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1/ On 28.7.2015, I inspected Hamseswari & Vasudev Temple at Bansberia. Dist. Hooghly accompanied by Sri A.Das, SI'.C.A. The two temples are in the same precinct surrounded by a moat. The Hamsesvari temple is made partly of stone and partly of brick. The stone was brought 1 from the queries near Varanasi. The architect masons also came from Varanasi. Though the temple is of the ratna type having thirteen ratnas arranged around on its five storeyes. The ratnas were conical and relieved by lotus petal design insread of the usual ridges.

TempleThe following. item of works may be taken up for protection & preservation of the Harnseswn-]

I. Railing around the fountain on verandah in front of the garbhagriha has to be done; for safety of the devotees. 2. paintings.Chemical treatment of the ceiling of the verandah has to be done to restore the 3. Lightening conductor has to be fixed/revived immediately. 4. .j 5. Colour washing has been carried out for refurbishing of the temple. 6. Structural repairing (stone work) at first floor and roof has to be carried out. Proper precaution has to be taken to check capillary action on the walls of the temple. ;j 7. Ifneeded, chemical treatment may be done. Colouring of the entire temple has to be done, specially for the lotus shaped turrets of the temple. 8. Pegion net has to be provided at selected places to check the entry and movement of the pegion. 9. Suitable C.N.B. and P.N.B. have to be fixed immediately 10. Painting of the doors, windows and M.S. grills has to be done. II. The feasibility of tiled flooring of the yard between the temple and Bhogghar may be considered for congregation of the devotees in festive times. 12. Antitermite treatment may be carried out to prevent termite attack on different wooden components as well as on the walls of the building. 13. Fencing along the bank of the moat on the eastern side of the temple may be carried out for safety and security purpose. 14. Worn out plaster at different places of the temple has to be removed and replastering may be carried out, 15. Floors in different chambers of the temple are damaged which may be repaired/renewed. 16. Shed of the Bhogghar may be extended with temporary structure. ~J:: (S. Maiti)2.lhp.,\y" Superintending Archaeologist Inspection report, of Hansesvari Temple Vasudeva temple

The centrally protected monument named Hansesvari Temple & Vasudeva temple was inspected by me along with Arnab Das, Senior Conservation Assistant on date 14/09/201~.

The monument named Hansesvari Temple & Vasudeva temple is located in Bansberia in the district of Hooghly, and is a Hindu Temple of goddess Kali. The Hanseswari temple has a distinctive architecture different from the usual pattern present in this area, consisting 13 conical minars (ratnas) each built in a shape of a blooming lotus bud. The inner structure of the building resembles human anatomy. It was started by Raja Nrisingha Deb Mahasay and later completed by his widow wife Rani Sankari. The sanctum contains a wooden image of four-handed goddess called Hanseswari.

The site was maintained well and found neat and clean. The structure was inspected and examined and found that some works are to be executed as per following.

• Some grills are to be fixed in different positions to restrict visiiors and also to secure the temple. • Glass window may be fixed in wooden frame to restrict pigeons and rain water, • The existing Bhog Ghar and associated area may be renovated and extended with temporary structures to facilitate the regular spiritual work by the priests • Painting to doors, windows, grills & dwarf wall to be done periodically. • Lightening arrester to be checked and renewed if necessary, • In the first floor and second floor it is observed that some stones are flaked and needs to be replaced, which is to be done with great care and with similar sand stone, • Floors in ground floor needs to be renewed to regulate dampness. • Some walls are to be re-plastered with lime mortar as per existing, • Lime wash to inside and outside walls are to be done. However weather coat paint may be applied to the conical minars as pel"existing shade. • Apron and pathway to be repaired and renewed where necessary • Pointing with lime sand mortar to be done in the terracotta work panel joints in Vasudeva temple. • Signage board, may be provided. (Ar,~ Superintending Archaeologist ASI, Circle, Kolkata