Chandranatha-Shiva Temple at Hetampur, Birbhum District

Photograph of the Chandranatha-Shiva Temple in Hetampur, West Bengal from the Archaeological Survey of India Collections: India Office Series, taken by an unknown photographer in the 1870s. The Chandranatha Shiva temple is an extraordinary example of temple architecture. The octagonal-pinnacled shape is rarely used for temples and creates a striking effect. The exterior panels are heavily carved with geometric designs, as can be seen in this photograph.

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Three temples at Dubrajpur, Birbhum District

Photograph of three Shiva temples in Dubrajpur, West Bengal from the Archaeological Survey of India Collections: India Office Series, taken by an unknown photographer in the 1870s. The central shrine is single storied, sits on a raised platform and has but one entrance. The temple is classified as a trayodassha-ratna (thirteen-pinnacled) shrine and is typical of the Dubrajpur type. It is decorated with sculptures of foliate designs and carved figures of Krishna are found on the panels, playing the flute while surrounded by adoring gopis (young cattle-tending maidens).

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Shiva Temple at Dubrajpur, Birbhum District

Photograph of a Shiva temple in Dubrajpur, West Bengal from the Archaeological Survey of India Collections: India Office Series, taken by an unknown photographer in the 1870s. The shrine is single storied, sits on a raised platform and has but one entrance. The temple is classified as a trayodassha-ratna (thirteen-pinnacled) shrine and is typical of the Dubrajpur type. It is decorated with sculptures of foliate designs and carved figures of Krishna are found on the panels, playing the flute while surrounded by adoring gopis (young cattle-tending maidens).

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