This is one of the most ancient forms of art in Bengal and the
association with religion has given it a different dimension.
Terracotta was used to decorate temple walls. Today, terracotta
pieces with delicate motifs are considered to be delectable objects
of interior decoration. Ashtrays, pen holders, cactus pots and tiles
are also available.
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 and 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 presently it is finding increasing popularity for
interior and exterior decoration of buildings, shops, pavilions etc.
Bankura Nadia, Siliguri, Midnapur, 24-Parganas (North & South),
adjacent areas of Calcutta are very popular center for Terracotta.
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