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Puthia Raj family

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Ruins of the Old Palace

Puthia Raj is currently an upazila in Rajshahi district. The Puthia Raj family was created by the Mughals in the early seventeenth century is one of the oldest feudal estates of Bengal.

A lord named Nilambar received the title of Raja (King) from the Emperor Jahangir (1605-1627 AD). In 1744, the region was divided between King Nilambar's sons and the Puthia Raj family was born. The family built lavish palaces and temples, such as the Puthia Temple Complex and were noted philanthropists. The Puthia Raj estate maintained its existence till the abolition of the zamindari system under the newly formed democratic Government of East Pakistan after passing of the East Bengal State Acquisition and Tenancy Act of 1950, just two years after the fall of the British Monarchy in India. The palaces are currently administered under the Government of Bangladesh[1].

Architecture

The Shiva Temple at Puthia

Puthia Temple Complex consists of a cluster of notable old Hindu Temples in Puthia Upazila, Rajshahi Division, Bangladesh. Located 23 km to the east of Rajshahi city it has the largest number of Historic temples in Bangladesh.[2] The temples were built by Hindu Zamindars Rajas of the Puthia Raj family who were noted philanthropists of Rajshahi. The temples have been built in terracotta in a variety of styles combining the typical Jor Bangla Architecture with other influences. The Rajbari or Palace of the Raja of Puthia is part of the complex.[3] The temples are laid out around a lake with a sprawling lawn.[4]

Pancharatna Gobinda Temple

The Pancharatna Gobinda Temple

The grandest temple in Puthia, the Govinda Temple was erected in mid-nineteenth century by the queen of Puthia. The temple is dedicated to Lord Krishna, as the Puthians were converted to Vaishnavism by Radhamohana Thakura. The temple has exquisite terracotta ornamentation depicting the divine romance between Krishna and Radha. The temple's survival is threatened by the newly-established college nearby and the lack of conservation efforts.[5]

Shiva Temple

The Shiva Linga at the Shiva temple

This temple, built in 1815 by the queen of Puthia and dedicated to the Hindu God Shiva, is the largest Shiva temple in Bangladesh. The corridors have a touch of Jaipur architecture and in the sanctuary, lies a very large black basalt Shiva Linga, one of the largest in the country. The temple suffered damage in the 1971 War of Liberation of Bangladesh. The destroyers attempted to displace and break the Shiva Linga, but were unable to move it from its position. The temple is now a protected monument.[2]

Jagannath Temple

The Jagannath Temple, predating the temple, is dedicated to the Hindu God Jagannath, a form of Krishna. It is a fine example of Bangladeshi architecture, having intricate embellishments and terracotta reliefs, although it measures only 5m by 10m.[6]

References

  1. ^ Encyclopedia Article
  2. ^ a b McAdam, Marika. (2004) Lonely Planet's Bangladesh. pp. 114-115.
  3. ^ The Daily Star
  4. ^ The National
  5. ^ Bangladesh News
  6. ^ Know Bangladesh

Template:Hindu Temples in Bangladesh

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