Regional influences on the late mediaeval temples in Bangladesh a study of Puthia temple complex at Rajshahi district

Abstract

The architecture of Bengal shaped a distinct regional distinctiveness which was influenced by geo-climatic, political, social, religious, and cultural characteristics as well as the material and environment of this region. The context of Bengal has spread out a specific type of architectural style with inherent vernacular features. With its specific character of forms and spatial relationships, religious built forms hold the heritage of the country’s long history and traditions with conflict and contradiction caused by transplanted interventions. In Bengal, traditional architecture showed its sustainability and flexibility by its harmonic balance with the surrounding society and environment. One of the most significant traits of the cultural history of Bengal is temple architecture. With its wide-ranging forms, styles, designs, decorations, and art motifs temple architecture is a major component of the magnificent heritage of this region. The evolution and expansion of this architecture go back to an early historic period which can be evident from plentiful inscriptions, pieces of literature, miniature replicas, and representations of images. Every style of the temple represents a particular culture and era and reflects the socio-cultural and religious status of the land. . Temple was the result of an intense focus on economic and creative resources, as well as public means of conveying supremacy. In the Bengali context, the Hindu temple architecture is not only the abode of God and a place of worship, but they are also the cradle of knowledge, art, architecture, and culture. Due to the negligence and lacking awareness of people and concerned bodies, temple architecture has been going through a gradual degradation process. But in the present territory of Bangladesh a large number of them what we see today as standing monuments are of later period ie. Muslim and Hindu Revivals. In Bangladesh, presently we will find a limited number of traditional Hindu temples which can be found in the north-western zone, the south-western zone, and the middle-eastern zone. Among them, the Puthia Temple complex at Rajshahi in the north-western zone of Bangladesh comprises a collection of distinguished old Hindu temples that endure a rich history full of myths and legends, unlike any other part of Bangladesh. This study will focus on the architectural characteristics of Bengal temples in Puthia and analyze the regional influences that played important roles in the design process of these temples while concentrating on the socio-cultural history, and formal expression through documentation of these temples and determining the possibilities of future conservation and restoration.