201 km by rail and 152 km by road from Calcutta is Vishnupur, the seat of power of the Malla dynasty who ruled over a large part of Bengal for nearly a thousand years before the British came. The Mallas ruled till the advent of the Muslims and relics of their reign survive till today.

Among the later Hindu kings of Bengal, the Mallas occupy a place of distinction not only for their military prowess but because of their patronage to the development of distinctive styles of art, architecture, sculpture and music. During the reign of Veer Hambir and his successors Raja Raghunath Singh and Veer Singh, Vishnupur became one of the principal centres of culture in Bengal.

The distinct style of temple architecture with a single tower resting on a square building with the curved roof of a Bengali hut has been the most characteristic feature of Vishnupur temples. Most of the temples here are in two big concentrations - the Shyam Rai, Jore Bangia, RadhaShyam, Laiji, Krishna Balaram, Nikunja Behari and Keshar Rai within the fort area and the Kalachand, Radha Madhav, Radha Govinda, Jore Mandir and Nandalal temples over an area to the south and south-west of Lalbundh. The Malleswar, Madan Gopal and Madan Mohan temples are to the north of the fort. Besides, there istheRasMancha, the earliest extant religious edifice at Vishnupur built by Veer Hambir, representing an architectural style The all its own.

Moreover, there are a number of 'bundhs’ or water reservoirs, namely, Lalbundh, Krishnabundh, Shyambundh etc. A number of cannons are there, exposed to weather for centuries and yet free from rust. One of these is 'Dal MadaV.Vishnupur developed a distinct style of music, i.e., Vishnupur Gharana of which perhaps the most famous exponent was Jadu Bhatta.

How to go

By rail directly from Calcutta (201 km) on the South Eastern section. There are regular buses from Calcutta run by the Calcutta State Transport and the South Bengal State Transport Corporations.

Fairs & Festivals

The most important festival of Vishnupur is ‘Jhapan’, held on the last day of the Bengali month Sravana (mid-August ). With chanting of hymns in the glory of the serpent - goddess Manasa, groups of snakecharmers demonstrate tricks and feats with poisonous snakes. During the Bengali month of Bhadra ( August-September ), another festival is held. This is known as 'lndrapuja\ on the occasion of which the Malla Raja of Vishnupur gives away yellow turbans to the local Santhal chiefs.

Excursions

Bahulara

25 km. from Vishnupur is Bahulara, famous for the Siddheswar Siva temple. The Saileswar temple of Dihar, 8 km from Vishnupur, is about nine hundred years old.

Jairambati and Kamarpukur

43 km. from Vishnupur are Jairambati and Kamarpukur, birthplaces of Sri Ma Saradamoui and Sri Ramakrishna Pramahansa. Near Kamarpuku is the historic ‘ Garh Mandaran. About 82 km from Vishnupur and 56 km from Bankura is Mukutmanipur, by the side of the river Kangsabati. The main attraction is the dam over the river and a hilly landscape. There, are a Tourist Lodge and a Youth Hostel and a private hotel for accommodation. Direct buses connect it with Calcutta.

Bankura

30 km from Vishnupur is Bankura, the district headquarters town. Directly linked with Calcutta by rail and road. Private hotels are there for accommodatiol besides a Youth Hostel under the State Youth Services Department.

Susunia Hill

Susunia Hill is one of the important peaks in the district, rising abruptly from the neighbouring plains to a height of 44 metres.

An annual fair is held at the southern foot of the hill where there is a small spring. From Bankura on the Bankura-Purulia road, one has to alight at Chhatna on the 13th km. Susunia is 7 km. north of Chhatna. Also direct bus service from Bankura. Stone inscriptions of Chandravarma, a 4th century King, have been discovered here. After Darjeeling hills, Susunia is the second centre for rock-climbing in the State.