Clay/ Terracotta/ Ceramics/ POP

Special images of Gods and Goddesses were made since idol worship played an important role in the lives of the inhabitants of Garhwal & Kumaon. Dekaras are the clay images of Gods and Goddesses either in relief or in three dimensional from and are meant solely for worship. They are prepared out of fine clay mixed with colour. Then they are coloured with different hues to make them attractive. The festival of Makar Sanskranti is an occasion for making garlands of wild pigeon or Ghugta (which figures prominently in the romantic folk songs of Kumaon) from sweetened wheat flour.

Mud work is an ancient handicraft of Punjab, which is popular in the state till date. It marks the zenith of Punjabi creativity, in turning out dull objects into masterpieces of art. Punjabis have a special art called Chowk-Poorna, which involves the plastering of the house walls with mud and then decorating them with eye-catching designs. This is basically done by members of the fairer sex, in the rural part of the state. Initially, the art form was done as a part of the superstitious belief to keep away the evil spirits. Certain symbols were also used to express boons of plenty, progeny and well-being. However, gradually, the art form began to become a part of the interior decoration of the house.

Pottery was known to the early Nagas and was mostly done by the womenfolk. The pots made were generally very simple and importance was given to its functional value rather than aesthetics. Tseminyu and Ungma village were well known for pottery by aluminum and steel vessels have long replaced the simple clay pots.

The Larmai area in Jaintia Hills is known for its pottery works. The earthen pots they make are shaped by hand without the help of potters wheel. Common items of Larmai pottery are those for making pancakes called ‘Kpu Tharo’ and those for distilling of local brew. Usually two kinds of clay are used – one bluish and the other, greyish.

The terracotta pottery of Madhya Pradesh is simply remarkable, especially that practiced by the tribals of Bastar. Traditional statues of elephants, serpents, birds and horses from Bastar are incomparable in their simplicity and are offered to the local deity as an offering in lieu of sacrifice.

The Bhils of Jhabua and adjacent Chhota Udaipur in Gujarat also trust in animal offerings made from clay. Their potters mould distinctive clay horses, camels, elephants, tigers and bullocks that are then offered to a village deity or to a revered animal itself such as the tiger.

Khanpur in Belgaum district of Karnataka is known for pottery, which includes large sized containers and jars, for storing food items. The local clay is excellent and a thin variety of pottery has developed with designs embossed on it.

Pottery is essentially a village craft, and Haryana is essentially a village state. The potter’s wheel, dating back to pre-Aryan times, is the most common feature of any village in India. Pottery in Haryana ranges from simple pots meant for daily use to highly artistic decorative pieces. In Jhajjar, in Rohtak district, pitchers made with clay are greatly valued as the clay imparts sweet taste to the water stored in the pitcher.

Pottery is one of the oldest handicrafts of the state and is being practiced since the ancient times. Gujarat is also renowned for its pottery especially those coming from Kutch and Saurastra. Earthenwares of different shapes and sizes are produced. Banaskantha produces water pots that are vert artistic. A small village in Kutch Vidi has abundant white clay, which provides the clay required for manufacturing soft white pottery. In Saurastra, there is a particular type of clay called gopichandan because it is similar to chandan. A finished article of gopichandan has a beautiful gloss.

While pottery is art of traditional form made with earthen clay, terracotta is ceramic clay. These are the traditional crafts forms of Goa.

These are traditional crafts with utility-cum-decorative items produced by the potters with artistic perfection and realistic finish. The items produced include flower garden pots, bowls with floral designs, figures of saints, Gods' and Goddesses' and animals, ashtrays and pen holders. etc.

In Delhi, terracotta pottery, is the one whose products make perfect souvenirs to take home. Some prominent terracotta items include cutwork lamps, long necked surahis (water-pots), gamle (flowerpots), pitchers and cups of all shapes and sizes. To get hold of quality earthenware, check out the Crafts Museum in Pragati Maidan, Dilli Haat and just outside the New Delhi Railway Station.

The art of making blue glaze pottery came to Delhi via Kashmir, the Mughal emperors' favourite retreat, and rolled on to Jaipur. The traditional Persian designs are much more in demand nowadays.