Popular Bankura horse that evolved as the symbol of West Bengal over a period of time besides gaining a special place in the national crafts museum, is dying a slow death at the very place it derived its name from.
Bankura horses are terracotta horses that were once used more often for religious purposes, now they are used as decorative item here. This art originated in Bankura district of West Bengal.These horses are known for their symmetric shape and rounded curves given to their body.
The Bankura or Panchmura horse gained popularity among the art lovers since it acquired a place in the works of renowned painter M. F. Hussein.
However, Bankura horse has been part of a 300-year old tradition of Panchmura Village and has gained entry into drawing rooms across the country and various parts of the world.Though Bankura horse has travelled to far off places, the artisans who have been making it for generations are struggling to survive.
A visit to the Bankura's Panchmura Village narrates the saddening story of Bankura artisans.It is unusually quiet for an artisan village. And, the premises of most the dwellings draw attention to terracotta horse figurines staring out. There is hardly any activity here these days except a few artisans dusting their stock.
The gloomy picture of artisans' condition bespeaks a dying cottage industry and sounds the death knell for a once thriving art form here.Time changed but the process to make these pottery pieces remained traditional. The tools used for shaping it are made from bamboo and stones.
However, now this cottage industry is mired in problems. For almost two months during summer there no work. Over 300 individuals from 100 families involved in this business are finding the whole situation going from bad to worse every year.
"The work is labour-intensive. Firing, moving the heavy horses and elephants, lacquering the items in direct sunlight, it is difficult. But we have no choice. Children also help as much as they can. It's family-oriented source of income. The sale and profits are very little,"says China Kumbhakar, a woman artisan.
The potters' wheel has stopped. The artisans only worship it in the hope that work would resume soon.
Be it fairs, exhibitions or markets are held in winter. With no tourists around, the local markets at Bishnupur and Bankura are left with a few takers for the terracotta artefacts. The old stock has piled up considerably.
The problem looks grave when one finds almost everyone in Panchmura is employed with this cottage industry. Be it women or children besides men folk, everyone is participate in the work process.Middlemen walk away with a large chunk of money. But the artisans ultimately find themselves left with nothing but their huge pile of unsold Bankura horse.
