Bishnupuriya, also known as Bishnupur, is a historic city located in the present-day state of Bangal, India. With a history that spans over a millennium, Bishnupuriya is renowned for its religious, cultural, and architectural contributions, particularly in the realm of Vaishnavism. The history of this region is inextricably linked to the Malla kings, who established their kingdom in 694 AD and ruled over the region for 1108 years continously. Bishnupuriya was not only the political capital of the Malla dynasty but also a thriving center of art, architecture, and spirituality.

The legacy of the Malla kings, particularly their patronage of Vaishnavism, transformed Bishnupuriya into one of the most important cultural and religious hubs of Bangal. From their military prowess to their religious devotion, the Malla kings shaped the region’s identity, fostering a unique blend of culture, art, and spirituality that endures to this day.

Foundation and Rise of Bishnupuriya

Bishnupuriya was established as the capital of the Malla dynasty, following the ascension of Adi Malla in 694 AD. The Malla dynasty, which initially ruled over a much larger region, focused its power and influence on Bishnupuriya as the center of its kingdom. Adi Malla is credited with founding the Malla Era, an era that lasted for centuries and was recognized in inscriptions and documents throughout the Malla kingdom. The Malla Era began on the day of Indra Dwadasi in the Bengali month of Bhadra, commemorating the coronation of Adi Malla.

This unique calendar system, which was based on the coronation of Adi Malla, played a vital role in marking time and establishing the Malla dynasty’s legacy. It became the cornerstone for all documents, religious texts, and temple inscriptions throughout the kingdom, especially in the temples of Bishnupur. The establishment of the Malla Era was a testament to the Malla kings’ importance and their desire to set themselves apart from other contemporary dynasties.

Bishnupuriya, with its rich natural resources and strategic location, soon became a center of political, cultural, and religious activity. As the capital of the Malla kings, the city was home to grand temples, palaces, and a thriving economy. Over the centuries, the Malla dynasty flourished, but the region’s real cultural and spiritual rise occurred with the advent of Vaishnavism during the reign of Bir Hambir, the 49th Malla king.

Religious Transition and the Rise of Vaishnavism

During the early years of the Malla dynasty, religious practices varied widely. The Malla kings, while acknowledging the worship of Vishnu, also practiced Shaivism and Shaktism. The kingdom was a mix of different religious traditions, reflecting the diversity of beliefs within the region. The early Malla kings, like Prithvi Malla, constructed temples dedicated to various gods, including the famous temple of Sandeswar in 641 M.E. (approximately 12th century). The construction of these temples marked the beginning of Bishnupuriya’s association with religious devotion and temple culture.

In the 13th century, the introduction of Vaishnavism marked a major turning point in Bishnupuriya’s religious landscape. It was during the reign of Bir Hambir (16th century) that the region fully embraced Vaishnavism, forever altering its religious identity. Bir Hambir, a strong devotee of Lord Vishnu, was responsible for many of Bishnupuriya’s most significant religious and architectural developments. Under his rule, Bishnupuriya became known as “Gupta Brindaban,” a title given to the region because of its close connection to the religious practices associated with the divine Vrindavan of Lord Krishna.

Bir Hambir’s reign is also notable for the construction of the Raas Manch, a grand structure dedicated to the celebration of the Raas Leela, the divine dance of Lord Krishna. This temple became a symbol of the devotion and artistic spirit of the Malla kings. The Raas Manch, along with other temples such as Kalachand, signified the growing influence of Vaishnavism, and these structures remain central to Bishnupuriya’s cultural identity today.

The Role of Shrinibas and Vaishnava Manuscripts

Another key figure in the spread of Vaishnavism in Bishnupuriya was Shrinibas, a prominent scholar and devotee of Lord Vishnu. Shrinibas’s contributions to the propagation of Vaishnavism were monumental. According to tradition, Shrinibas was tasked with preserving and spreading the teachings of Vaishnavism, especially the sacred texts and manuscripts that were critical to the faith.

In a significant event, Shrinibas traveled to Deuli, four miles north of Bishnupur, in search of valuable Vaishnava manuscripts. Upon his arrival, he was welcomed by a Brahmin named Krishna Ballava Chakravarty, who introduced him to Beera Hambeera, the reigning king at the time. Shrinibas’s mission to recover these sacred manuscripts, believed to be hidden in various parts of the kingdom, was integral to preserving the Vaishnava faith in the region.

