In Sonarang village, Tongibari upazila, two striking 18th-century temples stand side by side — locally known as the Sonarang Twin Temples. They represent some of the finest surviving examples of Bengal's terracotta temple architecture and form an important node of the district's built heritage.
Architectural style
One temple is dedicated to Shiva and the other to Kali. The outer walls of both are decorated with terracotta plaques depicting scenes from the Ramayana and Mahabharata, mythological figures, floral motifs, and vignettes of contemporary social life. Each structure stands about 18 metres tall and is crowned by a conical spire — a hallmark of regional temple design.
Date and history
An inscription dates the construction to 1843 CE under the patronage of Sri Rupchandra, a local landowner. Some researchers, however, believe parts of the original structure predate this, with later renovation and expansion. For generations, the temples have served as a religious and cultural anchor for the local Hindu community.
Conservation challenges
Weather damage, encroaching root growth from surrounding trees, and inadequate maintenance have taken a toll on the terracotta panels. The Department of Archaeology has carried out limited conservation work, but heritage advocates argue that without comprehensive restoration using internationally recognised techniques, these temples may not survive for future generations to appreciate.
