Tamal Bhattacharya reflects on his work restoring the terracotta tiles of an ancient Bengali temple.

(A message to the reader.)

Rabindranath Tagore once said, “A country is created by her people; the country is not an inert mass of soil, but is alive and conscious; if her people can express themselves then only shall the country find the expression.”

For Bengalis, the Kalighat Temple (Kolkata, West Bengal, India) is a seat of faith that stands tall as a symbol of religious devotion and cultural significance. Culture can help the way a nation creates, develops and progresses. It is constantly evolving with time. Cultures and creativity both affect economic, social and all other aspects of activity. The meticulously detailed terracotta works, ceramic tiles, and paintings on the top of the Garvagriha (inner sanctum) of the temple evoke a sense of awe and wonder at the craftsmanship of the past.

I always believe that art is a form of self-expression and emotions are a fundamental part of our experience. Emotions are universal and relatable and they can evoke a response in the mind of the viewer. My emotional bond with this temple is greatly influenced by the people around me from my early childhood. I am deeply attached and excited about researching and recreating the artistic part. I am also interested to know the history, and culture for beautifying the temple.

There is a buzz of energy as well. When I am doing this renovation, I can easily realise how much positive impact it has on our lives. This typical Bengali Atchala temple was probably established in the Hindu Revival period (sixteenth to nineteenth century). It is triple entranced. The superstructure is supported by an arch and vault. In the walls of this age-old temple, I have found the existence of Art Nouveau tiles (stoneware tiles with tube line relief and dark colours) without any valid historical records. It has been several months of painstaking research to experience every intricate procedure. My work is playing a pivotal role in beautifying the temple’s Aatchala architecture. The process of the renovation has given me new knowledge and experience to cherish.

In the beginning, I was not aware that there were intricate terracotta works under the Aatchala, which had been hidden by the structure. Many of the pieces had been destroyed by the ravages of time. I have recreated all these five motifs in my own Studio Calyx Kolkata.

Through my recreation, I can hear whispers from centuries past echoing through these walls. This work is not just a representation, it is one where architecture, faith and human creativity converged in harmony.  This article aims to raise awareness about these incredible art forms, with the hope of reviving and passing them down to the next generations.

About Tamal Bhattacharya

I am an artist from Kolkata, India. I have participated in many solo & group shows in India & abroad. I have executed several major mural projects and public installations. Recently  I have successfully completed the artistic development of Kalighat Main Temple, Kolkata, India. Now I am excited to announce that our ceramic studio, STUDIO CALYX KOLKATA’s upcoming fifth annual exhibition, ‘REVIVAL’ will be held at our studio premises from 1st December to 22nd December 2024 where Bengal folk art meets modern art. We wish to celebrate creativity, collaboration and their relationship with the community. Like facebook.com/tamal.bhattacharya.5851 and follow @tamal3003

Tags

Bengal | ceramics | G37 | India | temple