Algal colonization and its ecophysiology on the fine sculptures of terracotta monuments of Bishnupur, West Bengal, India

► Forty five taxa of algae were reported from terracotta monuments of Bishnupur. ► L. corticcola, S. schmidtii, N. microscopicum were the dominant cyanobacteria in these monuments. ► Maximum EPS was found in Lyngbya corticcola. ► EPS of L. corticcola plugs in the fine carvings lead to disfiguration of fine architecture. ► It alter the pore size, moisture circulation patterns and deteriorate the monument.