Colours of Bengal

Temples of Bishnupur, Bankura

2011-10-26T09:18:00.001-07:00

Pictures of Some Temples of Bishnupur, Bankura

2011-10-26T09:11:00.001-07:00

Pictures of Some Temples of Bishnupur, Bankura

Condition of Terracotta Artists of Panchmura, Bankura ·

2011-10-09T01:48:00.001-07:00

These pictures were taken at Panchmura, Bankura, famous for the production of Terracotta Horses. I have uploaded here some pictures to show the condition the artists are now in. The government has done nothing for them. Soon Terracotta Horse and the artists will disappear. More details can be found about this at http://www.chitrolekha.com/V1/n2/06_Terracotta_horse_of_Panchmura-documentation.pdf and http://www.chitrolekha.com/V1/n2/07_Terracotta_crafts_of_Panchmura_Problems_and_Possibilities.pdf.

Temples of Karnagarh, Paschim Medinipur

2011-10-09T00:03:00.001-07:00

Karnagarh, situated in a forest at a distance about 10 km from Midnapore town, bears traces of very old settlement (may be 14^th century). One it was a fort and ruins of castles, temples, posts are still found. It became famous for Chuar Bidroho towards the end of the 18^th century. The place found its place in some of the medieval texts. Karnagarh is much frequented by the local people as a holy place for Anadilinga Dandeswar Mahadev and Mahamaya temples, which has surprisingly survived the onslaught of time. More details can be found at http://www.paschimmedinipur.gov.in/tourism/index.php.

Pathra: Village of Terracotta Temples, Paschim Medinipur, West Bengal

2011-08-27T14:58:00.001-07:00

I have not yet done any research on Pathra, but hope to something soon. So I am reproducing a report from the Telegraph below:

"Pathra, on the bank of the river Kangsabati, is a village of temples. There are 34 temples in the village, all over 200 years old. Barely 10 km from Midnapore town, this nondescript hamlet is a treasure trove for those who like to travel back in time.

The history of Pathra goes back to the Gupta age, when the place was the hinterland of Tamralipta port, a gateway to southeast Asia. From 8th Century to 12th Century, it was an important hub for Hindus, Jains and Buddhists. A majestic Vishnu Lokeshwar statue dug out in the village in October 1961 revealed both Hindu and Buddhist influences, indicating that practitioners of both religions frequented Pathra.

The turning point in the history of the village came in 1732, when Nawab Alivardi Khan appointed Bidyananda Ghoshal as the revenue collector of Ratnachawk pargana. Bidyananda established temple after temple in the village, making it a major draw for Hindu pilgrims. The nawab, however, was not too pleased with Bidyananda's work. He was thrown into prison and then sentenced to death. Legend has it that the elephant that was to crush Bidyananda's head refused to do so. The village reportedly gets its name from the incident.

The Ghoshal family changed its surname to Majumdar and continued building temples till the end of the 18th Century. Another branch of the family, with surname Bandopadhyay, also started constructing temples. With indigo cultivation and silk trade boosting the family's fortunes, funds were not difficult to come by.

The decline started as the rich families shifted base from the village and ignorant local residents started vandalising the temples. Many of the structures were reduced to rubble. There was neither any initiative from the government nor from the academic circle to preserve the structures.

The efforts of a local resident named Yeasin Pathan and a handful of scholars from the mid-1960s finally bore fruit in the form of government grant and technical assistance from IIT Kharagpur in saving the temples. A slice of Bengal's glorious past was salvaged in the nick of time.

Today, 28 out of 34 temples in Pathra are under the supervision of the Archaeological Survey of India. It has repaired 18 temples. A non-government organisation named Pathra Archaeological Preservation Committee also looks after the structures.

The navaratna temple on the western bank of the river is the grandest. The 250-year-old, 40-ft high structure has nine towers and many terracotta panels on its walls. A small aatchala temple established in 1816 stands in the same compound.

Just opposite to it is a cluster of three aatchala temples and a small navaratna temple called Shivalaya. Terracotta artworks adorn these temples, too. Behind them is a Durga dalan, a temple-like structure made of stone.

Some distance away is another group of pancharatna temples, built in the typical Bengal style and enriched with terracotta sculptures.

Most of the temples offer glimpses of Islamic architectural styles. Stucco lime and seashell are the main materials used.

