Diwali is just around the corner, and potters are all set to display their collection of new clay articles. The colorful earthen lamps, considered to be the mandatory items in the list of Diwali shopping, whether for home decor or to give away as gifts, are visible everywhere. The traditional earthen lamps are the most preferred choice, especially for this festive season, when the country is sensitive to monetary requirements of all humans alike.
Every year, potters depend on the earnings during the Diwali season for their year-long survival. They work straight for 5-6 summer months, just to keep the most revered item prepared for the festival season. But this year, due to the Covid pandemic, the earnings of the unorganized sector like those of the potters and artisans, have been hampered. Potters are not expecting much footfall as the unemployment rates are awfully high, also people are following social distancing and consciously avoiding meetings and celebrations this year. Potters are selling their craft at half the price, to earn some money for basic living.
Pottery is an integral part of Indian culture since ages; its evidence dates back to Indus Valley Civilization. Those unpainted handmade potteries were crude, yet tangible. Initially, they were used to store water in summers, and later, as they became durable, they were used as utensils, bowls, and cooking vessels. The raw materials and environmental factors required to create potteries, were available in abundance in the Indian subcontinent, hence this craft gained prominence and perfection, to remain vital to Indian needs.
There was a lot of demand for handmade potteries in the Vedic period. The craftsmen experimented their products in all possible colors like red, brown, black, and orange. Soon, Indians became efficient in handmade pottery and began to deem it as a profession. During the 12th Century, Mughals were the first to encourage painted pottery in India, as they initiated potters from the Middle East, Persia, and Central Asia to come and settle in India. Soon after, Indian pots started exporting to different parts of the world, giving a sudden rise to international trade. The red polished pottery is still widely used in the states of Rajasthan, West Bengal, and Gujarat.
Today, potteries are available in different varieties; one of them is terracotta painting. Terracotta material is used widely for home décor. The modern living concepts that are sensitive to ‘Green’ and ‘Sustainable’ ideas of addressing the environmental challenges, are highly encouraged in the decoration of homes in India. The focus is brought on building with natural i.e. eco-friendly materials like terracotta, wood, and bamboo.
Nowadays, curriculum of Interior Designing and Sculpture paintings includes ‘traditional pottery’. Traditional designs of India are a hit in academic and professional circles alike. Now, ceramic artists across the world are appreciative, and striving to adopt the contemporary forms of pottery designs from India.
This Diwali, stay safe and encourage ‘green’. Happy Deepawali to our readers!!