Report of a Tour through the Bengal Provinces/Pándrá

by Joseph David Freedone Melik Beglar

PÁNDRÁ.

About 9 miles west of Barâkar, and 1½ to the north of the Grand Trunk Road, is the large and important village of Pándrá, the residence of the Chief (now a female) of the district; here are several temples, all in a group, on a high revetted mound enclosed by a low wall; the principal temple is clearly a modern restoration of an older temple, but there are other small single-cell temples, which have not undergone much alteration, though all have received attention and are kept in repair by the Ráni; the place was evidently one of importance in ancient times, and the great terrace on which the temples are built, and the positions of the two existing smaller temples, show that here stood a large temple, surrounded by minor ones; the temples are interesting for the curious moulding (see plate), and the enclosure wall appears to be, in parts, of its original form. It is said that, while repairs were being executed, an inscription was found, and was inserted by the mason into some part of the temple, but where no one knew; and as the temples are well covered with whitewash and plaster, and I was not permitted to go in, I failed to discover it. The temples are ascribed to the Pândus, from whom, also, the place Pándrá is said to derive its name. I need hardly add that this is quite a myth; the temples do not appear older than the mediæval Brahmanical period.

It is said that about half a mile off, in digging near a tank, old steps leading down to it were found, as also a subterranean passage. I accept these statements as correct, and as indicating the former importance of this place.