Terracotta, a functional art, is the first creative expression of civilization. From the common earthen pot that stores drinking water to the giant-sized cultic equestrian figures of the rural Tamil deities of the Aiyyanar cult, terracotta art occupies a central position in Indian life and culture. It would be a long search for a village or locality in India where a potter is not to be found. In the world of Indian terracotta, we find the shared expression of an entire community. Terracotta art bears testimony to the varied and ancient traditions of its practise in India over five millennia. Having always had their existence outside the rigid rules of the shilpashastras or the constituted Hindu canons governing artistic expression, terracotta art enjoys enormous freedom in terms of imagination and conception.

 

Sanskriti’s Museum of Indian Terracotta is a systematic attempt to comprehend the rich living traditions of this art form in India. Displayed in the museum are over 1500 exuberant forms and sophisticated shapes created on location by master craftspeople from India. A special gallery has been installed in the museum to provide a historical perspective to the ancient tradition of terracotta art. As a regular practice, Sanskriti has been inviting some of the finest terracotta artists, both traditional and modern, from all over India to live, work, and display their work at the Kendra. Residential facilities, working space, and the display gallery are located within the Sanskriti Kendra complex.