Youtube Link: https://youtu.be/vZKAqwFMUpM
References:
https://kevinstandagephotography.wordpress.com/2024/05/08/mejo-taraf-hadal-naryanpur/
http://kinjalbose.com/2020/01/31/temples-of-hadal-narayanpur/
Among various villages in Bankura District, the twin village
of Hadal-Naryanpur is very renowned because of its historical background and
terracotta temples. Iit is only 60 km from Bankura town, which is below two
hours hours drive,
The village is situated on the banks of Bodai river. Hadal
and Naryanpur are situated side by side and belongs to the same mouja; hence
referred as the joint name : Hadal-Naranpur. It is said that the village was
first established by one “Murokata” Chakraborty, who literally cut down trees
to start up the village.
History:
Muchiram Ghosh found the village life more peaceful than the
city life and decided to settle down permanently. During that period, Shubhankar
Das the famous mathematician was employed as tarafdar of Parulia under the
ruler of the area – Malla Rajah Gopal Singh. Muchiram Ghosh developed a close
friendship with Shubhankar Das which ultimately resulted in the change of
fortune of the family. The family received “Mandalpati” surname from Rajah
Gopal Singh and since then their surname is Mandal.
The Mandal Family is divided in three portions – Barotaraf,
MejoTaraf and Chototaraf.
We visited the varous Tarafs without having any knowledge of
the area, so my explanations here are a bit abstract.
While entering Hadal Naraynapur, we found this beautiful
atleast 2 century old temple on the side of the road amongst bushes and local
houses. There are hidden broken temples at the back of this terracotta temple
too which are in very bad shape.
The temple was under renovation and is a beauty. It has
amazing terracotta sculptures embedded in it all through.
We parked the vehicle on the side of the road and explored
the structure.
Next we move towards the Rajbari, probably Mejo Taraf. One
need to go straight and come from the side of a beautiful pond to the Rajbari.
Radha Damodara temple of the ‘Barabari’ as a nava-ratna structure
with ridged turrets and rich terracotta façade, built in the 19th century. The
Rasamancha has rich terracotta on eight sides and the Radha Damodara temple of
‘choto taraf’ as of a modified ratna design, with rich terracotta façade, built
in the 19th century.
On the left panel there was a terracotta plaque showing Lord
Vishnu in Anantashayan Posture on the right. On the left of this panel a much
detailed plaque shows Krishna being dressed up. Yashoda is seen fixing
Krishna’s “Chura”(Headgear with the peacock feather). Accompanying with him is
Balaram and another male figure (May Be Krishna’s friend Subal). The Right
panel shows A Gouranga (Combination of Rama, Krishna and Chaitanya) with Gour
Nitai dancing, suggesting influence of Vaishnav Culture
in the area. Cracks have developed in this panel.
Other than these, worth mentioning are a Large Terrcoatta
Ganesh Idol sitting on a mouse and fresco work on the temple door.
Near the entrance of the Palace like residence of Barotaraf, there
is a huge Rasmancha with depictions of Goddess Durga and her family, Shiva’s
Marriage, Gaja Lakshmi and Lord Vishnu In Anantashyana pose. The Rasmancha
looked very much like a Seventeen ratna (Pinnacle) Terracotta temple. during
Durga Puja this palace is full of pomp & show with all the present
descendents of Mandal Family participating in the act. There is a big ‘Thakur
dalan’ inside the palace, where people gather to celebrate. Crossing the Thakur
dalan I was guided by the Manager into the interior of the house through a
door. It led to a courtyard where the 1806 built “Pancha Chura” (Five
Pinnacled) Radha Damodar Temple and two small Shiva temple is located. The
temples have few but significant terracotta sculptures on them. The structures
are very well maintained.
One can visit the Rajbari, sit there and enjoy the amazing
calm and peaceful environment there.
On our way back towards Durgapur, we found few more
structures and terracotta temples at a place call Bhatpara, which are worth
exploring too. Do take time to visit them. There is a beautiful government
school available there too.
How to
Reach:
By
Train: Hadal-Narayanpur can be also reached from Bishnupur (48 km)
and Burdwan (54 km) almost in the same time interval. There is a railhead and a
bus stop at Dhagaria which is 5km from the village. There are trains from
Howrah to Hadal Narayanpur.
By
Road: One can also drive from Kolkata (150 km North West) for a
weekend driving holiday.
By
Air: Durgapur airport is the nearest airport 75 KMs.