Volume II Special Issue IV April 2022

Name of Author : Kajal Poddar

Title of the paper : Boats and Ships Representations on Terracotta Temples in Bengal (16th-19th Century CE) with Special Reference to Howrah

Abstract: From the Harappan period to the present day, India has had a continuous maritime history. Only a few researchers have made an effort to promote Indias maritime history. Mukharjee 1912, James Hornel 1920, Ramchandra S.K. 1970, Moti Chandra 1977, Rao S.R. 1970 1987, and Deloche J. 1991 are examples of prior researchers in this field. They have emphasised specific features of the field. Except for Deloche, no one else attempted to assemble the facts on boat representations of the Bengal terracotta art. Archaeological excavations and investigations in India have yielded ancient boats and ships, which have been portrayed in a variety of art forms, including terracotta models, bas-relief on seals and plaques, paintings on pots, and depictions of boats on coins. They are not portrayed in any size they are just images of the sculptors experience or imagination that are noteworthy. Bengals religious architecture evolved in three stages I the development of ancient temples until the 12th century CE, later in the western parts, II the advent of Islamic architecture 14th–early 16th century CE, and III the emergence of terracotta temples 16th–19th century CE MacCutchion, 20041. Burnt bricks were the primary building material in a revolutionary new temple structure. Terracotta panels were utilized to embellish the temple surface. Throughout the centuries that followed, a unique Bengali temple construction culture emerged, which was notably visible in literature and architecture. When compared to other themes, images of boats in terracotta temples are few. When studying particular boat or ship designs in Indian art, certain constraints should be kept in mind. The 16th and 19th centuries CE must have been a crucial time in Bengal when patronage for terracotta construction in the indigenous architectural style peaked. This research work aims to analyse the characteristics of boats and ships represented on terracotta temples in Bengal, particularly in the Howrah district, throughout this historical time.

Keywords : Terracotta Temple, Bengal, Howrah, Maritime, Representation of Boats and ships.

DOI :

Page Number : 68-89