Brick Industry in the Evolution of Civilization and Its Present Scenario in West Bengal -Nayan Saha
Assistant Professor, Gobardanga Hindu College Abstract Brick-making is one of the earliest technological innovations in human civilization, emerging from the practical need for durable shelter and gradually evolving into a vital construction industry across cultures and continents. From sun-dried bricks in ancient Mesopotamia to kiln-fired bricks in Roman, Chinese, and later European civilizations, the brick industry reflects the interplay between natural resources, technological advancement, and socio-economic change. In India, evidence of brick usage dates back to the Harappan civilization, where baked bricks played a crucial role in urban planning, architecture, and infrastructure. The commercialization and scientific standardization of brick production, however, gained momentum during the British colonial period.This paper examines the historical evolution of the brick industry with special reference to West Bengal, highlighting its geographical concentration along riverine alluvial belts, particularly the Hooghly, Bhagirathi, Damodar, Ajay, and Rupnarayan river systems. It further analyzes the present condition of the industry in West Bengal, focusing on Read More …