Terracotta figurines have been classified here typologically and stylistically into three main stages. In the first stage, i.e., post-Harappan and chalcolithic cultures, art continued on a limited scale showing a new pattern much cruder and simpler in style. The predominance of bull is the most notable feature common to these cultures. Only towards the end of this stage a slight increase in human forms could be marked. But these are, however, of conventional type with little emphasis on physical features and do not indicate any evolutionary stage.
Human forms are limited and are still of cruder variety.
In the last stage, i.e., early NBP period, there is qualitative and quantitative growth showing prominence of elephant and Nagi figurines which appear for the first time along with a variety of local forms of animals and humans, adorned with ornaments. This stage is thus distinguished by refinement in modelling and a definite upsurge in variety and ornamentation. Although elements in transformed manners continue from period to period, significant new elements can be seen intruding or emerging in different cultures. But high artistic quality, embellishments, variety in theme, style and delineation present in the Harappan art are totally absent.