- The foundation of the Bankura Traditional Art Center was laid long before its official beginning in 1979. Its journey began when a young Hiralal Karmakar, still a school student, discovered his deep passion for art. With the constant guidance and encouragement of his grandfather, the late Mr. Shanti Ram Karmakar, he began creating paintings, clay artworks, and stone carvings—planting the seeds of what would later grow into a renowned art center.
- Eager to refine his craft, young Hiralal Karmakar traveled to Susunia, where he learned the traditional art of stone carving under the guidance of the late Mr. Sahadeb Karmakar. Between the ages of 13 and 15, his artistic journey took him to Kolkata, where he mastered the intricate skills of wood carving, further broadening his creative expression.
- At just 16 years old, Mr. Hiralal Karmakar created a remarkable stone sculpture titled “Daksha Yagna”, inspired by the Hindu mythology of the Puranas. This exceptional work earned him his first State Award from the Government of West Bengal in 1979, marking the beginning of his journey as an acclaimed artist.
- In the same year, recognizing his extraordinary talent and contribution to traditional art, Mr. Hiralal Karmakar received the Fast Start Award from Minister Chitrabata Majumdar,( the then Minister in Charge of Cottage and Small-Scale Industries, Government of West Bengal.)
- This was not merely the story of a young artist’s success—it was the birth of a lifelong mission to preserve, celebrate, and promote the timeless artistic traditions of Bankura. From this humble beginning emerged the Bankura Traditional Art Center, a living tribute to Bengal’s heritage, craftsmanship, and creative spirit.
