Govinda Temple
The extensive area of the estate enclosed within a moat has a number of terracotta temples, mostly built in the 18th century. Although a wide range of structural types are found (pancha-ratna, do-chala, char-bangla, composite) the style and subject of ornamentation is common, with a focus on Krishnalila episodes and Ramayana scenes. This massive five-spired (pancharatna) temple is the largest temple in the estate. Its four walls, each with triple-arched entrances, are all completely covered with terracotta panels. The arch pillars and spandrels are also filled with ornamentation. Above, the curved cornice is surmounted by a flat roof, on which stand five turrets. Each is a complete shrine with sharply curving cornice and char-chala roofs. The four corner shrines have single arched entrances on each side. The larger central shrine itself has three entrances on each side, of which the side arches are closed with jali screens. These five turret-shrines are also completely covered with decorative terracotta panels. The unusual extent and high quality of terracotta ornamentation are features of an artistic style centred around this area of which the Kantaji temple in Dinajpur is the most famous example.
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