Madan Mohan Temple dedicated to Lord Krishna. It is in these places that the majestic rajas held numerous rituals and the beautiful princesses played hide and seek their fine silks rustling and fluttering in the wind as they ran past. These places capture the essence with perfect virtue and it feels almost like you have stepped into a time machine. 

Take into consideration the famous Dal Madal cannon and the story which goes along with it. It says that Dal and Madal were two enormous cannons used by the Malla rulers during their wars and afterwards one was immersed in the waters for safe keepings which to this date hasn’t been found. As a result of which after every few years the other cannon is said to cry for its lost brother and water pours out of its nozzle.

But Bishnupur is not only famous for its history and architecture. It also has a rich culture of it’s music of the Bishnupur Gharana which flourished in the courts of the Malla kings and emerged as a major classical music gharana in the present world. Visitors can get the experience and indulge in the lilting music during their visit when the Bishnupur mela takes place. Bishnupur is the hub of art and its artistic roots run deep. It is the only place where you can get the Dashavatar Tash, a set of playing cards with the ten avatars of Lord Vishnu specially hand painted on them.

It also boasts of a massive and breathtaking collection of terracotta items and burnt clay pottery. You will find the world famous terracotta horses here as well as beautiful jewelry and show pieces made out of burnt clay. As the local artisans breathe life into clay with their deft hands visitors can immerse themselves in its charm in local clay workshops strewn around the town and carry its exquisite charm back as souvenirs of a magical place back home.

As the sun sets on the cool waters of Lalbandh time seems to stand still in the beautiful town of Bishnupur. As you stand and gaze at the flicker of the last sun rays painting the water a deep orange hue with glimmering edges you can hear the distant folk music of the various tribes coming to your ears. Then Bishnupur awakes to the charm of folk dances and celebratory music and everything is a must watch if you want a full experience. 

Bishnupur just hits the right spot in so many ways. If someone is looking for a rendezvous with history steeped in art and culture and wrapped with fun and frolic then Bishnupur is just the right place. You’ll surely leave with a heavy bag of terracotta for the aesthetic corner of your house but with a heavier heart as you reminisce the sweet time spent and you will want to go back every chance you get.