Terracotta, derived from the Latin words “terra” (meaning “earth”) and “cocta” (meaning “baked”), refers to objects made from baked clay. In other words, anything created by firing soil is considered terracotta. The usage of terracotta in Bangladesh dates back thousands of years. Terracotta artifacts can be found across some of the most ancient civilizations in the world, including the Maurya, Pala, Gupta, and Sena civilizations. These civilizations left behind impressive terracotta artworks, which were not only functional but also served as design elements in temples and buildings.

The practice of pottery in ancient Bengal was widespread due to the availability of suitable clay soil. Most household utensils during that time were made of terracotta. Limited access to stones led to the popularity of terracotta as a building material and temple decoration. Notable ancient terracotta specimens have been found in places like Wari-Bateshwar and Mohasthan gar, dating back around two thousand years. The terracotta sculptures found in Wari-Bateshwar exhibit similarities to those from the Indus Valley Civilization. The Mauryan civilization also incorporated Greek and Persian influences in its pottery. Paharpur, an ancient Buddhist monastery, contains terracotta works older than the Pala civilization. The Sompur Mahavihara, the largest monastery from the Pala period, features over two thousand terracotta panels on its central temple. The Sena dynasty also contributed to the evolution of terracotta art in Bangladesh.

In summary, terracotta has a rich heritage in Bangladesh, with its influence spanning ancient civilizations to contemporary times.