The terracotta panels that still exist bear images of Ram, Balaram, Radha and Krishna, Dashavatar, Hanuman, Durga and hunting. The majority of the temples are dedicated to Krishna, Vishnu and Shiva.

The second biggest temple of Pathra is a Sitala temple popularly known as Burimar than. It, too, is 40 ft high. The other important temples are Sarba Mangal, Kalachand, Das Mahavidya and Hansa.

There's also a simple yet attractive rasmancha, built in 1832. It has nine small towers.

City planning students at IIT Kharagpur have done extensive research on Pathra. They have proposed to develop the village as a heritage tourism destination."

SOURCE: http://www.telegraphindia.com/1080302/jsp/calcutta/story_8969223.jsp

Tarun Tapas Mukherjee
Ast. Prof. in English,
Bhatter College
Paschim Medinipur, India
Editor
Rupkatha Journal
http://www.rupkatha.com/

--
Tarun Tapas Mukherjee
Ast. Prof. in English,
Bhatter College
Paschim Medinipur, India
Editor
Rupkatha Journal
http://www.rupkatha.com/

My shot

2010-06-17T09:44:00.001-07:00

I shot this picture last year.

Pictures from Burdwan University Academic Staff College

2009-09-20T03:13:00.000-07:00

Recently I went for a refresher course at Burdwan University Academic Staff College and I took a few pictures of the beautiful green campus. Here area few of them...

Pictures of Clouds

2009-05-22T04:12:00.001-07:00

White clouds, blue sky...

Thunderstorm and the first shower of the summer

2009-05-17T05:05:00.001-07:00

Pictures of Dahlia

2009-04-18T20:48:00.001-07:00

Dahlia flowers that bloomed in the last spring in West Bengal.

Pictures of Bandel Basilica

2009-03-26T08:13:00.000-07:00

Bandel Basilica at Bandel, a small town in the Hooghly district of West Bengal.

The history of Bandel Church as recorded by the authority.

The Statue of the Virgin Mother.

The holy mast at Bandel Church

The story of the holy mast as told by the church.

Pictures of Hooghly Imambarah and the Tomb of Haji Muhammud Mohsin

2009-03-23T22:24:00.000-07:00

A front view of Hooghly Imambarah. Sadly enough the place is in very bad condition. No proper maintenance is done.

Inside the Imambarah or Imambara. The picture is taken from the stairs of the Prayer Hall.

This is the view of the Prayer Hall, taken with difficulty through the narrow net and in low light. The actual view is awesome and will take you to another world of aristocracy of which we are quite unaware. once you are there an automatic feeling of peace and harmony and vastness of the universe and smallness of human life passes the heart. If you want to experience what peace is, go there and you will understand.

A rear view. The photo is taken from the side of the Hooghly river. Once there was a Hammam or bathing room equipped with advanced technology.

A view from the right tower, which houses large clock. The large tank is full of fishes.

The Imambara was deliberately built on the place where the river takes a sharp turn.

The sun-dial in the bakyard.

A view of the river. From this place you can take a boat and go to Bandel Church for only 10 rupees each person.

Stairs o the Gharighar or Tower of Clock

The setting sun seen from the tower.

The tomb of Haji Muhammaud Mohsin. The tomb and the surround areas are in extremely poor condition. I heard there is an appointer Mali or gardener. But God knows what the ell he does. The place has become an open latrine and anti-social activities taint the sanctity of the place. Voluntary organistions and the governments should immediately come forward and save the place from being obliterated into oblivion. It is a strange country with strange concepts of honour and respect.

Palash Flowers or Butea frondosa,Flame of the Forest)

2009-03-19T03:32:00.000-07:00

This is a macro shot of Palash flower or Butea frondosa (Flame of the Forest).

Picture of Palash tree at twilight.

Photo of one of the branches of Palashtaken at night .

Pictures of Dakshineswar Temple

2009-03-19T02:34:00.001-07:00

Photography is prohibited in the main area of Dakshineswar temple. So I had to take the picture from outside the area.

This is the banyan tree, under the shade of which Sri Ramkrishna is said to have passed much of his time reflecting upon the hard human fate. The main tree died, but remnant branches have now become full grown tree. The cottage, recently built, is made of concrete.

