Home > Arts & Culture > Indian Crafts > Clay Crafts of Maharashtra
Clay Crafts of Maharashtra
Clay Crafts of Maharashtra is still alive in the Vara region of the state. In Maharashtra the clay craft is mostly kept alive by the women of the potter community.

Share this Article:

Clay Crafts of MaharashtraClay crafts of Maharashtra are concentrated on the edge of Vara where the pottery community lives. The clay crafts in Maharashtra are mainly carried out by women and most of the male members of the community have engaged themselves in factory works. The potters of Maharashtra consider themselves superior to the brick makers which form an important class of the region. In Maharashtra there are many factors affecting the potter`s position in this hierarchy, ranging from geographic (potters living near sacred places gaining respectable position over potters living in socially inferior areas) to technological (the superiority of potters using the wheel to those working with simple tools). The potters of Maharashtra belong to Sudra community.

The month of February is the production season for the potters of Maharashtra. They make a range of different sized water and grain storage pots for the approaching Shivaratri festival to celebrate the wedding of Lord Shiva and Parvati. In Maharashtra pots are ordered by traders who come and collect them in a truck and resell in various markets. Traditions demand that the renewal of clay food containers to mark each important event in a person`s life should also coincide with religious festivals. Although the porosity of earthenware vessels is ideal for storing and cooking food, they become contaminated through continual use and need to be replaced, the broken sherds returning to the earth from which they were created in a perfect cycle.

Clay Crafts of Maharashtra The making season in Maharashtra is October-May; during the monsoon the potters will supplement their lack of income by working for local farmers in the paddy fields. The custom of the region is that before clay preparation begins a puja is done where incense and flowers are offered in the family shrine to ask for a blessing from god. Four parts of clay are mixed with two parts of sieved horse dung and one of sieved ash. In the preparation of clay includes first the sieved ash is spread on the ground, then the clay and sieved dung put into a hollow container set into the ground and mixed with water until the consistency of thin cream. Each area has developed its own techniques for clay preparation depending on the quality of the clay and local materials available.

In Maharashtra red iron clay is bought from the market and made into a slip (gheru) which is applied with a cloth a few hours before firing. Beans from the arita tree are threaded into several strands resembling a necklace, then dipped into kerosene and rubbed over the surface of the slipped pots to give a burnish. The round-bottomed pots are supported in a hollow in the ground and covered with sacking during the beating stage. The rim is finished in the same way with a wet cloth, but carried out before the beating stages happen.

About the potters of Maharashtra it can be said that most potters are economically disadvantaged and live in debt from the demands of dowries, funeral rites and other ritual expenses, the situation here being no exception.

A major kind of clay crafts of Maharashtra are the containers. The containers are made in batches in a kind of mini-production line. In the production stage several weights and sizes of wooden paddles with a stone anvil are used. The use of all these equipments helps to change the crude cylindrical shape into a refined vessel form. In order to beautify the look of the pot or the container the potter adds a decorative coil at the level of the shoulder; and is incised to form a pattern. Mud stoves are also important types of clay craft in Maharashtra. The mud stoves which are made are either single or double in structure.

Clay Crafts of Maharashtra Women in the potter community makes various sizes of water pots plus pots for collecting, fermenting and containing alcohol made from sugar cane, as well as the usual range of ritual pots for death and wedding ceremonies. Pots from the village are sold in a variety of ways; through traders, bartered with tribals for wood and sold directly to locals from the workshop. Twice a year after harvest the potting family hires a bullock cart which is loaded with pots and driven through the villages, exchanging pots for grain.

Clay crafts in Maharashtra are given a lot of prominence because a number of pujas are associated with it. The pujas which are associated with it are performed by the members of the potter community with utmost dedication.


Share this Article:

Related Articles

More Articles in Indian Crafts


Bamboo and Cane crafts of Arunachal Pradesh
Bamboo and cane crafts of Arunachal Pradesh have a huge variety from utility items.
Crafts of Haryana
The crafts of Haryana are rooted to the rural economy and are more than artistic showpieces, they are utilitarian in nature originally crafted as home utility and décor items. With the wave of modernization, these crafts have been remodeled aesthetically while also preserving its rustic appeal.
Crafts of Jharkhand
Mainly dominated by the tribal art the crafts of Jharkhand reflect the color of the state. The handicrafts of this young tribal state are mainly made from naturally available resources and serve the purpose of daily utility.
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Nagaland
Bamboo and cane crafts of Nagaland flourish due to the abundant supply of these two materials in the forests of this Indian state.
Crafts of Punjab
Crafts of Punjab have a good demand not only in the local market but also abroad. They present a perfect combination of artistic designs and vibrant colours.
Crafts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands
The indigenous crafts of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, speak volumes of the creativity of the people of the region.
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Manipur
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Manipur have a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in the creations.
Terracotta Art in India
Terracotta Art in India traces its history to ancient periods. Various forms of terracotta were found in the excavations of Indus Valley Civilisation and India has been the cradle of terracotta art. The art gradually evolved and made its way to different regions of the country in varied forms.
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Meghalaya
Bamboo and Cane Crafts of Meghalaya display miscellaneous items that catch the fancy of all.
Wood Craft of Manipur
The ancient Indian craft of Wood Craft has seen its evolution in Manipur, from the traditional artistic designs which still sustain their appeal to tourists, to modern utilitarian crafts.
Terracotta Art in Tamil Nadu
Terracotta Art in Tamil Nadu is especially known for the six metre high horses. The terracotta form of art is more pronounced in the temples housing the deity of Ayanaar.
Metal Crafts of Manipur
The metal craft of Manipur encompasses the process of smelting of iron from ores and making products in addition to ones made from other metals of brass, copper, bell metal, gold and aluminium.
Ivory Craft in India
Ivory Craft is engraving and carving on ivory that is a medium of artistic expression practiced in many parts of India.
Cane Craft
Cane craft in India showcases the remarkable artistry and skill of artisans. Utilizing the versatile material of cane, they create a diverse range of exquisite products ranging from furniture and baskets to home decor items and accessories.
Applique of Rajasthan
‘Appliqué’ work in Rajasthan echoes the magic of colour whilst offering that oriental charm of multicoloured harmony.
Bamboo Crafts in India
Bamboo crafts in India show a wide variety. Furniture, showpieces, and various home decors made out of bamboo add extra richness to the looks of the house. The art has also expanded to home utility items across the country.
Stone Carving of Manipur
Stone Carving of Manipur primarily encompasses household products like earthen pots and utensils, in the contemporary scenario.
Embroidery of Himachal Pradesh
Embroidery of Himachal Pradesh has a rich cultural heritage that is displayed in the creations.
Aftaba - Metal Craft
Aftaba or Ewer is essentially a Mughal discovery in India. Aftabas were generally used to carry liquids. The vessel generally has a curved shape.
String Puppets of Karnataka
String puppets of Karnataka are hugely popular among the native people as well as in the other states.