Terracotta Temples of Ilambazar, West Bengal
Terracotta Temples are scattered in plenty in Ilambazar town of West Bengal. This post has pictures of two other terracotta temples of Ilambazar. Life seemed to move slowly in this village, I found no hustle bustle, no rush of vehicles; there was hardly anybody on streets, some school children on cycles giving us curious looks. I asked for direction to the terracotta temples which they happily gave, looking surprised at the same time.
About Ilambazar
Ilambazar is a small village in the Bolpur subdivision of Birbhum district in West Bengal. It was a trade centre because of its proximity to the river front. Ilambazar is located on the northern bank of Ajay River
Terracotta Temples of Ilambazar
During the 17th and 18th century when these terracotta temples were constructed, the tradition was – landlords or rich businessmen who were doing well in life constructed such temples for the locals. After all they had to show their authority in the society then.
As time passed the maintenance and care of these temples passed on to the next generations of the families. If the family continued to do well the temples were maintained well, else they crumbled like the one you saw in Hat Tala Mandir.
Terracotta temple in Ilambazar
Shiva Temple of Ilambazar
This temple is a dedicated to Lord Shiva. The family maintaining this seems to be well off, though I couldn’t meet the owners. The panels were clean, free of dust and cobwebs and the door had a proper lock. Only thing missing was the boundary. Other buildings have come up quite close. I am sure they don’t get any grant from government for the upkeep of the temples. I sincerely wish there is a government authorized body to take up the maintenance of all these scattered terracotta temples.
Facade Details
Lakshmi Temple of Ilambazar
The following three pictures are of Lakshmi temple. This too was shut for the day so couldn’t see the idols inside. On asking the locals they mentioned it being dedicated to Goddess Lakshmi. The panels have a theme. These were means of education for locals about stories of Gods and Goddesses and other mythological stories. On close observation one can get a good idea about the customs and costumes of people living then.
Lakshmi Temple of Ilambazar
From what I have read and understood about the making of these temples is: A group of craftsmen led by their master craftsman called Sutradhar take up the responsibility of construction. Their main role in society was educating locals through various media, like paintings on leaves called pattachitra, theatrical performances, various musical recitals like kirtans and bauls and these panels of terracotta on temple walls. Once the job is completed they moved on to their next destination. And as they moved on like this their art was left behind but the talent got lost.
Lakshmi Temple of Ilambazar facade
Timings and Tickets
There is no timing maintained for visit to these terracotta temples of Ilambazar. No tickets are required either to visit them. They are in the open, some with no boundary wall around them.
Location and How to Reach Ilambazar
Ilambazar is located in Birbhum district and accessible by roads. Some stretches are not so well maintained though. Distance from Bolpur to Ilambazar is 17.2 km. Distance from Asansol to Ilambazar is 80.9 km, try going via Panagarh, that way you can cross the beautiful Ilambazar bridge that goes over Ajoy River.
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Gorgeous!
magnificent! all the detailed workings
much love…
Magnificent Architecture depicted through the Lens….
Lovely post, reposting it on appliancefree.blogspot.in
Beautiful captures! 🙂
Super shots! Amazing.
Great Indrani!
Had seen some pics in the Telegraph!
But, your Post has so many with so much detail!
Wow I love the architecture of both the temples! Exquisite!
Incredibly beautiful terracotta temples. Love the amazingly intricate sculptures.
Loved reading about the temple. Such a beautiful temple, esp the panels. Thanks for sharing, Indrani!
Beautiful. The terracotta temples pf Bengal are definitely on my list to visit..someday!
Marvelous! Yet another example of the exquisite craftsmanship of our forgotten artisans.
Wow, loved the detailing work done here !! Wonderful to see such gems through your posts 🙂
Hari OM
Fabulous! I particularly like the second last shot!! YAM xx
great architecture !
Your pictures are beautiful.
Truly awesome post, Great photography.
Such grandeur…must visit this place now. Thanks Indrani for sharing…
Thanks for sharing such a wonderful temple and its fabulous artwork!
Wow – these facades are stunning!
Such intricate artwork! Beautiful pictures .
I didn't realize that so many of these temples were privately-built and owned. It's amazing that so many are still in good shape. These temples are definitely beautiful.
Lovely photo's with a good eye for details.
Greetings, Joop
Indeed these Temples look great and they add richness to our culture and Govt. as well as locals should do their best to preserve them.. 🙂
The terracotta temples are very beautiful.
Beautiful artwork.
very interesting architecture…thanks Ind
gorgeous and just full of details!
Excellent piece of writup on Terracotta Temples of Ilambazar.
I never heard about this Temple.
Amazing photographs!
The beauty of the building, the carving is fabulous, thanks Indrani.
All the pictures are gorgeous! Loved the intricate carvings!
Such detailing! Very different architecture. Never heard of terracotta temples…interesting.
Really magnificent.