Bishnupur is a populous city in Bankura District of West Bengal. This city began its journey from the time of Sixteen Mahajanapadas rule before 5th Century BC and later the Gupta Empire. This early age city is famous for the presence of terracotta temples, baluchari sarees, lakes and the villages of craftsmen- Panchmura.
History of Bishnupur
History of Bishnupur can be traced back from rule of Malla Tribe in Bengal. Bishnupur was ruled under by the local Hindu kings who paid their taxes to Samudragupta. At that time, it was a minor independent principality and a vassal state. At that time, Bishnupur was known as "Mallabhum". The Mallas conquered the entire part of Bishnupur and the modern day Odisha. The Malla rulers were Vaishnavites in religion. At that time, they built the famous terracotta temples. There are folklores associated with the Malla Kings of Bishnupur. After the decline of Hindus, Muslims began to rule there and showed their architectural elegance and the patronage of music- Bishnupur Gharana.
Geography of Bishnupur
Bishnupur is located at 23 degree 05 minutes North to 87 degree 19 minutes East. This city of large population in West Bengal has an average elevation of 59 meters.
Demography of Bishnupur
According to the Population Census in the year 2001, Bishnupur had a population of 61,943. The average literacy rate of Bishnupur is about 69 percent. The male literacy rate is 77 percent and female literacy rate is 61 percent.
Education of Bishnupur
The people of Bishnupur are mainly Hindus and they speak in Bengali language. Bishnupur High School, Bishnupur Krittibas Mukherjee High School, Bishnupur Mission High School are the most important schools here.
Culture of Bishnupur
Bishnupur is the land of mystic culture, art and architecture, dance and music of Gharanas. Bishnupur Gharana is a form of singing that follows the Dhrupad tradition of Hindustani music in 18th century. Bishnupur Mela and Bishnupur Utsav are the most popular festivals. Panchmura is a village in Bishnupur where one can see the craftsmanship of sea, terracotta horses, man and women of medieval Malla styled Bengali culture.
Tourism in Bishnupur
Tourism of Bishnupur includes many temples which were crafted from laterite soil and bricks. Rasmancha, Pancha Ratna Temple of Shyam Rai, Jorebangla Temple of Keshta Rai, Madanmohan Temple, Dalmadal Kaman, Lalgarh, Lalbandh, Acharya Jogeshchandra Museum, Gumgarh, Pathar Darwaja, Garh Darwaja, Stone Chariot, Hawa Mahal, Nutan Mahal, Keshab Rai Temple and Chinnamasta Temple.
Visiting Information
Bishnupur is connected with regular railway connections from Howrah Station and buses from Panagarh. The nearest airport is Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport.