In Bishnupur, a town known for its stunning temples and musical heritage, the earth tells stories. Mohan Chandra Pal, a master terracotta potter, begins his day with wet hands and a prayer. In his backyard workshop, surrounded by earthen idols, tiles, and lamps, he carries forward a tradition passed down for generations.

For Mohan, terracotta is not just art. It’s ritual, history, and devotion—all molded into shape by hand, sun, and fire.

🌍 What is Terracotta Art?

The word terracotta means “baked earth.” It’s one of India’s oldest art forms, dating back to the Indus Valley Civilization. In Bishnupur, terracotta flourished under the Malla kings, who built entire temples using clay bricks adorned with intricate carvings.

Today, terracotta continues as a form of sacred and decorative art—from Durga idols and horses to tiles, pots, and storytelling plaques.

👨🎨 Meet Mohan – The Potter of Bishnupur

Mohan’s eyes shine with pride as he speaks of his grandfather, who crafted the famed Bankura horse, now a symbol of folk art in Bengal.

At just 11, Mohan learned how to knead the clay, center it on the wheel, and let intuition guide his fingers. “The earth speaks,” he says. “I just listen and shape.”

“Clay holds memory. It remembers stories. My job is to release them.”

He now teaches his daughters the art—proving that tradition knows no gender, only dedication.

🔥 The Making Process – Earth, Water, Fire, Soul

The journey of a terracotta piece is elemental and sacred:

1. Clay sourcing – Dug from local riverbanks and cleaned thoroughly.
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3. Shaping – By hand or wheel, using age-old techniques.
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5. Drying – Slowly under shade, to prevent cracks.
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7. Detailing – Hand-carved with wooden tools and metal wires.
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9. Firing – In traditional open kilns, using straw and firewood.
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11. Finishing – Sometimes polished or left raw for an earthy aesthetic.
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Each piece carries the warmth of the fire and the essence of the land.

🌱 A Connection to Ritual and Nature

In Mohan’s village, terracotta is not just utility—it’s spiritual. Horses are offered in temples for wish fulfillment, lamps are lit during festivals, and idols are immersed back into rivers—completing the cycle of return to nature.

The art is inherently eco-friendly, made from earth, water, and sun—with no chemicals, no waste, and no machines.

🧡 Why Terracotta Still Matters

• Cultural preservation: It connects modern life with ancient heritage.
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• Eco-conscious design: 100% natural and biodegradable.
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• Art with soul: Every item is unique, hand-shaped with emotion.
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In a world of mass-produced ceramics, terracotta is slow art—deeply rooted and beautifully raw.

🎨 Reviving the Craft in Modern Times

Though the market shrank during the rise of plastic and factory ware, Mohan is optimistic. He now collaborates with urban designers to make terracotta jewelry, planters, wall art, and home decor.

His work has been showcased in crafts fairs across India—and slowly, through online platforms, it is reaching the world.

“They used to call us just potters,” Mohan smiles. “Now they call us artists.”

✨ Final Thoughts

Terracotta is not just about clay—it’s about culture, continuity, and creation. In the hands of Mohan and his community, the earth becomes eloquent, speaking of gods and goddesses, of love and rituals, of ancestry and art.

By choosing terracotta, you don’t just buy decor—you support sustainability, storytelling, and soul.

In Bishnupur, the earth doesn’t just grow crops. It tells stories. And Mohan is one of its finest storytellers.