Maluti Temples

Maluti, a small village in the Dumka district of Jharkhand, holds a unique distinction for its extraordinary concentration of terracotta temples built in close proximity. Originally, local tradition claims there were 108 temples and 108 ponds built here, mirroring the number of beads in a japa mala. Today, around 72 temples survive in various conditions, packed within the village precincts. This unusual temple cluster owes its existence to the patronage of the Rajas of Nankar state, belonging to the Baj Basanta dynasty. These rulers were initially granted the territory of Maluti (tax-free, hence 'Nankar') by the Nawabs of Bengal in the 17th century. According to local history, instead of constructing grand palaces, the subsequent rulers of this dynasty engaged in competitive temple building, particularly between the 17th and 19th centuries. This resulted in the dense grouping of temples dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva, Goddess Kali/Durga, and other deities like Vishnu. Architecturally, the Maluti temples showcase the distinctive Bengali temple styles, predominantly the char-chala (four-sloped roof) and rekha deul (curvilinear spire) types, executed in brick. Their most remarkable feature is the elaborate terracotta plaques adorning the facades. These plaques exhibit intricate carvings depicting a wide array of subjects: scenes from Hindu epics like the Ramayana (especially the Lanka war) and Mahabharata, Krishna Lila narratives, representations of Goddess Durga slaying Mahishasura, various deities, floral patterns, geometric designs, and glimpses of contemporary social life. After the abolition of the Zamindari system post-independence, patronage ceased, and the temples suffered severe neglect, compounded by environmental factors like vegetation growth and lack of maintenance. Recognizing their unique heritage value, conservation efforts have been initiated in recent years by organizations like the Global Heritage Fund and state authorities to document, preserve, and restore these remarkable terracotta temples, representing a distinct chapter in the regional temple architecture of Eastern India.