Temples of Midnapur (An Old and Rare Book)

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In local history lies the grass roots of Indian civilization and that is why I feel that the intensive study of a smaller area preferably a district of West Bengal is desirable. I had drawn the attention of Dr. Gangadhar Santra to study the art, architecture, religion of Midnapur and their significance for the interest of greater Indian culture. Dr. Santra has made a valued contribution to the art and culture of the district of Midnapur. I believe that Dr. Santra has tapped all possible sources in his search for knowledge of his subject. Of course some stray articles or little monographs on cults, icons and history of Midnapur have been published. But most of them are not up to the standard. Thus, a comprehensive history and civilization Midnapour with sufficient focus on religion, folklore, art and architecture are still an unexplored and uninvestigated field of study. The present work is a very good attempt on the above subject.

The most important sources for the study of cults, icons and temples are the rituals, local festivals, sacred places and temples themselves. He has left no stone unturned to have a first-hand experience of these materials. Most of the existing and dilapidated temples have been visited by him.

In course of his extensive tour he has explored several old sites and collected some very valuable archaeological objects comprising copper coins, seals, several stone and bronze images of popular divinities, good number of terracotta figures belonging to the Maurya, Sunga, Kushana, Pala and Sena periods, ornamented bricks from the ruined temples, etc. He has properly utilized the above objects in preparing this monograph. He himself has discovered some terracotta decorated Chala and Ratna temples (pp. 40-42). In fact the newly discovered Pancha Ratna (pp. 24-32) and Navaratna (pp. 33-36) temples luxuriously embellished with terracotta art depicting the scenes from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and the Puranas are the finest gems of religious architecture still standing in this part of lower Bengal.

Some of the important temples will, perhaps, totally disappear within two or three decades. In that case, any study of temples and temple culture, like the pre- sent one, will certainly leave some permanent impression on the mind of the people of India.

In this mortal world the temple, the best example of human ritual and artistic creation, will not also last long. Already many temples of Midnapur cannot be traced; many are in broken condition and some only still survive. I have tried to make them live through the pages of my book. It is an outcome of my research work, "A study of the Hindu Temples of Midnapur."

Under the keen desire of doing something worthy for my native district, I was inspired to make a study of the temples of Midnapur by my learned teacher, Dr. S. K. Maity, M.A., Ph.D. (London). In this monograph I have tried to make a thorough study of the important temples of the district including their art and architecture, administration, rituals, legends, economic and social aspects. My teacher's constant assistance, advice, guidance and encouragement gave me much impetus for this study. At the very outset, I was in great trouble because Midnapur is one of the biggest districts of West Bengal and I had to travel to every corner of the district to survey the temples scattered here and there. But the greatest trouble was elsewhere. I undertook this tour at a time when the whole of West Bengal, specially Debra and Gopivallabhpur police Stations of this district was under the spell of Naxalite activities. Sporadic murders of people were a frequent and common event. Apart from my safety many also suspected and received me with great reservation. In many cases when I wanted to collect information about the temple property people suspected me as a spy of the Income-Tax Department.

Apart from these difficulties I had to face a lot of trouble during my field survey. While taking measurements of a semi-abandoned temple one day my life was at stake. The surroundings of the temple was full of shrubs and undergrowth from which suddenly came out a hooded cobra about five feet long and I was about to be bitten by it. Besides, there were some places in the district which are still dominated by the dacoits and robbers mostly belonging to the Lodha and other tribes. During my tour to Nayagram and Gopivallabhpur I had to take local guides with me to ensure my safety. These areas are mostly covered with Sal and Mohua trees and residences of people do not come into vision for miles together which gives the robbers an opportunity to rob the unknown persons of the belongings even in broad daylight. Perhaps I had to face the greatest trouble when I went to take photographs of temple deities. Almost in all cases the priest of the temple did not allow me to take any snap-shots of the deities. The greatest obstruction came, when I went to take a few snaps of the animal sacrifice before the goddess Kali. I was about to be thoroughly beaten up by the temple attendants. But by the grace of the goddess I was miraculously spared and saved from further humiliation.