This place, known as Panchomundasan’ (seat of five skulls), is famous for being Sri Ramkrishna’s seat of ‘sadhona’ (meditation and performance of rituals). Here he is said to have attained ‘siddhi’ or the supreme knowledge here.

This is the place where Sri Ramkrishna is said to have embraced Islam as an experiment for some time.

This photo is taken from under the shade of the banyan tree near Panchomundasan. The top of the temple is visible against the sky.

Gopgarh, Paschim Medinipur, Tourist Information

2009-02-27T06:56:00.000-08:00

Gopgarh is a park on the high mounds created for eco-tourism just on the fringe of Midnapore town. The place owes its name from old fort of the Gop kings. They created this ‘garh’ or fort on high ground, made of stones, on the bank of the river Kansai strategically to defend their kingdom. The ruins are still there and are in a precarious condition.

People who want to spend a weekend with or without family in a remote jungle can look on it as an ideal place. There are two cottages to stay in and one cottage (of course, with all modern amenities) costs Rs. 500 per day.

The park is huge enough to make you tired if you want to cover it in one walk. First of all, there is a pond, where you indulge in boating.The jungle, recreated by the Forest Department, is big enough for picnic.

The huge lawn with small gardens, including a rose garden, and basic recreational instalments for children can satisfy everybody.

But on top of all these, there is a watch-tower from where you can view the sunrise or sunset or the natural beauty of the vegetation along the bank of Kansai.

There are few stalls for refreshment and a restaurant for the visitors.

Numerous birds flock to the trees and you can enjoy the silence save the chirpings of the bird undisturbed. People become very calm and cool at the place.

So plan a trip, contact the Forest Department of Midnapore and go for night stay.

Pictures of Forest Life of Chandabila

2009-02-26T04:42:00.001-08:00

Recently I visited Chandabila, a place in the midst of forest in the district of Paschim Medinipur. The jungle is situated in the Baligheria region, just on the border of West Bengal and Orissa. This forest is typical of the ones that covered the red soil regions of Jhargram, Bankura and Purulia. Once these forest were full of animals, but unfortunately now animals are hardly visible. Chandabila is famous for elephants. But the people, tired of elephants’ intrusions set the weeds in different parts of the jungle on fire and thus is destroyed their food. I went deep into the forest and took some pictures.

Besides visiting the jungle, I also went to see Tapoban, where Sita, the local people strongly believe, lived in the ashram of the sage Balmiki. The place is wonderful and can easily be a tourist destination. After visiting this place I went to an ancient temple, Rameshwar, built in an imitation of the temples of Orissa, on the high bank of the river Subarnarekha.

Tourist Information on Chandipur, Orissa

2009-01-26T07:17:00.001-08:00

Chandipur in Orissa is such a place which may not satisfy your purse and eyes if you go on holidays. With Darjeeling and Purulia, Bankura, Jhargram being perceived as being unsafe, people of Bengal seem to turn their eyes on such places which they normally avoided and turned down as unworthy of a visit. Last Saturday I made a visit to Chandipur with my teacher, who is now a Reader of a university. We drove along the Golden Quadrilateral and both the road and the view around were beautiful and pleasant.

Save for some bumps we had a hassle-free drive; but just before entering Chandipur beach the driver mistook the straight road and headed to the military area. The Jawans, however, guided us politely and we went straight to Panthonivas.

To our disbelief we were told at the reception that no room was available. So we turned to other hotels, but met with the same answer. We inquired deeper and it was revealed that the hotels are overcrowded because of the sudden rush of visitors mainly from Calcutta. Not only this, people were going to Balasore for lodging. So we had to do the same and took refuge from the overheated sun at Hotel Swarnachuda. The hotel turned out to be a nice one with a great restaurant.

In the afternoon we drove to the beach and found a huge crowd of Bengali people, enjoying or not enjoying themselves in their Bengali ways. We heard some young guys speaking in such a language which may put a rickshaw-puller in shame. They came to drink only wine, not the beauty of the sea. Of course, the sea, which shrinks back a few kilometres, presents a complete black and white view without any variety or complexity. What is left out is black sandy mud.

The sea looks beautiful only when the tide comes to the beach. Otherwise, I repeat it is all black and white. A few years ago the shore was decorated with trees which you will not find anymore. Only if you want to spend a few days in solitude, this might be a place.

