[MSN] India: 7th century temple remains uncared for

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7th century temple remains uncared for
Kongkon Karmaker, Dinajpur

The early 7th century temples in Joypurhat decorated with terracotta
plaques, which were indiscreetly painted white recently. Photo: STAR:
http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=20123

The early 7th century Baroshivaloy temple in Joypurhat is on the verge of
ruin due to sheer negligence of the authorities, lack of maintenance and
high salinity in the soil seeping through the structures.

The Baroshivaloy is a large brick-built temple with clay terracotta plaques
and 11 other smaller similar temples surrounding it, according to Department
of Archaeology officials. They said they cannot maintain the temples, at
Delamla about four kilometres from Joypurhat town, due to lack of funds.

According to sources, poor maintenance work and high ground salinity have
caused much of the ornamental terracotta plaques and the walls of the
temples to erode over the years.

The Daily Star correspondent saw that the temples have lost much of their
charm of terracotta beauty as the archaeology department turned a blind eye
to them. The situation got worse when the locals painted the brickworks of
the temple with white lime. The terracotta plaques bear images of religious
events but the beauty of the walls, pillars and the rooms is almost all
gone.

According to local historians, the temples were built between 700AD and
800AD by the devotees of Shiva for their prayer needs.

Shituram Mohanto, caretaker of the temples, said high salinity, lack of
maintenance and protection from the weather have eroded a large number of
the terracotta plaques and there has never been any renovation work.

A number of the plaques and bricks on the walls have also been stolen.
Fearing further theft, the maintenance committee of the temples encircled
the temples with concrete walls.

The archaeology department officials, however, claimed the temples could be
restored to their former glory if funds were made available.

Images:
http://www.thedailystar.net/story.php?nid=20123