Forgotten Terracotta Temples, Joypur, West Bengal
Joypur, 18 km from Bishnupur has two reasonably well maintained terracotta temples. The drive through Joypur forest reserve was refreshing and we planned to search out the temples in the interiors of village of Joypur. We had to halt at several place to ask for directions. Finally we did manage to locate the temples.
Before I present them to you here are two unnamed, forgotten terracotta temples from Joypur West Bengal. The dilapidated condition of the temples crushed my heart! These temples belonged to rich zamindars (landlords) many many decades back. As the landlords lost business and fell into bad times, taking care of these temples proved a costly affair to them and hence neglected.
Look at the door, made from tin sheets, the path too looked unused for long with shrubs and dry leaves all around.
Joypur temples
Joypur terracotta temples
The pujari who conducts pujas in these temples have to a Brahmin by caste and they have to be offered rice, vegetables and clothes on monthly basis, this is besides the daily stuff required for puja, I was told. With not much resources left for their own families and as the families grew bigger, none took responsibility to maintain these daily affairs.
Unnamed Forgotten Terracotta Temples Joypur
This work on the walls there reminded me of what we see as graffiti these days in cities.
Joypur terracotta figures
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What beautiful and unique buildings.
Good one again
thanks for highlighting. such places offer an easy place for robbers to take precious old heritage statues and sell it on black market for millions.
hopefully ASI wakes up soon.
Our own Bengal is blessed with abundance of artistic heritage, its a shame we don't care for them. Nice images.
Heartbreaking indeed to see these beautiful reminders of our rich architectural and cultural heritage at rotting away with the ASI oblivious to their existence even.
Irony is that ASI fails to see beyond the Red Forts and Old Forts and the Qutub Minars. But then us citizens …hardly any regard for preservation, we are more to blame.
Beautiful temples and photos, Indrani!
I wish you all the best in 2014, a Happy Healthy New Year!
Presented some piece of history..good luck!
Awesome Capture!!!
Nice photographs..Its a pity that these temples are never taken enough care of by the ASI..no restoration..nothing..
Rather sad to see the state these temples are in now…. 😐
I never knew of this place, interesting it is. I will visit next time I'm there.
Bishnupur hmm! Been there..loads of heritage implanted in there 🙂
Nice clean captures. Cheers!
Awesome find and pics.
Happy New Year, Indrani. Glad to have found you this year – to enjoy your posts and learn a think or two about photography.
Lovely post this. 🙂
These are beautiful pics and a good to read account. I wish you a very Happy New Year. 😀 May we all stay healthy and wise. 🙂
Very Nice discovery Indrani. Nice pictures and a very good journey to the past
Great as usually . Wish you a Happy New Year!
What a great place ! But with all the treasures in India it is hard to maintain them all. Wishing you luck and happiness for the New Year!
How sad that these temples are not being looked after. They are beautiful !
oh what a sad state. what would it take for the gov't or say NGO to take over the care of these temples?
happy new year. thanks for all the wonderful photos and travel stories you shared this year.
The subcontinent is a treasure box of human history!
Alpha♥
It's a shame these temples have been abandoned and neglected, but I'm glad you were able to photograph them before they deteriorated even more.
Teracotta temples? Nice. Wish they were maintained well. Even a few temples of a few great kings in Tamil Nadu are in a dilapidated state.
Very beautiful. In some ways the aging state is appealing to me.
Wonderful, amazing old buildings and it is sad to see them in this condition, but not really surprising these days. Great captures as always, Indrani!! Have a great New Year!
Sylvia
Such intricate and lovely old buildings.
i can imagine they are difficult to keep intact with weathering and age and overgrowth.
I feel the same way about the condition of so many haveli in India…so sad to see them in such a state.
Beautiful structures.
Wow looks splendid…mystical…the in built stone sculpture is so good!
Great shots.:-)
Excellent photos Indrani
I wish you a happy new year.
Greetings, Joop
thanks for all the lovely comments over the past year.
Nice pics…I wish they are maintained well now.
Thanks a lot for sharing, Beautiful pics.
Charming and beautiful. A pity they are uncared for !