2019-10-01 Tue

Terracotta is one of the oldest craft, it has taken thousands of years for its gradual development. ‘Terracotta’ word means baked sand, as the name suggests, it is used to refer to items made out of earthen clay. The first example in India of advance terracotta craft is found in the excavation of Indus Valley cities. The rich culture of this Sarawati civilization had many variants of the pottery and other terracotta product like toys, bangles, seals, and beads.

One can boldly claim that every household in India be it rich or poor utilize at least one kind of product obtained from pottery like pots and picture for storage water, earthen pots to grow plants and flower as well as beautiful lamps or diyas.

Many states in India like West Bengal have a rich traditional Terracotta art. One of the most exquisite examples is the pattern panels of the temples of Bisnupur. The Banknur Horse is also associated with Bengal terracotta art.

The well-known propagator of this art is the state of Madhya Pradesh. The tribal of Bastar make a beautiful design and intricate statues of animals such as horses, elephants, and birds. Other than these two states Gujarat is famous for its hand-painted clay products. Tamil Nadu consists of Aiyanar Cult with popular life-size terracotta figures.

To sustain and commemorated this famous art that is widespread on the continent Indian Government established the Sanskriti Museum of Indian Terracotta in New Delhi were terracotta art from each and every state of India is displayed.

India Post has also issued a stamp commemorating this craft of India in 2010. The stamp illustrates the terracotta doll from the craft museum. India Post has issued many such series illustration Handicraft on stamps.

To know more about stamp Visit philamart to view and purchase variety of stamps from all over the world.