Terracotta temple is one of the most precious jewels in the vibrant cultural heritage of West Bengal. Intricate terracotta panels on the walls of these temples weave sacred tales from mythology, folklore as well as profane narratives of everyday life of both affluent and humble people. The terracotta adornment on these temples is a class apart and probably nowhere in the world has this art form been more artistically displayed. Considering the diversity and quality of the terracotta treasure of West Bengal, I can affirm without any fear of contradiction that only in a few places in India, art lovers would find their souls better rewarded.

In the beginning, the book contains a brief discussion on the earliest Hindu goddesses, origin of the figurative icons of goddesses, the art of terracotta and the theory of rasa, the history of adornment of temple exterior using terracotta artwork in West Bengal, unique external forms of terracotta temples, and diversity of themes in terracotta depictions. Then the origin and course of history of around forty different goddesses, depicted on terracotta temples, have been presented along with literary and archaeological evidence. Overall, it is undeniable that such a strong presence of the feminine voice as we find in the Hindu tradition is wanting in the entire panorama of world religion, from ancient to modern times.

But the real highlight of this book is the photographs of the pertinent terracotta panels clicked by the author from a plethora of temples (mostly from the 17^th, 18^th and 19^th century CE) in different districts of West Bengal, India. Moreover, these photographs are supplemented with relevant specimens in media other than terracotta. It includes stone, metal, wood, painting (both mural and miniature) etc. Overall, this book is embellished with around 280 illustrations, many of which are being published for the first time.