Year Built
1680
Built By
Rajas of Maluti (Baj Basanta dynasty, 17th-19th centuries)
Patronage
Baj Basanta dynasty (Zamindars of Maluti)
Located in the small village of Maluti in Dumka district, Jharkhand, this unique site features a dense concentration of about 72 ancient terracotta temples showcasing the regional Chala style of Bengali architecture. Built mostly in the 17th and 18th centuries under the Baj Basanta dynasty, these small temples depict scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata on their terracotta panels. Though many are dilapidated, the site is an important archaeological and heritage location needing preservation efforts.
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.
Jharkhand State Dept. of Art, Culture, Sports & Youth Affairs; ASI (Ranchi Circle); Global Heritage Fund/partners (documentation/conservation projects).
Focus is on documentation (including 3D scanning) and conservation of the unique terracotta temples. Surveys identified around 72 existing temples (originally 108). No major excavations reported, but documentation of temple styles, terracotta panels, and inscriptions is key archaeological work.
Active conservation projects preserving unique terracotta temples (State/ASI/GHF).
Baj Basanta dynasty (Zamindars of Maluti)
Brick and laterite masonry, elaborate terracotta plaque ornamentation
3 items
Unique cluster of numerous small temples (originally 108, 72 remain) adorned with detailed terracotta panels depicting epics and social life.
24.162300, 87.677300
{"notes":"Scattered temples/ruins in a village setting. Requires walking on uneven village paths. Access to individual structures varies.","restrooms":"Very basic or none available","wheelchair_accessible":"Difficult (uneven terrain, scattered site)"}
4 items
Winter (October to February) offers comfortable weather for exploring the village and temples. Avoid the monsoon season. Daytime visits are essential.
2 items
Village site with fragile terracotta temples. Extreme care required; do not touch panels. Respect the local community and ongoing conservation work. Photography generally allowed but be sensitive. Donations support preservation efforts.
18
Yes
Yes
67
in-progress
68408625-44a5-46e3-b746-71290aac1079
2025-04-28T08:04:19.982836+00:00
2025-04-28T08:04:19.982836+00:00