West Bengal, like all the states of India, is rich in culture and heritage. Where there are people, there will obviously be an expression of the inner man, which leads to products of great beauty.
However, beauty is not the sole reason for the creation of these traditional products. Necessity plays a big role too, such that the humble objects eventually reach the status of objet d’arts.
In this blog, let’s take a look at some of the traditional products from West Bengal. These products include some food products as well as handicrafts.
Clay products are some of the most popular products from West Bengal. As West Bengal lies in the Gangetic plain, it is rich in the natural material clay. Clay is taken from the river bed of the Ganges and is used to make idols, toys, and dolls.
The clay is used to make idols also known as murtis. These idols or murtis are worshipped during festivals, One of the most popular Goddesses from West Bengal is Maa Durga. She is venerated during the autumn season in a grand 10-day festival.
Making Durga idols for worship is a popular craft in this part of the world. Apart from the making of idols, clay is also used for making various figurines and dolls. Artisans even make beautiful everyday objects like vases in different shapes.
Terracotta (fired clay) is red in colour. From temples to toys, this clay is used to make several different types of objects, both useful and decorative. Bishnupur is one of the leading hubs where terracotta products are made.
Panchmura which is located around 23 km from Bishnupur is a leading centre where Terracotta crafts are made. Around 70 families still work on this craft and are referred to as “Khumbhakar”. The inspiration for these crafts comes from religious rituals and ceremonies.
One of the most popular forms of the Terracotta art form is the Kothakoli Horse. These are particularly popular in the state and are well-known as decor items.
West Bengal is also home to jute products. It’s a popular fibre from Bengal that is used to make a variety of items like utility items, furniture, accessories, and home decor. One of the most popular items is jute dolls. These have been around for a while, though there has been a significant shift in the making of it in recent years.
The dolls are made by twisting the jute fibres and they make for wonderful decor items.
The metalwork from West Bengal, known locally as dokra, is one of the most intricate traditional products of West Bengal. Making these products is a very difficult process and is known to the Dokra Damar tribe of the State. Mostly figures of Gods and Goddesses are made.
The making of Gaalar Putul or shellac dolls was very popular in the Purba Midnapore District for decades. At present a few passionate artists exist and they work on this art form, creating deities, animals and humans. Shellac dolls are completely handmade and eco-friendly.
These were some of the traditional products like handicrafts which are made in Bengal. From beautiful clay deities to the fiery red terracotta horse, the traditional crafts of Bengal are well-known for their beauty.
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