BISHNUPUR

also spelled Vishnupur historic town, central West Bengal state, northeastern India. It lies just south of the Dhaleswari (Dhalkisor) River. Bishnupur was the capital of the Hindu Mallabhum kingdom, which was founded in the 8th century AD and was once the most important Hindu dynasty in Bengal. The town is surrounded by old fortifications and has more than a dozen temples. The 16th-century Jor Bangla and stepped Ras Mancha are excellent examples of brick temples of the Bengali style. The dhrupad school of Indian music was founded (16th17th century) there under royal patronage. Bishnupur was constituted a municipality in 1863 and has several colleges affiliated with the University of Burdwan. It has major Grand Trunk Road and rail connections and is an agricultural trade and silk-weaving centre. Pop. (1981) 47,529.