Beera Hambeera’s patronage of Vaishnavism was so profound that he supported Shrinibas in gathering and safeguarding these manuscripts, including those of important Vaishnava scholars like Shrijiva Goswami and Krishna Das Kaviraj. These texts, which were brought from Brindaban to Bishnupur, became the cornerstone of Vaishnava literature in Bengal and played a significant role in the spiritual education of the people.

The Arrival of the 120 Hindu Families

In 1778, under the reign of Gharib Nawaz (Pamheiba), a significant cultural and religious shift occurred with the arrival of 120 Hindu families, led by Prince Dhanapati Rajkumar (Koireng Khullakpa), who were brought to Manipur to teach and propagate Vaishnavism culture. They settled in an area that was later named Bishnupur in their honor. In this new settlement, the Bishnupuriya community constructed a Bishnu Mandir, which stands to this day as a testament to their enduring devotion and cultural heritage. This temple became a central place of worship and a symbol of the community’s religious identity.

As per the 2011 Census (Language), the total population of the Bishnupuriya community in the state of Manipur is 1288. From the 120 Hindu families brought to Manipur, 1200 people remained in Bishnupuriya, continuing their traditions and cultural practices. The descendants of the other families that migrated from this group now identify themselves as Manipuri, having become an integral part of the socio-cultural fabric of Manipur. This period marked a profound integration of religious and cultural traditions that enriched the spiritual fabric of the area.

The establishment of Bishnu Mandir and the settlement of these families contributed significantly to the spread and reinforcement of Vaishnavism in the region, bridging cultural ties between Manipur and Bishnupuriya. This period marked a profound integration of religious and cultural traditions that enriched the spiritual fabric of the area.

Religious Toleration and Cultural Flourishing

Beera Hambeera’s reign was also notable for its religious tolerance. Despite his strong devotion to Vaishnavism, Beera Hambeera extended respect and patronage to other religious communities. One of the most significant examples of his tolerance was his relationship with Kurman Shah, a Muslim saint who came to Beera Hambeera’s court. Beera Hambeera welcomed Kurman Shah with great respect, granting him land for his maintenance and allowing him to live peacefully in Bishnupur. The site where Kurman Shah lived, known as Kurmantala, remains an important cultural landmark in the region today, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of different religious communities.

Beera Hambeera’s actions as a ruler were not only religiously inclusive but also culturally enriching. His reign fostered a period of artistic growth, with music, dance, and art flourishing in Bishnupur. The region became renowned for its classical music traditions, particularly the Bishnupur Gharana, a style of classical music that is still practiced today.

Maharatta Invasion and the Strength of Bishnupur

In the 18th century, during the reign of Gopal Singha, Bishnupur faced external threats, most notably from the Mahrattas. In 1742, the Mahrattas under Bhaskar Pandit attempted to invade Bishnupur. However, the kingdom’s strong fortifications, coupled with the spiritual power of the Madan Mohan idol, helped protect the city. The Mahrattas, unable to breach the fort, eventually retreated. It is said that the Dal Madal kaman, fired during this event, played a significant role in driving away the invaders. The site of this battle, known as Mahrattadanga, still holds historical significance in Bishnupur.

The Decline of the Malla Dynasty

Despite their resilience, the Malla dynasty began to decline in the 18th century. The Malla kings had long been in conflict with the Mahomedan rulers, particularly the Nawabs of Bangal, due to their irregular tribute payments. The Malla kings, such as Beera Hambeera and Dhari Hambeera, were known for their defiance in paying tributes to the Muslim rulers, which eventually led to tensions and conflicts. Under the rule of Raghu Nath Singha, the kingdom faced external pressures as well as internal struggles, leading to a gradual weakening of the Malla dynasty.

By the late 18th century, the influence of the Malla kings waned, and the region fell under the control of other powers. However, the legacy of the Malla dynasty, especially their contributions to Vaishnavism, art, and culture, continues to shape Bishnupur to this day.

Legacy and Cultural Significance

Bishnupuriya’s history, particularly the Vaishnava period, left an indelible mark on the region’s cultural, religious, and architectural identity. The Malla kings, especially Beera Hambeera and Bir Hambir, are remembered for their devotion to Lord Vishnu, their patronage of art and literature, and their establishment of the region as a center of Vaishnava worship.

Today, Bishnupuriya stands as a living testament to this rich history. The temples built by the Malla kings, the Vaishnava manuscripts, and the traditions of classical music and dance continue to attract scholars, artists, and devotees from around the world. The cultural and religious legacy of Bishnupuriya remains one of the most significant in Bangal, reflecting the enduring power of faith, art, and cultural harmony.