Kumbha are waterpots which gained prominence since the ancient ages. They are used to carry or store water. The origin of the waterpots is traced back to the Indus Valley civilisation. These vessels were of heavy copper and were meant for fetching water. In addition to that lota-shaped vessel with a long spout rising from the base is also found that suggested pouring function.

The shape of the Kumbha resembled natural objects like pumpkins and gourds. These were then adapted to functional requirements, either for balancing on the head, for carrying on the hip, or for storage in the kitchen. These vessels were used for Vedic sacrifices also is the ninhaya. It is an earthen waterpot which was buried in the ground for keeping water cool.

Apart from Kumbha, another functional water vessel is the bhrngara with crossed straps. It is used by every Buddhist monk. The waterpots are also mentioned in the old Tamil literature. It is mentioned as versatile waterpots like the kallam and kundam. Pots were suspended from the roof in a rope sling (shimili) or kept in stands called pattadai, shumudu or shum-madu.

The Kumbha has an exclusive design that was governed by functionality. All carrying waterpots have narrow mouths to prevent spillage. These kumbha or waterpots were expected to be placed in a line on the west side of a kitchen, according to the Shivatattvaratnakara.

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