পরাধীন ভারতে কৃষ্ণনগরের মৃৎশিল্পের উন্নয়নে বিদেশী পৃষ্ঠপোষকতা/ Foreign Patronage in the Development of Krishnanagar Clay Craft in Colonial India

Abstract

Clay craft has been a continuous tradition in the evolution of human culture in the Indian subcontinent since ancient times. One of the important branches of this long-standing tradition is the ‘Krishnanagar Clay Craft’. Geographically, Krishnanagar is the headquarters of Nadia district, situated in the border region of India and Bangladesh. During the reign of Maharaja Krishnachandra, some clay artisans migrated from Natore in present day Bangladesh to Ghurni in Krishnanagar. Subsequently, the clay craft of Krishnanagar developed under the patronage of the Zamindars of Nadiaand the British administrators. British administrators and art enthusiasts were particularly Impressed by the realistic and object-oriented style of the artisans of Krishnanagar. With their active patronage, Krishnanagar clay craft began to be displayed at various international exhibitions in Europe. The artisans received considerable appreciation, honour, and fame for their clay works, along with various certificates of merit, medals and other recognitions. Therefore, it may be argued that foreign patronage played a particularly significant role in establishing the worldwide reputation of Krishnanagar clay craft during colonial India.