Terracottas of Bengal : An analytical Study

Contents:  Preface.  Map of Bengal. 1. History of Bengal upto 1857. 2. Terracotta monuments and scheme of terracotta decorations. 3. Literary sources of the terracotta depictions. 4. Framework of society on terracotta monuments. 5. Religious cults practiced in the society. 6. Economic activities of the people. 7. Domestic life of the people. 8. Recreational activities represented on the Terracottas. 9. Arms and weapons portrayed on the Terracottas. 10. Costumes and Jewellery depicted on the monuments. Epilogue. Appendix. Select bibliography. Index.

This book on the Terracottas of Bengal, covers the discussion on terracotta plaques found in the archaeological sites and monuments in the Bengali speaking area of the Indian sub-continent. The area politically divided between India and Bangladesh but speaking the same language and enjoying the same historical heredity, is studies here. The book contains discussion on the framework of society, economic, domestic and social life, arms, dress and jewellery used by the people of the succeeding ages. More than 276 plates, mostly in colours, illustrate the various points raised in the discussions. Thus, possibly, the most authentic portrayal of a society and the priceless heritage of a nation which survived for over two thousand years gradually declining under the pressure of western civilization and economic exigency. Artists and craftsmen, who through their brilliance, labour and hard work, have left such wonderful creations for the posterity, will thus be remembered and saluted. No doubt the art historians of today can drew upon these terracottas as the most authentic source of information for their future writings.  (jacket)