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.
