Global Heritage Network Site Conservation Assessment (SCA) Date: 28/12/2010 Site Name: Jor Bangla, Bishnupur, Bankura, West Bengal Country: India GHN Site Monitor’s Name: Dr. S.S. Biswas and Goutami Bhattacharya Institution: Centre for Research in Art, Archaeology and Palaeo-Environment. Profession: Research Academic Affiliations: Indira Gandhi National Open University. Dates of visit: 22nd – 27th November 2010. World heritage Status: National Heritage. Annual Visitations and Revenues: National Tourism Income (% of total): Not Available Entrance Fee Revenue: Rs. 480835/- (Financial year 2009-10) Concession Revenues: Not Available Approximate number of visitors annually: National: 84747 (Financial year 2009-10) Foreign: 571 (Financial year 2009-10) Growth from 2000: 64% 2005: 25% Site Historical Archives: Bishnupur, the ancient Mallabhum (Lat 23° 05' N Long 87° 19' E), a sub divisional headquarters of Bankura district in West Bengal, is a celebrated temple town of West Bengal for a large number of brick built temples representing all varieties of structural forms of medieval Bengali styles of temple architecture. These temples were built by the Malla rulers from AD 695 onwards. Though many of the temples were in a state of deterioration the continuous conservation and preservation carried out by the Archaeological Survey of India has restored the lost glory and grandeur of these temples. There are at present approximately 30 temples around Bishnupur of which 20 temles have been taken u by the Archaeological Survey of India for protection. The Jor-Bangla also known as the Ksheta-Raya temple is famous for its structural configuration and exclusive terracotta sculptures. As per the evidence of the dilapidated inscriptions, the temple is said to have been erected by Raghunatha Singha in 1655 AD. The structural pattern is quite unique in itself. It resembles the union of two hut-like structures (known as Bangla style), having two sloping roofs combined to form a single architecture surmounted with a char-chala tower (having sloping roofs on four sides). The temple stands on an almost square platform facing south. The temple is exquisitely decorated with terracotta ornamentations on the façade of the porch and on the other three sides. The interior of the temple is bereft on any kind of ornamentation except a stucco figure of six-handed Sri Chaitanya placed on a high pedestal against the back wall of the inner chamber. The image is no longer worshipped. The decorations on the walls of the exterior are arranged in panels of horizontal, vertical and curved bands filled with plaques put up in rows. The main façade of the temple is decorated with panels divided by means of octagonal pilasters rising to the full height on either sides of the three arched entrances, while above the entrance also exists such pilasters, less that half the height of the others, which are used to form panels arranged in groups of four. The raised wall bands are found decorated with foliate ornaments, flowers, scroll works or lozenge-shaped ornaments shown on medallions or diamond-shaped patterns. Pilasters are partly octagonal in shape which is found richly decorated with figures of drummers and dancers. The panels depict a wide variety of subjects from the epics- Ramayana and Mahabharata, episodes of Krishna-lila, depiction of semi-divine beings like kinnaras (half-human and half-animal) and gandharvas (celestial beings), and panels depicting secular scenes like hunting, scenes from social life etc. The panels vibrate with the widest extravagance showing movements and actions in a dynamic way. For the richness of ornamental decoration and the finest quality of workmanship the temple of Jor-Bangla is regarded as the finest among the temples of Bishnupur. GHN Site Conservation Assessment (SCA) Site Name: Jor Bangla, Bishnupur, Bankura, West Bengal Entry Fee (Domestic): Rs. 10 (International): Rs. 250 Charge for Camera: Rs. 25 Video: Rs. 25 (However, prior permission in case of use of tripod is required from the Archaeological Survey of India) Guides available: No Quality of Guides: Not Applicable Languages Available: Not Applicable Literature Available: Yes Quality: A variety of literatures on the history, culture, archaeology, tradition associated with Bishnupur Group of Temples in general are available to cater to the demands of different sections of visitors. In addition to these books/ articles etc., a Guide book of the Bishnupur Temples published by the Archaeological Survey of India is also available. The guide book published is available in three languages- English, Hindi and Bengali. Custodians: Archaeological Survey of India Quality: The Archaeological Survey of India has been carrying out a commendable work with respect of the conservation and preservation of the Jor Bangla Temple. Supervisory Staff: Superintending Archaeologist, Archaeological Survey of India, Kolkata Circle. At the local level is the Conservation Assistant, Gr.