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Bengal is proud of her ancient terracotta art.
Highly decorated terracotta tiles of the past centuries still adorns
numerous temples and adjoining structures in the districts of
Bankura, Birbhum, Hooghly and Midnapur. The art of making clay tiles
was known to the clay workers since Harappan time, but the idea of
utilising these tiles for architectural purpose is, perhaps, an
ingenious brain –child of the Bengal artisans. From archeological
excavations, it appeared that terracotta tiles were used to logical
excavations, it appeared that terracotta tiles were used to decorate
temple facades in Bengal long before the Sultans came. The
terracotta art is at its liveliest from in the 17th
Century but gradually loses its rhythm. In the recent years this has
again revived and now a days it is finding increasing popularity for
interior and exterior decoration of buildings, shops, pavilions etc.
A Good number of units in the districts of South and North
24-Parganas, Bankura and Nadia are engaged in production of
Terrocotta tiles and other terracotta products. |
