Bishnupur was ruled by the Hindu rajas during the Gupta period and paid tribute to Emperor Samudra Gupta after which the kingdom fell into obscurity. It oscillated between being a vassal state and an insignificant independent principality. It again regained power and prestige with the Malla rulers due to which it is often known as the Mallabhum. The Malla rulers were the most illustrious ones of the kingdom with a penchant for building Vishnu temples which is the claim to fame of Bishnupur till date. The Mallas were Vaishnavas and several terracotta Vishnu temples were built under their supervision in Bankura district during 17th and 18th centuries. These temples are the most marvelous specimens of classical architectural style of Bengal.
