Apr 3, 2016

Ganesha and Durga Temples, Barakar, Burdwan District - 1872

Ganesha and Durga Temples, Barakar, Burdwan District - 1872
 Front view of Ganesha and Durga Temples

Ganesha and Durga Temples, Barakar, Burdwan District - 1872
Side view of Ganesha and Durga Temples

Ganesha and Durga Temples, Barakar, Burdwan District - 1872
Detail of moulding at the base of Durga Temple

Photographer: Joseph David Beglar
Photograph of temples Nos.1 and 2 (Ganesha and Durga Temples) with other temples of the group visible in the background at Barakar, Burdwan District, taken by Joseph David Beglar in 1872-73. In the report he wrote at that time Beglar said, "Temples Nos.1 and 2 are precisely like each other. As they stand at present, they consist of a simple cell each, surmounted by a tower roof, but there are traces of a mandapa in front, of which all, but the foundations, have disappeared...One of the temples is inscribed...From the style of the characters, the temples do not appear to date beyond the Muhammadan conquest...The inscriptions are not dated." The temples were built in the 16th century, imitating the design of the earlier Siddheshvara temple. The walls are decorated with friezes and depictions of animals.
Source: British Library (bl.uk)