The art of terracotta dates back to the Indus Valley civilization, flourishing around 4,500 years ago when Indians mastered this intricate craft. Interestingly, it is primarily in Bengal and a few areas in Jharkhand where this art form was utilized to adorn temples, mosques, and other places of worship. In Bengal, artisans chose terracotta tiles mainly due to the unavailability of stone and the ease with which terracotta could be handled. While the finest terracotta temples in Bengal are located in the Bankura, Hooghly, and Burdwan districts, Birbhum also boasts some excellent examples, espec ..read more

Jora Shiva Temple – Supur In West Bengal, the prevalence of stone for construction is notably limited, except for certain areas extending from the Chhota Nagpur Plateau. This dearth of stone has steered builders towards alternative materials, predominantly brick, and has fostered the ascendancy of terracotta as the primary architectural style in the region. The term “terracotta” originates from the Italian words “terra,” meaning earth, and “cotta,” signifying cooked or baked. Therefore, “terracotta” directly translates to “cooked earth.” Jora Shiva Temple – Supur Terracotta in Bengal has its r ..read more

Mausoleum Complex of Khwaja Anwar, also known as Nawab Bari, Bardhaman Bardhaman (Burdwan) Town in West Bengal has its fair share of history and monuments to explore, but the historical site that stands out among the rest is the magnificent Mausoleum Complex of Khwaja Anwar. More popularly known as Nawab Bari, it is located in the southern part of Bardhaman, on Khaja Anwar Road. Hawa Mahal in front of Khwaja Anwar’s tomb – Nawab Bari – Bardhaman During the closing years of the 17th century, when the ruinous wars on the Deccan front had seized the imperial attention entirely, vast swathes of th ..read more

Radha Damodara Temple of Choto Taraf – Hadal-Narayanpur Having visited Baro Taraf and Mejo Taraf in the village of Hadal-Narayanpur, it was time to explore the portion of the Mandal family estate that was passed down to the youngest brother, when their Indigo business fell into decline in the 1850s. Finding Choto Taraf is not difficult at all. The entrance to the mansion on Dhagaroa Hadal Narayanpur road has been freshly painted in bright hues of red and yellow, the entrance flanked by two lion statues. I have to confess this did fill me with some fear. My prior research on the temple within ..read more

Battle of Ramayana, the centerpiece of Radha Damodar Temple – Mejo Taraf – Hadal-Narayanpur Nestled within the Bankura District of West Bengal, amid a tapestry of nondescript villages, lies the twin village of Hadal-Narayanpur, distinguished by the grandeur of its terracotta temples and mansions. Despite its proximity — just 60km from Bankura and a mere 38km from Bishnupur — it remains a hidden treasure, largely overlooked by mainstream tourism. Yet, for connoisseurs of undiscovered architectural wonders, this unassuming Bengal hamlet holds the promise of an unforgettable day of exploring ..read more

Radha Damodar Temple of Baro Taraf – Hadal-Naryanpur In the Bankura District of West Bengal, amidst the plethora of nondescript villages, the twin village of Hadal-Naryanpur stands out for its rich history and the presence of magnificent terracotta temples. Despite its proximity, merely 60km from Bankura and 38km from Bishnupur, it remains a hidden gem, overlooked by mainstream tourism. Yet, for aficionados of undiscovered terracotta marvels, this unassuming Bengal village promises an unforgettable journey. Radha Damodar Temple of Baro Taraf – Hadal-Naryanpur Situated along the banks of the Bo ..read more

Located 1km south-east of the center of Sonamukhi in the Bankura district of West Bengal is a small cluster of temples worthy of exploring alongside Sridhar and Chandra Shiv Temples in the town. There are three temples in a locality known as Cinematal Bazarpara, centered around a small patch of open ground which seems to be now focused on the production of modern clay bricks. The most interesting of these is the Giri Govardhana Temple, with its architectural symbolism paying homage to Govardhan Hill, a sacred Hindu site in the Mathura district of Uttar Pradesh, associated with Lord Krishna ..read more

Sridhar Temple – Sonamukhi Sonamukhi, located within the Bankura district and a mere 35 kilometers away from Bishnupur, stands as a sanctuary for some of Bengal’s most splendid terracotta temples. Revered by many as surpassing even the renowned structures of the neighboring temple town, Sonamukhi’s architectural marvels, although later in date, are some of the most impressive examples to be seen anywhere in the state. Triple-arched western entrance to Sridhar temple – Sonamukhi The name Sonamukhi finds its origins in the veneration of the local deity Swarnamukhi Devi, where “Swarna” signifies ..read more

Ghaziuddin Khan’s Tomb – Delhi Madrasa Ghaziuddin Khan, situated adjacent to the Ajmeri Gate in Old Delhi, India, holds a significant place in the city’s historical and educational landscape. Established around the 18th century by Ghaziuddin Khan I, a prominent noble of the Mughal Empire, this complex served as a hub of Islamic learning during its early years. Over time, the madrasa underwent several transformations, eventually accommodating colonial-era educational institutions such as Delhi College and the Anglo-Arabic School. Today, the premises house Zakir Husain Delhi College, thereby mai ..read more

Moth ki Masjid – Delhi Moth ki Masjid is a Lodi-era mosque located south of the residential colony of South Extension II, in the village of Masjid Moth. Translating to “Lentil Mosque”, it was built between 1505 and 1510 CE by Miyan Bhoiya, a prime minister (Wazir) under Sultan Sikander Lodi. The rear of Moth ki Masjid, facing the main road Legend has it that the mosque was built from the proceeds of the plentiful harvests reaped from a single lentil that Sinkander Lodi had found at the Friday mosque and presented to Miyan Bhoiya in jest. Miyan Bhoiya sowed the lentil and vowed to devote its pr ..read more