KOLKATA: The Archeological Survey of India (ASI) is all set to develop Bishnupur temple complex as an international heritage tourism hub and project the exquisite terracotta work as one of the finest in the world.

Already declared a 'World Heritage Centre' by Unesco , Bishnupur - some 130km from Kolkata - can be the gateway to Bengal heritage tourism, feels the ASI top brass. But there are some stumbling blocks, the biggest of which is the illegal and unplanned constructions around the protected site. Also, there is no pathway to link all 19 protected sites, ruling out an easy walking tour, which is a favourite with heritage tourists. Moreover, there is no conservation plan for at least four equally ancient and exquisite unprotected sites within the monument complex.

"I strongly feel it is not too late to go for such a plan. Chief minister Mamata Banerjee has been proactive in promoting tourism in a big way. ASI can indeed play a role here. I will write to the CM for land needed to build a pathway for tourists. I have already had discussions with the district administration for a concerted effort to stop any kind of unplanned construction," said ASI regional director (east) P K Mishra. No construction is allowed within 100 meters of a protected site but encroachers have made a mockery of the law in Bishnupur.

After flagging off the International Heritage Week at Bishnupur, Mishra said, "I have spoken with the local railway division so that we can install a detailed cultural text tag at the railway station and the route map to approach the site. We are also putting it on satellite map with facilities at the site so that international tourists can plan their tour with satisfaction."

A surge in tourism will be boost for the local economy and it will encourage locals to feel protective and care for their heritage. Since the place has a very vibrant history, Mishra said, local youths can be roped in as guides. Each monument portrays some fascinating tales of Ramayana and Mahabharata through terracotta works. There are also excellent depictions of social life in the 17 and 18th centuries. Mishra said that guides will be well trained to explain the architectural intricacies of the site.

ASI is also exploring ways to engage local youths in developing and promoting local crafts. Terracotta pottery, artifacts and even jewellery made in this very traditional material are exquisite, yet there has been no effort to develop a craft-village closer to the site. "Tourists would love to come for crafts, if not for heritage. Bishnupur is equally known for tussar textile," said an official.

Archaeologists and researchers call for a concert in the heritage complex since a school of music, called the Bishnupur Gharana, was established here way back in 1370 and flourished under the patronage of the Malla kings. The gharana hit its peak in the 16th and 17th centuries. It's rooted in the Dhrupad style and is still being kept alive in local academies of music.

"For reasons unknown to us, four equally old structures in the complex remain unprotected although structurally they are no less important. They need immediate attention, otherwise, they would be lost for ever. Already thick vegetation has grown on them. I am writing to the state archeology department for their conservation so that they can be part of this grand plan," said Mishra.

Bishnupur history

The Malla rulers of Mallabhum (Bankura, Midnapore and Burdwan district) made Bishnupur their capital, which was protected by a mud fortification that's now in ruins.

Malla kings ruled almost for 1,000 years and as devoted Vaishnavites built several exquisite Vishnu temples. Nowhere else in Bengal there is such a complex variety of magnificent temples in a single cluster.

The oldest such temple is Rasmancha, which represents a unique architectural style and was built by Bir Hambir in 1600AD. The monument with a pyramidal roof stands on a spacious laterite plinth and the sanctum is enclosed by three successive circumbulatory galleries.

The Malla kinds also built several large water tanks - Lalbandh, Krishna Bandh, Yamuna Bandh, Shyam bandh and Poka Bandh. They can be turned into amusement parks for tourism.

Bishnupur became a seat of Sanskrit learning and the Malla regime patronized a distinctive style of music, known Bishnupur Gharana.

