| In the Muslim
times the temple-types in Bengal were mainly of five categories: Rekhadeul, Bangla mandir,
Octagonal temples with turrets and Ratna mandir. This Saiva temple at village Bhattamati
is a Pancha Ratna temple with five turrets, the one at the center being much larger in
size. The structure is on a square base and each of the Ratnas or turrets are in
symmetry with the main structure of the temple. The
execution is orthodox in style, well proportioned and each of the sidewalls has a series
of sculptured panels. The architects have a very clear conception of their objective
and have shown a remarkable execution of the concepts they have to express. The
outer portions of the four walls have a very rich ornamentation but the front of the
temple has an exuberance of it.
There are a large number of sculptured panels on all the
sides. The ideas that have been given life in the workmanship on the panel are based
not only on religious traditions and legends but also on current social life, political
disputes, and trends in administration.The destructive strife that had just started both
upsetting the social and political world of Bengal came to be a theme of these
artists. |
