Temples of Bengal

Temples of Bengal
Author: Sreecheta Mukherjee
Publisher: Aesthetics Media Services
Total Pages: 134
Release: 2012-12-25
Genre:
ISBN:

Artistry in Clay: Terracotta Goddesses Depicted on Temples of West Bengal

Artistry in Clay: Terracotta Goddesses Depicted on Temples of West Bengal
Author: Surya Shekhar Das
Publisher: Clever Fox Publishing
Total Pages: 282
Release: 2024-08-07
Genre: Architecture
ISBN: 9356487480

The Indian state of West Bengal is bestowed with a rich cultural heritage and great diversity of art forms. Arguably the most remarkable and unique of these art forms is housed on the surface of the so-called terracotta temples constructed mostly during 16th to 19th century CE. Intricate terracotta panels on the walls of these temples weave sacred tales from mythology, folklore as well as profane narratives of everyday life of both affluent and humble people. Probably nowhere in the world has this art form been more artistically displayed. But unfortunately, this magnificent art form of Bengal has been eclipsed by other contemporary mediaeval monuments better placed in the limelight of history and probably of destiny too. Considering the quality of terracotta treasure of West Bengal, one can affirm without any fear of contradiction that only in a few places in India, art lovers would find their souls better rewarded. In the beginning, the book contains brief discussion on the earliest Hindu goddesses, origin of figurative icons of goddesses, art of terracotta, theory of rasa, history of adornment of temple exterior using terracotta artwork in West Bengal, unique external forms of terracotta temples, and diversity of themes in terracotta depictions. Then the origin and course of history of around forty goddesses, depicted on terracotta temples, have been presented along with literary and archaeological evidence. It is undeniable that such a strong presence of the feminine voice as we find in Hindu tradition is wanting in the entire panorama of world religion, from ancient to modern times. But the real highlight of this book is the photographs of pertinent terracotta panels clicked by the author from a plethora of temples in different districts of West Bengal. Moreover, these photographs are supplemented with relevant specimens in medium other than terracotta. It includes stone, metal, wood, painting (both mural and miniature) etc. Overall, this book is embellished with around 260 illustrations many of which are being published for the first time.

Arts and Crafts of Bankura

Arts and Crafts of Bankura
Author: Sreecheta Mukherjee
Publisher: Aesthetics Media Services
Total Pages: 136
Release: 2012-10-01
Genre:
ISBN:

This volume is a result of meticulous research on the arts and crafts of Bankura.

Temple to Love

Temple to Love
Author: Pika Ghosh
Publisher: Indiana University Press
Total Pages: 286
Release: 2005
Genre: Architecture
ISBN: 9780253344878

Includes 82 stunning black-and-white images of rarely photographed structures.Published in association with the American Institute of Indian Studies

Pilgrimage and Politics in Colonial Bengal

Pilgrimage and Politics in Colonial Bengal
Author: Imma Ramos
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Total Pages: 147
Release: 2017-03-16
Genre: Art
ISBN: 1351840010

Reviving Sati's corpse: Mother India tours and Hindutva in the twenty-first century -- Bibliography -- Index