-I, Archaeological Survey of India. Quality: The work at the local level has so far been good, the ambience and the setting of the monument has been greatly improved and is appreciated by the visitors. However, there is lack of Visitor amenities like drinking water, toilets, guides, etc. GHN Site Conservation Assessment (SCA) Site Name: Jor Bangla, Bishnupur, Bankura, West Bengal General Condition The temple is structurally sound with no major immediate threat to its stability. However, the terracotta brick ornamentation has been lost to the vagaries of time from some places. This aspect requires conservation intervention. Conservation or Restoration work completed or in progress: Conservation works that are regularly carried out at the site are in the nature of pointing, underpinning and re-terracing works, replacing of damaged bricks with new bricks, cleaning and removal of biological growth etc. Condition of setting and environment: While the immediate surrounding of the Jor Bangla temple has been beautified by laying out a garden but the condition beyond it is far from satisfactory. Even the approach road to the temple is not in a good condition. The surrounding area has a lot of wild vegetation which hampers the ambience of the monument. Threats to the integrity and authenticity of the property: Major threats to the integrity and authenticity of the Temple come from local population growth and modernization of Bishnupur town. Signage leading to and inside the property: A Cultural Notice Board and a Protection Notice Board have been put up by the Archaeological Survey of India in front of the Temple premises. There are no signages inside the Temple area. Integrity and Authenticity of the Site according to its Universal Values?: Efforts are being made by the Archaeological Survey of India to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the Temple. Site values: Are these values readily communicated to the public? Yes GHN Site Conservation Assessment (SCA) Site Name: Jor Bangla, Bishnupur, Bankura, West Bengal Recommendations: Movement to and from the Jor Bangla Temple is not visitor friendly. While one may get conveyance from the railway station or even from the town centre the return journey is not so easy. It is difficult to find vehicles while coming back from the Temple. Since the tourist inflow is not very regular getting conveyance for the return journey is that much more difficult. It is advisable to book one’s conveyance for the entire day so that one may visit the different temples at ease. Furthermore, the roads, rather the lanes in the interior are not well maintained and not suitable for heavy vehicles. Since the Jor Bangle Temple is located at one end of the town the lanes are very narrow. Development of Visitor amenities like toilets, drinking water facilities, eateries, kiosks, guides etc are need of the hour. Broad and metalled roads coupled with easy conveyance are necessary for increasing the visitor movement in the area. Cleanliness around the site has to be taken up at the earliest. Photography and Mapping: Please use GPS camera when possible and use photos to identify on satellite imagery current threats, issues and positive developments at the site. Use detailed captions for all photos. Estimation of your Personal Experience (scale of 0-10 points): 6 Additional comments: The immediate vicinity of the Temple has to be developed. A point that emerged from the study of the visitor profile at the Temple is that a large percentage of the tourists come from within the state of West Bengal. The site has not been properly focused among the national and international tourists. The less number of visitors is the main reason for the lack of good roads and even the basic visitor amenities at the site. GHN Site Conservation Assessment (SCA) Quantitative Assessment: site Conservation and Responsible Development Site Name: Jor Bangla, Bishnupur, Bankura, West Bengal Date: Area of Assessment Scoring Comments 1. Site Conservation Plan - There is no Conservation Plan for the site, conservation measures are taken up as an when required. 2. Site Conservation and 6 Attention has to be given for maintaining the Maintenance local setting and environment. 3. Site Integrity 7 Efforts are being made to maintain the integrity of the site. 4. Intactness (lack of 8 Regular inspection has resulted in encroachment) minimization of encroachment. 5. Authenticity 9 The authenticity of the site has been maintained. 6. Management - There is no management plan for the site. 7. Community Involvement - The upkeep and maintenance is solely the responsibility of the ASI with no private involvement. 8.Responsible Development - The region has not been developed in a tourist destination. 9. Living Heritage 9 The Jor Bangla Temple is the embodiment of local architecture and art of Bengal. The terracotta art so exquisitely composed on the Temple walls are still being practiced in the town. In fact the town of Bishnupur is noted for its terracotta craftsmanship. There are numerous artisan families who earn their livelihood by practicing this art form.