Conservation of Bishnupur | Its Art, Architecture & Culture

The U.S.Ambassadors fund provided an opportunity to INTACH West Bengal chapter to undertake a research exercise on Bishnupur, one the West Bengal’s (and the country’s) uniquely endowed regions in terms of Architecture, Socio-cultural and Craft traditions and festivals.

This report is one of the outcomes of the project and tries to capture the multifaceted qualities of this medieval town of Bengal. The report begins by identifying the unique Bengali cultural ethos of the town, tracing the genesis and manifestation of the same in the towns art, architecture, crafts and traditions. It traces the spatial planning features of the place and foregrounds the importance given to the network of planned and natural water reservoirs that made the town habitable in spite of being in such an arid microclimate. The temple architecture, including the forms, dimensions, proportions and symbolism of the Architecture is highlighted.  This established links to the rich craft and skill traditions of the town - from pottery, to textile work, lacquerware and more. Finally, the report highlights and foreground the rich festivals and art forms that has flourished with Bishnupur as its base.

Finally, bringing together all the assets of the town - the report calls for a greater emphasis in terms of the need for a holistic conservation of this town and its disappearing craft, art and cultural traditions.

Location: Bishnupur, West Bengal
Funding: U.S. Ambassador’s Fund
Client: Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage
Year: 2005