Bengal temple architecture: Difference between revisions

According to [[David McCutchion|David J. McCutchion]], historically the religious architecture in Bengal may be divided into three periods: the early Hindu period (up to the end of the 12th century, or may be a little later in certain areas), the Sultanate period (14th to early 16th century), the Hindu revival period (16th to 19th century). “The coming of the Muslims at the beginning of the 13th century marked a sharp break with the past. After an initial century of anarchy and consolidation, marked by iconoclastic destruction and militant ‘sufi’ proselytiising, Hindu chiefs and Muslim overlords settled down to some sort of compromise in a common front against Delhi... Bengal, as we know it today, became an independent entity for the first time. During the following two centuries a distinctive Bengali culture took shape.”<ref name="mccutchion">McCutchion, David J., ''Late Mediaeval Temples of Bengal'', first published 1972, reprinted 2017, pages 1-14, 19-22. The Asiatic Society, Kolkata, {{ISBN| 978-93-81574-65-2}}</ref>

“Between the earlier and later Hindu periods astonishing religious changes took place in Bengal: the worship of [[Vishnu]] gave way to that of [[Radha Krishna|Radha-Krishna]], of [[Chamunda]] to that of [[Kali]]; [[Surya]] fell entirely out of favour; curious folk cults like that of [[Dharmathakur|Dharmaraja]] or Dakshina Raya arose.” There have also been changes in temple architecture. The ''rekha deul'' continues, the ''pirha'' has become rare, other old forms have disappeared. Two new styles are predominant – the hut (''chala'') style similar to the mud hut with a thatched roof and the pinnacled (''ratna'') style which is closest to Islamic traditions.<ref name="mccutchion"/><gallery>

The ''ek-bangla'' or ''do-chala'' consists of a hut with two sloping roofs, following the pattern of huts, mostly in East Bengal villages. It was first adopted in Muslim architecture, a prominent example being the Maosoleum of Fateh Khan at [[Gauda (city)|Gauda]]. Two such huts, one forming a [[porch]] in front and the other being the shrine at the back constitutes the ''jor-bangla'' – “Bengal's most distinctive contribution to temple design”.<ref name="mccutchion"/><ref name="amitguha">{{cite web | url = https://amitguha.blog/2017/11/15/terracotta-temples-of-bengal/ | title = Bengal Temple Architecture | first = Amit | last = Guha | publisher = Amit Guha | access-date = 26 August  2020 | archive-date = 2018-09-04 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20180904091003/https://amitguha.blog/2017/11/15/terracotta-temples-of-bengal/ | url-status = dead }}</ref>

File:The Tomb of Fateh Khan, Gaur, WB.jpg|''Do-chala'' tomb of Fateh Khan at [[Gauda (city)|Gauda]], Malda district – example of Muslim use of this style

File:Terracotta panels of Char Bangla group of temples of Azimganj in Murshidabad district of West Bengal. 56.jpg|Char Bangla group of temples at [[Baranagar, Murshidabad|Baranagar]] in Murshidabad district are examples of ''ek-bangla'' temples

“Ratna style temples are the composite type of architecture… The lower part of the temple has all the features of the curved cornices and a short pointed spire crowns the roof and this will be adorned with the introduction of ''ratnas'' or kiosks.”<ref>{{cite web | url = http://en.banglapedia.org/index.php?title=Temple_Architecture | title = Temple architecture| first= Nasreen| last= Akhter| publisher = Banglapedia |access-date = 26 August 2020}}</ref>

File:Haneswari and Vasudev temples3.jpg|With 13 minars [[Hangseshwari temple]] has a distinct identity, at [[Bansberia]], Hooghly district

File:Shiva temple at Puthia, Rajshahi.JPG|Flat roofed ''dalan'' with ''pancha-ratna'' superstructure in the [[Puthia Temple Complex]] at [[Puthia Upazila]], Rajshahi district, Bangladesh

The traditional ''[[Deula|rekha deul]]'' is predominant in the western districts of Bengal. Some are smooth curvilinear and others are ridged curvilinear. In the smooth type, the ''[[sikhara]]'' is free of horizontal bars and in ridged type, it is closely ridged with bars. The ''[[Ratha (architecture)|ratha]]'' projections are generally deep and spaced, and sometimes decorated. The crowning ''[[amalaka]]'' is generally large and flat. There are large and small types of deuls. Many of the very small types dispense with the complicated styling. It went on developing from the late 7th century or early 8th century to around the 12th century, increasing its complexity and height but retaining its basic features.<ref name="mccutchion"/>

The Odisha temple is considered remarkable for its plan and elevation. The base is normally square in [[Hindu temple architecture]]. The structure of the temple is marked by vertical offset projections called ''[[Ratha (architecture)|rathas]]'' (on plan) and ''pagas'' (on elevation). The main temple (the rekha deul) rests on a high platform called pista. The assembly hall is called ''[[Jaga mohan|jagamohan]]'', through which the devotees reach the main temple. The deity is placed in the ''[[garbhagriha]]'', over which the ''sikhara'' rises.<ref>{{cite web | url = https://www.slideshare.net/SumathiMariappan/unit-v-63053026 | title = Temple Architecture – Northern Indian| publisher =  SlideShare|access-date = 26 August 2020}}</ref>

File:Jatar Deul - WB.jpg|[[Jatar Deul]], South 24 Parganas, 11th century

File:Temple of Ichai Ghosh.jpg|[[Ichhai Ghosher Deul]] at [[Gourangapur]], Paschim Bardhaman district, 16-17th century

File:Main Temple of Dhakeswari.jpg|[[Dhakeswari Temple]] at [[Dhaka]] in Bangladesh

File:Sonarong Jora Moth (25).JPG|[[Sonarang Twin Temples]] at Sonarang village in Munshiganj district, Bangladesh

File:"5. Cluster Of Temples in the village of Maluti in the Dumka district of Jharkhand.jpg|72 temples at [[Maluti]], Dumka district, Jharkhand - 36 temples have been destroyed