Tracing The Traditional Terracotta Horses Of Panchmura, West Bengal

Terracotta Horses of Bengal | Bishnupur, located in the Bankura district, is a town renowned for its intricately carved terracotta temples. Once the royal kingdom of the Malla rulers, Bishnupur showcases a variety of architectural styles representative of Bengal temple design. One of the most famous products from this region is the Bankura Horse, which has become emblematic, even serving as the logo for the Central Cottage Industries Emporium. This choice helped elevate the lesser-known terracotta art of West Bengal to wider recognition. Almost everyone in Kolkata has at least one of these terracotta horses as part of their home décor. Bankura: A Unique Terracotta Horse The Bankura horse, a terracotta sculpture, is a symbol of Indian folk art and a prominent feature of West Bengal's cultural landscape. These horses, crafted in Panchmura village, are renowned for their unique abstraction and elegant stance. Originally used in village rituals, they have gained global recognition and are often found in homes around the world. To witness the creation of the distinctive terracotta horse, pay a visit to Panchmura, located about 20 km by road from Bishnupur. The Bankura horse, or Bankura terracotta horse, is a GI (Geographical Indication) tagged product. It was registered under the Geographical Indications of West Bengal as "Bankura Panchmura Terracotta Craft" on March 28, 2018.The village is particularly famous for its unique long-necked terracotta horses, which have become symbolic of the region's artistic heritage. These intricate creations are not merely decorative items; they represent the culmination of centuries-old traditions passed down through generations of skilled artisans.The terracotta art of Panchmura has deep historical roots, tracing back to the Indus Valley Civilisation, where terracotta artifacts were among the intricate creations of that era. Over the centuries, the art form has evolved, adapting to changing tastes while preserving its essential techniques.The ProcessPanchmura is now a vibrant hub for artisans, fostering a community that not only celebrates their craft but also promotes the preservation of this endangered art form. Visitors to the village can witness the meticulous process involved in creating these terracotta pieces firsthand. The artisans in Panchmura utilise traditional techniques.Terracotta horses in Panchmura are crafted through a combination of techniques. The main body parts are shaped using a potter's wheel, and the horses are assembled from seven different parts, including the legs, neck, and face. After shaping, the figures are left to dry in the sun and then undergo a controlled dehydration process in a closed room for several days to prevent cracking. Subsequently, they are fired in a traditional kiln, which gives the terracotta its distinctive red or black colour, depending on the kiln atmosphere. Leaf-like ears and tails are created using molds and are then inserted into grooves left on the body of the horses.About BishnupurSituated about 200 km west of Kolkata, Bishnupur is home to several stunning terracotta temples adorned with intricately carved tiles that depict stories from the Ramayana, Mahabharata, and the life of Krishna, among others. In addition to temples, local artists traditionally crafted small toys used in religious ceremonies, such as Manasar Chaali (a votive object representing the snake goddess Manasa), along with horses featuring pointed ears and elephants. As handcrafted ethnic products gained popularity, these artisans began transforming ritualistic objects into decorative pieces.Sarthebari In Assam Once Echoed Tunes Of A Traditional Bell Metal Industry; Now, It's Going Silent