But do not go on holidays and have your room booked beforehand. Anyway, we sat there for two hours or so and it was very pleasant at dark. In fact, we wanted this kind of marine ambience and the solitude. While we were returning, my teacher looked on a fortune-teller Baba (or you may say Slate Baba), who holds a slate before you and tell you to place the pencil on one of the boxes. After you do so for a number of times, he will tell your problems and remedies. I do not know (nor do I believe in this kind of thing) whether he is right or not. But my teacher did this and he later told me that the Baba was absolutely right. We gave him only 10 rupees and he was satisfied.

You will find more beauty in the fishing spot at the place where the river Buribalam or Bunavalam falls at the sea (save for the smell from the fishes in the sun).

However, if you can manage your schedule, you will not be disappointed if you visit Remuna, Nilgiri, Jagannath Mandir, Tipisagadia, Maninageswar, and above all, Panchalingeswar. Remuna is famous for Khirchora Gopinath Temple. It is said that Srichaitanya and his teacher Madhabendra Puri visited Remuna.

In fact, if you visit Panchalingeswar, your frustration with the Chandipur beach will be lessened and the day will be successful. For a small amount you can offer worship there. The place is also very safe and confortable.

So the bottom line is: if you want to visit Chandipur, get your room booked and go to the other places as well. Otherwise, you come back with empty looks.

[Information about Chandipur >>How to reach: You can go there by trains of South Eastern Railway or by private vehicle. If you go by train, come down at Balasore station and hire a jeep or auto-rickshaw to reach Chandipur. If you go by private vehicle, you will be charged Rs. 500 for entering Orissa.]

Mehendi Henna Design

2009-01-20T05:21:00.000-08:00

I got this picture in a rural fair. Vendors sat on the ground with Mehendi (Mehandi or better spelt Mehndi) or Henna (made of the plant Henna, Lawsonia Inermis ) with ready-made block of designs. A very small girl got attracted to it and coaxed her poor father to getting her small palm colored with Mehendi. The man very rapidly did this. But when I told him that I wanted to take a photo, he extended the designs beyond the palm and the girl was more delighted. All this happened at twilight.

Red and Pink Roses

2009-01-09T09:12:00.000-08:00

I was seeking an opportunity to shoot the roses--white, red, pink, in the garden of my college. But since in the working days it is full of students, I could not do so. But on the day of Muharram it was holiday and I visited the garden and captured these roses in the tender sunlight of the morning. The yellow rose interestingly turns white after some days. In the picture it has started becoming so.

All these are macro shots. So you find the flower larger than the actual ones.

Optional Accessories for Canon Powershot A590IS

2008-12-27T06:32:00.000-08:00

Canon prescribes the following Optional Accessories for Canon Powershot A590IS:

Tele-converter Lens TC-DC52A
Wide converter WC-DC52
Close-Up Lens 250D (52mm)
High Power Flash HF-DC1

With the postscript “Conversion Lens Adapter LA-DC52G required”
Can anyone tell me where I can buy those in India and how much money I will have to release for those?

The Disguise of a Dragonfly

2008-12-24T22:55:00.000-08:00

Here is the picture of a dragonfly in disguising itself on the old walls. I could notice it because I went too close to it and it flew up and then again came to its own place.

Red Ixora

2008-12-20T05:41:00.000-08:00

In Bengali this flower is called 'Rangan' which means painting; but the etymology may refer to the root 'rang' which means colour. Anyway this is macro shot of a red Ixora. So you may find greater details of the flowers.

Genesis of Bande Mataram at Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay's Residence at Chinsurah, Hooghly

2008-11-30T22:45:00.000-08:00

Indian national song "Bande Mataram" is claimed to have been composed by Bankim Chandra here at this house where he stayed for a few years. The building has been recently restored by Hooghly-Chinsurah Municipality with the assistance of Heritage Commission.
The house has been opened for the public by Sunil Gangopahyay on 30.11.2008.

Many people for many years tried hard for the recognition of this house as a heritage building.

One can find two beautiful pictures of Bankim Chandra and his wife painted by the artist Joydeep.

Besides these, a bust statue of the great thinker has also been placed there.

Huge number of people gathered at the function and their enthusiasm was noteworthy.

