The Krishnagar modelling industry was born out of the need to make idols for worship. With time, life-size and miniature depictions of mythologicalscenes, daily life and celebrities were introduced. By the mid-19th century, artisans were producing works for display at the various Great Exhibitionsbeing held in Europe. These included life-size figures and illustrations of the indigo factories of Bengal for instance. Jadhu Nath Pal, his brother Ram Lal Pal, his nephew Bakkeswar Pal and relative Rakhal Das Pal were the last four Krishnagar artisans producing clay models in the mid-19th century. Rakhal Das Pal was considered one of the best artists in the miniature seriescommanding a high sale price. These figures attributed to Rakhal Das Pal are rare surviving examples of his superior craftsmanship illustratingeveryday tradespeople.
