During the Company period, Indian craftsmen produced paintings of typical Indian professions and trades. Concurrently, highly naturalistic models of Indian tradesmen were produced in regions such as Kondapalli in Andhra Pradesh and more importantly in the Bengal region. From Krishnagar, Hatwa, Datan, Muzzafarpur, Dacca, Burdwan, Lucknow and Patna (the latter two are much later) such realistic figures were produced predating photography. According to T.N.Mukharji, Jadhu Nath Pal, his brother Ram Lal Pal, his nephew Bakkeswar Pal and relative Rakhal Das Pal were the last four artisans producing clay models in the mid 19th century. Mukharji also describes Rakhal Das Pal as the “best artist in miniature series” and remarks on his expensive sale rates. Initially the Krishnagar modelling industry was born out of the need to make idols for worship. With time, life-size and miniature depictions of mythological scenes, daily life and celebrities were introduced. By the mid 19th century, artisans were producing works for display at the various Great Exhibitions being held in England and Europe. Life-size figures and illustrations of the Indigo factories of Bengal are also known to have been produced. These figures attributed to Rakhal Das Pal are rare surviving examples of his superior craftsmanship.
