Concept:
Tracing the chronological development of contemporary Indian ceramics requires identifying key milestones in individual artists' careers.
Step 1:
Raku firing gained significant traction among modern Indian studio potters in the late 20th century.
Step 2:
Historical records and artist profiles corresponding to NTA/UGC NET ceramic syllabi place the beginning of Manisha Bhattacharya's dedicated exploration into Raku works in the mid-1990s.
Step 3:
• 1920 AD is far too early for this contemporary artist.
• 1985 AD and 1992 AD represent earlier phases in the broader studio pottery movement.
• 1996 AD marks the documented shift where her focus prominently turned to the Raku technique.
Step 4:
In standard Indian academic art history curricula, 1996 is the recognized year for her initiation into this specific body of work.
Step 5:
Therefore, the correct year is 1996 AD.
\[
\boxed{\text{(2) 1996 AD}}
\]