Clay Modelling

Exploring
Ancient indian
CULTURE though
clay modelling
Nikita Thukral 2K21/BD/61 Khushi Rustagi 2K21/BD/049
01
THEME SELECTION
Choose a theme or concept, providing provide a
foundation for clay modelling creations and guide the
overall direction of your assignment
1. Theme Selection:
For this Project we have decided to make organic human figurines depicting
the life of ancient commoner and cultural Indian values.
We explored various ancient indian cultures and sculpture styles starting

with terracotta figurines, depicting flourishing and richer India with artisans
working uninhibited in their imagination and creativity, with that in mind
we further went deep into the topic exploring Krishnanagar Clay Dolls,
which depicts, with intricate detailing and finesse, tells the story, or depicts
the vignette of rural life.
Krishnanagar clay dolls are truly unique in their realism and known for the
supreme quality of their finish.
So we have decided to revisit the Commoners life in history of india and try
to bring them to life through human clay figurines.
02
Research and
Inspiration
Research about the chosen theme. Explore various
artists, styles, and historical references and Gather
images, sketches, and written descriptions.
2. Research and inspiration:
Indian Culture:
India is home to over a billion people, accommodating incredible cultural
diversity between languages, geographic regions, religious traditions and
social stratifications. In recognition of this large demographic diversity, the
following descriptions are not intended to represent every Indian person.
However, there are common themes and principles that contribute to the
values, attitudes, beliefs and norms of the dominant society. Generally
speaking, Indians tend to have a strong sense of pride in the distinctiveness
and diversity of their culture. For example, the country’s agricultural
expansions and technological advancements in infrastructure, science and
engineering are sources of pride. Moreover, a considerable amount of pride
stems from India's rich artistic cultural exports of music, fine arts, literature
and spirituality (especially the practice of yoga).
Terracotta:
Terracotta is an ancient art form, perhaps one of the first expressions of
creativity of human mind. In fact, the use of the five elements: air, water,
earth, fire, and ether in Terracotta art-form lend it both an air of mystery
and auspiciousness as per Hindu beliefs.
Various Forms of Terracotta Art in India:
West Bengal:
West Bengal has a rich tradition of art and craft and terracotta art is one
of them. In fact, rural areas of the state are a treasure trove of finely
crafted terracotta pots, figurines including those of beautiful horses and
other items, small and large, of practical use as well as decorative. Some of
the well known towns for Terracotta art-form are Murshidabad, Jessore,
Birbhaum, Digha, and Hooghly. The art form came to this state in the
16th century with the influence of Vaishnavite movement which found
expression in Terracotta sculpting on Krishna temples built by them.
One such is
Krishnanagar Clay Dolls:

Ghurni is a humble neighbourhood of Krishnanagar in West Bengal’s Nadia
district. What makes it remarkable is that it is a centre of production for
stunningly beautiful and lifelike clay dolls.
While clay artefacts are created in many parts of India, few can compare
with the intricate detailing and finesse that define the clay dolls of
Krishnanagar. Since a large variety of figurines are made- all the way from
insects, to representation of folklore, to popular human figures to
animated cartoons- these clay dolls fit perfectly in every setting.
Every doll just two or three inches in height tells a story, or depicts a
vignette of rural life.
Krishnanagar clay dolls are truly unique in their realism and the supreme
quality of their finish.
Style:
The making of miniature clay dolls (2 to 6 inches in height) from
Krishnanagar is purely an artisan’s skill-based work and is known for the
detailing involved. A wide variety of day to day objects are made in this
craft ranging from fruits, vegetables, animals, birds to gods and goddesses.
The real specialities of this craft are to capture and recreate everyday
life, work, mood and characters – farmers, weavers, rag pickers,
basket makers, umbrella makers etc. The detailing given to each object
and character through intricate artistic handwork & colouring gives these
clay dolls close to reality representation, thereby contributing to the
uniqueness of this craft of West Bengal.
Historical Reference:
This craft of clay doll making is 200 – 250 years old and are
predominantly practised in a place called Krishnanagar in the Ghurni
district of West Bengal. According to the doll makers, the area where this
craft is located and practised is mainly in Ghurni since the proper
image-makers have settled here. The purpose of this effort is to preserve
and revive the traditional heritage of doll making.
The clay dolls of Krishnanagar date back to the reign of the renowned
Maharaja Krishnachandra (1710-83), who helped the British East India
Company against Nawab Siraj-ud-Daulah in the Battle of Plassey in 1757.
The king was a known patron of the arts, including literature and music,
and encouraged the local craft of clay doll making. In 1728, he invited
families of potters from Dhaka and Natore (in modern Bangladesh) to settle
in Ghurni, which would go on to become the heart of Krishnanagar’s clay
doll industry.
Artists:
There have been many skilled craftsmen from Krishnanagar who have won
national awards for their work in making clay dolls. Here are the names of a
few of them:
Late Bhabatosh Sutar – He was a renowned clay doll artist who won the
National Award in 1984. He was known for his intricate designs and
attention to detail.
Pradip Rudra Pal – He is a skilled clay doll artist who won the National
Award in 2010. His work is known for its unique designs and vibrant
colors.
‘Purnendu Sekhar Das – He is another talented clay doll artist who won
the National Award in 2017. His work is known for its intricate designs and
fine detailing.
Sujit Das – He is a well-known clay doll artist who won the National
Award in 2018. He is known for his creative designs and use of vibrant
colors.
These are just a few examples of the many skilled craftsmen from
Krishnanagar who have won national awards for their work in making clay
dolls. There are many other talented artists and craftsmen from the region
who continue to make these beautiful and unique dolls, keeping the tradition
alive.

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Exploring

We explored various ancient indian cultures and sculpture styles starting

Krishnanagar Clay Dolls:

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