[How to reach: From Howrah by local train to Chinsurah railway station. From there by auto-ricksaw or any other vehicle reach Joraghat]

Excavation at Moghalmari Buddhist Monastery, Paschim Medinipur

2008-11-27T06:58:00.000-08:00

A site at Monoharpur or Mogholmari in Paschim Medinipur (also known as Hanria Bhati because of mass production of crude wine from rice) has recently been marked and excavated by the Archaeological Survey of India.

We, two teachers went there with our students to show them a newly discovered site. We wanted to show them how excavation is done--vertically and sometimes horizontally. We saw a portion of the area vertically excavated and a round wall of red bricks very beautifully and carefully laid out.

The area is protected by wooden fence, but some local Santhal children who knew little and love people helped us by opening the gate.
Some of the students went down and inspected the wall. Our history professor explained things in details.

He said that many artefacts belonging to the Gupta Age have been discovered. The site is believed to have been once a big Buddhist monastery. It may be noted here that from the name of the place it is understandable that some battle took place here in the medieval period when some Moghols (Moghuls) were defeated.

The place is now inhabited by Santhals (Adivasi or aboriginals of Bengal) and on the very site a small village bazaar is also held. A Hindu temple is also erected on the very mound.

The people of the place are very enthusiastic about the outsiders and careful about the dignity of the place and I think they are also protecting the place, which has been left out without any official protection.

The beauty of the place is awesome. We reached there in the late afternoon.

With the slanting rays of the sun illuminating the whole landscape with mysterious historical feeling, we went round it and found the natural beauty simply awesome.

On the western side, we found a mysterious small pond beyond which lay the golden reward of nature stretched to the horizon.

There are two ponds—one small on the western side and the other big one on the southern side. I think this pond is one of the instances of the old Bengali ways of solving the problem of water by preserving surface water in the rainy season. In fact, one can find a very big pond, Sarashanka, believed to be dug up by Shashanko, the king of Bengal, seven or eight km from this place. The belief is strengthened by the huge size of the water body, which is in need of preservation. This pond (in picture) below is fresh and the water is used by the local people.

Greenery is abundantly there endowing the place with soft tender mood.

Finally, the calm of the place may help you to hear many footsteps of the past like ours of the present that trod around the place.

Update 1: Annexure-II

On 6^th March, Director Goutam Ghosh came to Monoharpur to shoot the Moghalmari Buddhist site. He is making a documentary on the area. The site is now filled up, yet I think they came to shoot the surrounding areas which once contributed to the making of Buddhist culture here. I talked to the principal investigator Dr. Ashok Datta, of CU. He told me that another site has been marked out which promises to turn out to be a Buddhist monastery. According to him and his team, many a Buddhist monastery was built along the bank of the river Subarnarekha. He has published a book on the entire excavation:

Excavation at Moghalmari (2003-4 to 2007-08), Ashok Datta, Asiatic Society, Rs. 1200/

Last Picture Clockwise: Me, Goutam Ghosh, Dr. Ashok Dutta

[How to reach: From Kolkata or other place to Kharagpur. From Kharagpur bus-stand (taxi-stand) towards Sonakonia-Dantan route, get down at Monoharpur. From there you can go on foot.]

A Tree Kingfisher (Halcyonidae) of Bengal

2008-11-25T05:25:00.000-08:00

I got this bird in the backyard of the house. There is a small pond which shelters a variety of fishes, insects and bird. I found this bird for the second day. Perhaps it has found this new place for feasting. Hope it will come again and, of course, closer so that I can get clearer images without zooming to the limit.

Water Hyacinth of Bengal

2008-11-23T05:49:00.000-08:00

Since childhood we are habituated to seeing this invasive species of aquatic plant, which came, we were told in school, from South America. People in Bengal generally do not think well of this because of its invasion and exploitation of aquatic resources. But this can be also used for bio-waste disposal.

A View of a Village in West Bengal

2008-11-23T05:18:00.000-08:00

When I got this view, I said to myself, "This is an archetypal picture!". I got down from taxi and shot this. You can find almost all the autumnal activities in the picture: cows grazing on the stubs and left-outs, white cranes coming down for rich meal, the fields left to themselves after a rich crop. People are busy somewhere with other fields. The rural Bengal is still beautiful, but I am sorry to say that the 'poets' of Bengal do not know this.

