QUICK THUMBNAILS CONCERNING TOWARDS BENGAL'S RECEDING CRAFTS WORK

Situated beside the shores of Bay Of Bengal with over 91 million inhabitants and many more hidden talents. The land of Tagore, the land of red soil, the land of classical music, the land of lord Durga and many more.

West Bengal a part of ethnolinguistic Bengal region covering an area of 88,752kmsq in the Eastern part of India. It serves as home to many talented artisans of India. The unique craft of Bengal is admired by art-lovers from all over the world. The state has a unique specialization in many art forms. If you have little understanding then you will certainly be captivated by the unique art forms of different places. You will be mesmerized by the abundance of art forms be it embroidery, sketching, jute materials, metal crafts and the list goes on and on.

There are few crafts which are highly in demand and are well appreciated by the people all over the world. So, let's go for a trip to some places where we can find these masterpieces.

1. Kantha Embroidery

Kantha is one of the oldest forms of embroideries that originated in India. Its origination can be traced back in pre-Vedic ages of India. It is basically a type of stitching in which decorative images on clothes are outlined with colorful threads and running stitches. The images consist of symbols depict or are reflective of nature, such as the sun, the tree of life and the universe. It is used for designing saris, dhotis, bed linens, pillow covers, kurtas, ladies handbags and many more. It is the best to use on silk and cotton fabrics and it has more craze for foreign tourists.

2. Scroll Painting

Popularly known as Pata Chitra in Bengal, the practitioner of this craft form differ from the usual painters in the sense that they are known as Patidars. They are highly active in kalighat and kumartuli regions of Kolkata. The patuas started as painters to depict the mangal stories of god and goddess in their paintings. and the subject of these scroll paintings is also a story from everyday life along with images of nature, universe. This craft is made on cloth which is treated with cow dung, lac, and black earth. the outlines are made with black and red color. the paintings are painted with vegetable colors which make the painting look bright after 50-60yrs also. These scrolls are an average of 15t long. the patidars go to different villages and convey the stories with song and dance.

3. Terracotta Crafts

Terracotta or clay craft has been the symbol of man's first attempt at the craftsmanship. It is the most famous and renowned craft throughout the globe. This type of craft was started in the 16th-17th century. It is a folk craft where the themes are drawn from old legends and epics. But nowadays several decorative household items are made out of it. The temple of Bishnupur is the marvelous example of the terracotta craft of Bengal. Among all the terracotta items Bankura Horses are the most popular one. It is considered as the most auspicious in Bengali households.

4. Dhokra Metal Craft

Dhokra or Dokra is a non-ferrous metal casting which is obtained from the lost wax casting technique. It is one of the most practiced art forms of Bengal. It is actually the art of creating decorative pieces with the help of clay, wax and molten metal. This type of metal casting has been used in India for 4,000 years. It is the art of creating beautiful idols, jewelry, enchanting folk motifs and forceful forms. The best part about dhokra metal crafts is that they are completely original and no replica can ever be made. The product of dhokra artisans is in great demand in domestic and foreign markets. 

5. Conch Shell Craft 

Conch shell is one of the most unique and the most beautiful forms of craft practiced in West Bengal. It is the art of engraving beautiful motifs in the natural shells obtained from the ocean. The beautiful crafting and delicate works make it the most beautiful artifacts for home decor. Apart from home decor, these shells are considered an extremely auspicious part of Hindu mythology. 

6. Sholapith Craft

Sholapith is a dried milky white sponge matter which can be pressed and shaped into beautiful objects of art. It is also known as "Herbal Ivory", as it seems to look likes the milky white object made from ivory. It is among the popular crafts in Bengal. It is popularly used to craft headgears of bridal couples, garlands, decorative fans, animals, dolls, idols, the backdrop of Durga pooja stages and other beautiful souvenirs. 

These were some of the most popular crafts from the land of Bengal. Every craft has its own history, its own story to convey their messages to the people. It is now our duty to tell the world about the hidden talents which are losing its identity and shine.  

So, when are you booking your tickets to visit the places and make these beautiful artifacts as a part of your home decor??