Dalan Temples

Features and Origins

The dalan or flat-roofed temple style becomes common only from the 19th century onwards, and particularly in Medinipur district. These temples (probably inspired by Islamic palace architecture) lack a superstructure, but otherwise adopt the standard features of late-medieval temples of Bengal, such as cusped triple-arched entrances, octagonal or clustered-pilastered pillars, terracotta decorated facades, and often, internal domes or vaults. Towards the late 19th century, European influences became common: such as a balcony on the roof (often with large stucco figures), and entrance stairs with rampant lions. Most zamindar palaces also included a stucco-decorated flat-roofed temple, the Durgadalan, used specifically for annual pujas, and sometimes of impressive proportions. The basic flat-roofed temple is occasionally given an upper story, often ornamental, but sometimes full-fledged deul, pancha-ratna, or nava-ratna upper temples.

Examples

Flat-roofed temples in the traditional terracotta-decorated style are rare. The Rupesvara temple within the Kalna temple complex and the Raghunatha temple of the Nayak family at Bahadurpur in Bardhaman are good examples of the style. Dalan temples with modern pillars and stucco decoration are common in Medinpur, especially at Chandrakona and Ghatal, but several examples also exist at Mankar near Bardhaman town. Additional superstructures can be seen at Perua (ek-bangla tower), Anandamayi Kali temple at Krishnanagar (char-chala upper temple), and at Jadabbati in Haora (nava-ratna tower).