Medieval Bengal, a period spanning roughly from the 8th to the 18th centuries, witnessed a flourishing of unique architectural styles and the creation of magnificent monuments. This era saw the rise and fall of various dynasties, including the Palas, Senas, and the independent Sultanates, followed by Mughal rule. Each of these periods left its own indelible mark on the architectural landscape of Bengal.
Pala Period (8th-12th centuries):
The Palas, devout Buddhists, were prolific builders of monasteries, temples, and stupas. Their architecture was characterized by:
Use of brick and terracotta: The Pala period saw extensive use of brick and terracotta in construction. This is exemplified by the Somapura Mahavihara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is one of the largest Buddhist monasteries in the Indian subcontinent. Its intricate terracotta plaques depicting scenes from Buddhist scriptures and daily life are a hallmark of Pala artistry.
Influence of Gupta style: The Pala style borrowed elements from the earlier Gupta architecture, such as the curvilinear shikhara (tower) and the use of decorative motifs. However, they developed a distinct regional style characterized by its simplicity and elegance.
Sena Period (12th-13th centuries):
The Senas, who were Hindus, continued the brick-building tradition of the Palas but introduced new elements into the architectural style:
Temple architecture: The Senas built numerous temples dedicated to Hindu deities. These temples often featured a unique type of roof known as the "chala" roof, which has a curved shape resembling the hull of a boat. The Jor Bangla Temple in Bishnupur is a prime example of this style.
Decorative terracotta: The use of terracotta for decoration continued during the Sena period, but the motifs became more diverse, including scenes from Hindu mythology and epics.
Sultanate Period (14th-16th centuries):
The independent Sultanates that ruled Bengal after the Senas introduced Islamic architectural elements into the region:
Mosques and tombs: The Sultans built numerous mosques and tombs, often using brick and stone. The Adina Mosque in Pandua, one of the largest mosques in India, is a magnificent example of Sultanate architecture. It features a vast courtyard surrounded by arched cloisters and a massive prayer hall with multiple domes.
Fusion of styles: The Sultanate architecture of Bengal often blended Islamic elements with indigenous styles, resulting in a unique hybrid architecture. This is evident in the use of terracotta decoration on mosques and the incorporation of Bengali-style roofs in some structures.
M Mughal Period (16th-18th centuries):
The Mughals, who extended their rule over Bengal in the 16th century, brought with them their own distinctive architectural style:
Forts and palaces: The Mughals constructed impressive forts and palaces in Bengal, such as the Lalbagh Fort in Dhaka. These structures were characterized by their grandeur, symmetry, and the use of gardens and water features.
Mosques and tombs: The Mughals also built mosques and tombs in Bengal, often using marble and sandstone. The Tomb of Shaista Khan in Dhaka is a notable example, featuring intricate carvings and calligraphy.
Regional adaptations: While the Mughals introduced their own architectural style, they also adapted it to local conditions and materials. This led to the development of a distinct Mughal-Bengali style, which incorporated elements of both traditions.