Monday 5 September 2016

Indian Potter (Kumbhar) and Their Magnificent Contribution to Earthen Handicrafts




Pottery making the most iconic and tangible art of ancient India. Kumbhar is also known as prajapati the caste of potters mostly belongs to Hindu family and some kumbhar are Muslims too. Kumbhar means potter with the time they sifted to prajapati which means the lord of people. The very first potter created by the god the make vessels for containing food and water for basic livelihood. The community is found throughout the India. Kumbhar is word derived from Sanskrit word Kumbhakar meaning earthen potter.

Once Brahma divided sugarcane among his sons and each of them ate his share, but the Kumhara who was greatly absorbed in his work, forgot to eat. The piece which he had kept near his clay lump struck root and soon grew into a sugarcane plant. A few days later, when Brahma asked his sons for sugarcane, none of them could give it to him, excepting the Kumhara who offered a full plant. Brahma was pleased by the devotion of the potter to his work and awarded him the title Prajapati. (Source). 

Kumbhars have many sub-caste and also divided their work according to their region alike Malwi from Malwa, Maratha from Maharashtra, Pardeshi from northern parts of the country and Telenga from Hyderabad. 

Since these community contributed and contributing in magnificent clay pottery making and earthen handicrafts. The most prominent and old age handicraft of country. Pottery making creates a massive employment to tribal women’s and community of both rural and urban region. Pottery making is ancient art of making varied object by giving clay a modified shape and size with different designs and vibrant color. 



The arts made from this clay is sale above the price in big malls, showrooms and certain pottery boutiques. But it is sad to say that that the condition is miserable in most part of the country. As people live in new era adapting new culture and aspect they relayed on plastic crafts and these traditional form of artistry lost the glory and position. Such these plastic crafts are hazardous to health. Indian government has continuously trying to overcome these industry by providing incentives, Loan on Low interest rate to start the business. Also conducting fairs and seminars in rural area to showcase their skill and talent.          

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