
In the latter half of the 18th century, Nathaniel Brassey Halhed's Bengali typecase heralded a significant transformation in the landscape of publishing and printing in Bengali. This period marked the advent of printed Bengali literature. Publishers, both domestic and international, recognized the potential of illustrated books to enhance their visual appeal and broaden readership. One notable example of this innovation is Gangakishore Bhattacharya's illustrated edition of "Annadamangal," produced in collaboration with Press of Ferris and Co. This development also introduced metal and wood engraving techniques to Bengali publishing. As the number of indigenous engravers expanded, the establishment of government training centers became essential to nurturing their skills. Consequently, Bengali literature, including books, newspapers, advertisements, and calendars, became enriched by the intricate work of talented engravers such as Trailokyanath Dev, Biharilal Roy, Priyagopal Das, Nrityalal Datta, and Nafarchandra Banerjee. While the detailed engravings that have adorned Bengali publications may not always receive the recognition they deserve, this compilation serves to honor their contributions.