An Autumnal Landscape of Rural Bengal

2008-11-23T05:02:00.000-08:00

This autumnal landscape in rural Bengal reminds me of Keats's Ode to Autumn. It is time for harvesting. After massive floods and many other difficulties, the year is going to a close with the rich reward of ripe golden corn. As I shot this I smelt a rich fragrance coming from the paddy fields. Does it resemble that which we get in our babyhood at our mother's lap? I cannot remember, but it makes me feel that there will be no hungry child whose father carries these stacks home.

A Village Sunset

2008-11-15T02:45:00.000-08:00

I took this picture going deep inside villages. It was autumnal landscape, paddy fields slowly maturing.

A Smiling Santhal

2008-11-14T07:02:00.000-08:00

We met this man belonging to Santhal or Sanotal tribe of West Midnapore. (Paschim Medinipur) He was bathing in a huge pond. As we sought his permission to take pictures from the place he was standing, he gladly invited us. He finished his bath and answered our queries in cordial manner. It seemed he was very happy to see us shoot. We requested him to stand in front of the camera and readily agreed. We captured his picture and showed to him in the LCD screen of the camera. He was as glad as a child.

A Municipal Cow

2008-11-14T05:55:00.000-08:00

I went to visit my son away at his maternal grandfather's house at Chinsurah. At noon I found this cow quenching its thirst by municipal tap water. Later I learnt that this cow would do this frequently. I understood these dumb animals have also oriented their living towards easy ways.

A Drongo among the Green

2008-11-14T05:47:00.000-08:00

It was noon and this (the forked tail drongo) bird was seen looking for something amidst the green and deep foliage. It was too tempting for me to shoot at. It was not flying away and allowed me enough time to bring out my camera and load it and finally take a few snaps. Can you recognize it? It is not cuckoo. It is called the "fighter bird".I have seen this small bird defending itself against big crows.

A Spider on My Briefcase

2008-11-14T05:33:00.000-08:00

One evening I found this spider resting or waiting for prey on my briefcase. I was amazed to see such a beautiful one right in my room. I did not mind its presence and took this picture gladly. My camera went very close to it, but it did not move away. However, I do not know exactly its category in the nomenclature. If you know, let know it. Also zoom in to find its beauty.

A Visit to Debanandapur: the Birth Place of Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay

2008-10-25T20:50:00.000-07:00

The day was cloudy, the sky overcast. But I understood it would not rain and it would be a perfect day for photography in low contrast and brightness. So I decided to visit Debanandapur, Hooghly in the afternoon. The place is famous as the birthplace of the great Bengali novelist, Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay and as a picnic spot. In winter people flock to this place mainly for picnic.
From Bandel station I thought it would be a troublesome journey. But fortunately I found a newly laid narrow road that led straight to Debanandapur. Along the road, however, you see newly built houses all in accordance with modern tastes and facilities. So I was afraid that Debanandapur may be not recognizable in its original context. But I saw it has found a very good balance of urban and sylvan.

Signboards guided us to Sarat Smriti Mondir, which showcases various stages of the novelist's life. Photography is, however, prohibited inside the building--though I do not know why. There is also a library attached to it.

The building is constructed on the bank of a very old pond, Sanpukur.

On the other side of the pond I saw Saratchandra's Baithokkhana House, which is well-maintained.The house is empty, but the place is very tranquil and soothing for a worn-out visitor.
I walked over to see the Saraswati river, which was once a big river and an important route for trade and commerce. Descriptions of this river can be found in the writings of many foreign writers. First I came across a watch-post, medieval in design, but could not figure out its age. Once it was well-decorated with traditional Bengali patterns of Alpona-like etchings and those fine touches are still visible.
From here I could see that the bank of the river was broader and the river is now shrunk to a narrow stagnant canal.
Thanks to the efforts of the local people and other authorities, the beauty of the riverside is still there though in somewhat diminished form. But nobody can expect a place remaining the same forever. There is a small bridge on the river. From there the landscape looks peculiarly beautiful.
But above all, I was fascinated to the view of a huge tree there. I walked down the road and took a few snaps. Its beauty is self-evident.
[Sarat Chandra Chattopadhyay (15 September, 1876-16 January 1938) , one of the greatest novelists in Bengali literature, was born in this place.]