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Panchmura, a village synonymous with world-class Terracotta art, carries a legacy that echoes the “baked earth” traditions of ancient civilizations. This ancient art—known for its iconic rusty red appearance—evolved from the ruins of the Indus Valley to become a centerpiece of Bengali heritage. Located just a few kilometers from Bishnupur, the hamlet of Panchmura remains the most vibrant center for this traditional handicraft today.

The Evolution of Panchmura’s Terracotta Art

Historical Roots: The terracotta art of Bankura holds an intriguing backstory. Originally rooted in religious ceremonies, it was primarily used to adorn the magnificent temples of the region.
Royal Patronage: Under the rule of the Malla Kingdom, cultural activities flourished. The kings invited skilled craftsmen and masons to Bishnupur, turning the region into a global hub where culture, religion, and commerce intersected.
Modern-Day Artisans: Today, this heritage is kept alive by approximately 70 families in Panchmura. These artisans, known as the Kumbhakar community, have sustained the craft through generations of artisan stories.

Craftsmanship and Community

Manual Process: The artisans of Panchmura strictly adhere to traditional methods, avoiding modern technological interventions to preserve the soul of the craft. The handicraft making process involves meticulous clay refining, molding, sun-drying, and kiln-firing.
Etel Mati: A special type of clay, Etel mati, is sourced from Panchmura. This clay is very crucial for the durability and quality of the terracotta products. They often stores this mati at their village open premises, so they can use as per their requirement.
Chaka Puja: The potters commence their work after mid-May, following a ritualistic worship of their wheels, known as Chaka Puja. This practice underscores the cultural and spiritual significance of their craft

The Role of Women & Community

Equal Participation: Pottery in Panchmura is a true family endeavor. Women play a vital role in every stage, from the initial shaping of the clay to representing the community at national trade fairs. This communal dedication ensures that the entire village contributes to the production and marketing of these eco-friendly handicrafts.

Terracotta Products

Diverse Range: The products crafted by the Panchmura artisans include jewellery, home decor items, and religious idols. Famous items include the Ghora (Horse), Kathakali Ghora, Tribal music sets, and idols of Hindu deities like Maa Durga, Maa Saraswati, Shree Ganesh, and Hati.

Famous Figurines: The world-renowned Bankura Horse (Ghora), Kathakali Ghora, and Hati (Elephants).
Home & Lifestyle: Intricate terracotta jewellery and unique home decor items.
Religious Art: Idols of Maa Durga, Maa Saraswati, and Shree Ganesh.
Cultural Influence: The proximity to Santal art and culture infuses these products with a unique tribal aesthetic, making them distinctive and culturally rich.

Preserving the Tradition

Training and Festivals: To sustain and propagate this GI Tagged craft, the Kumbhakars of Panchmura offer training to others and organize an annual Terracotta Festival in November. This festival showcases their work and includes workshops to educate and engage visitors.
Awards and Recognition: Many Panchmura artisans have received national and international accolades for their terracotta art, highlighting the global recognition of their skill and dedication.

Challenges and Adaptations

Changing Times: Despite their best efforts, the number of terracotta artisans has dwindled from over 300-400 to just around 70 families. Many have transitioned to other trades due to economic pressures.
Market Adaptation: The artisans continuously incorporate new designs to meet contemporary market demands, ensuring the relevance of their products in today’s world.

Supporting the Artisans

Bekaarstreet.com: Platforms like Bekaarstreet.com play a crucial role in promoting and supporting the artisans of Panchmura. They provide a marketplace for eco-friendly handcrafted terracotta products, ensuring fair trade and visibility.
Global Reach: These platforms help the artisans reach a broader audience, ensuring their hard work, dedication, and passion are recognized and appreciated worldwide.

In conclusion, the terracotta art of Panchmura is a vibrant testament to Bengal’s rich cultural heritage. Despite modern challenges, the dedication of the Kumbhakars ensures that this ancient craft continues to thrive, captivating the world with its timeless beauty and cultural significance. By supporting these artisans, we help preserve a valuable art form for future generations of this GI tag product.

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