Various traditional crafts are included in the richness of India's cultural tapestry; amongst them is pottery. This ancient art form answers the needs of functionality as well as brings to the forefront the diversified heritage of the different regions of the country. Let's set on a voyage of discovery into some of the most enchanting traditions of pottery from India.
Exploring India's Rich Pottery Traditions
Kutch Pottery: The Artistry of Khavda
Khavda is a quaint village nestled in the arid landscapes of Gujarat's Kutch region, very famous for its typical Khavda Pottery. It traces its roots to the Indus Valley Civilization and depicts age-old designs. Artisans source a kind of unique clay called 'Rann ka mitti' from nearby lake areas, ensuring it's free from salt. On the potter's wheel, men mould this soft clay into different forms, such as matkas (water pots), plates, diyas, and kulhads. The women then, after drying, paint these with red, black, and white clay-based paints with motifs specific to each community. A thin coating of geru or red ochre is given on the vessels, which are then baked in a furnace fired by dry wood and cow dung.
Khurja Pottery: The Ceramic Capital of India
Going north into Uttar Pradesh, Khurja town in Bulandshahr district is an important centre related to ceramics due to its prodigious Khurja Pottery. This traditional craft is believed to have been introduced by Egyptian and Syrian potters more than 500 years ago during the Mughal era. Today, Khurja has over 400 factories manufacturing a wide range of products by employing thousands in the making of items like crockery, art wares, and tiles, among others. The pottery is characteristically made with bright colours and detailed designs and is, therefore, a common product both locally and abroad.
Preserving Tradition
Traditional crafts in pottery, however, have their own struggles to deal with in this modern world. The plastic and metallic alternatives have flooded the market to such an extent that demand has been reduced, and many artisans have abandoned this craft of old. Yet, Prosperity Mirra is committed to the work and continues fighting to keep this tradition alive.
The support and encouragement accorded to these crafts will not only enrich our lives but also ensure that these age-old traditions continue to thrive.
