Origin: The technique of pottery dates back to the time wheel was invented. Two stories are linked to the origin of Khurja’s pottery. Legend has it, Afghan King Taimur Lung, during his reign,accompanied Egyptian and Syrian potters. Another tale states that Mughal Empire witnessed the movement of potters to India.
It is believed that in India, Khurja in Bulandshaher is one of the oldest centers for glazed pottery. These potters address themselves as Multani Kumhars hinting Multan as their origin.
Present Day: Khurja pottery is protected under the Geographical indication (GI) of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual
Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement. From 1942 till now, Government has adopted several initiatives for betterment of pottery manufactures. Khurja houses about 15,000 official artisans and approximately 25,000 unofficial employees who work in 500-odd units.
400 factories in Khurja produce gorgeous crafts such as crockery wares, art wares, electrical goods, sanitary wares, tiles, household items, lamps, plates, pitchers.
Procedure: The process of pottery is cumbersome and requires a lot of manual work. The basic raw materials used in the making of the pottery are various types of Mitti (clay/mud), mustard oil, pottery wheel, gum, starch, wax, clay, potter’s wheel, twigs, dry branches, leaves, firewood, rice straw, red clay, black clay, pillimitti, yellow clay, , edible gum, starch, clay, wax etc. For finishing of these items wax is used.
The raw materials are kneaded together to form lump like consistency. This lump is then spinned on the wheel with the help of a vertical stick. While the wheel is moving the desired shape is given to the lump to form the final product.
Depending on the product shape, the wheel is turned. Then the places for handle or any other external part is left out. These external parts are made separately and then are attached to the body. After this the decoration is done by making patterns or designs on the surface. This is followed by the final polishing and finishing. Clay article after firing turns to terracotta.Black, red and yellow clay are used for making terracotta items. Women potters practice the most basic and unique manual technique.
These pottery items are exported to countries like United Kingdom, USA, Australia, New Zealand, Trinidad, France, UAE etc.
Bring Home Pottery: You can buy these pottery items in local markets of Khurja, Chunar, Rampur, Nizamabad, Meerut, Hapur etc.