Jor Bangala Temple, Bishnupur, Bengal, India

The Mallas ruled the Bankura district in the South West corner of Bengal from 694 AD till the Indian Independence. They were vassals to the Bengal Sultanate, Mughals and the British during various period of their rule. But thanks to the remoteness of the region, they were able to maintain enough independence to nurture a style of art and architecture that is unique to this region. The best known examples survive as finely carved terracotta temples that dot the landscape of their capital, Bishnupur. Seen here is the Jor-Bangla temple built by Raghunath Singha Dev in 1655. The roof is a text book example of the Chala Style of Bengal Architecture. The exquisite carvings depict scenes from Indian mythology, especially Krishna Leela, and contemporary life including a frieze showing gun wielding Portuguese battalion travelling on a long boat.