Mortuary art is a tradition of Bengal

 Yes, mortuary art, often referred to as *shmashana kala* or *smashan art* in the context of Bengal, is an important part of Bengali culture and tradition, particularly in its association with death, funerary rites, and the worship of deities related to death and the afterlife. Bengal's mortuary art is historically connected with practices that blend Hinduism, Tantrism, and local folk traditions.

Here are a few key elements of Bengal's mortuary art and rituals:

### 1. **Terracotta Panels**: Bengal is known for its terracotta temples, many of which depict scenes related to life and death, including funerary rituals. Some temple sculptures and decorations, especially in the medieval period, showed funerary processions or symbolic representations of the journey after death.

### 2. **Chinnamasta and Kali Worship**: In Bengal, goddess worship, especially of Kali and Chinnamasta (both associated with destruction, death, and rebirth), plays a prominent role. Temples and shrines dedicated to these goddesses often feature art depicting death-related themes, symbolizing the transition between life, death, and rebirth.

### 3. **Cremation Grounds (Smashan) Art**: In Tantric practices, particularly associated with the worship of deities like Kali, cremation grounds (called *smashan*) hold a significant place. Bengal has a strong tradition of creating iconography and symbolic representations in these spaces, which serve both spiritual and artistic purposes. 

### 4. **Funerary Rituals and Symbolism**: Bengal has rich funerary traditions, including the use of symbols like lotus flowers, water, and fire in rituals, all of which are important aspects of the art associated with death. Often, paintings, sculptures, and carvings focus on themes of transcendence and the journey of the soul.

### 5. **Traditional Mourning Practices**: In rural Bengal, there are various forms of folk art and sculpture used in the context of mourning and remembrance of the dead. These can include effigies, masks, or temporary art installations used during funerary rites or death anniversaries.

These traditions reflect Bengal's unique blend of spiritual beliefs and the artistic expression surrounding the ideas of life, death, and the afterlife.