A labour of love!
The art of Khurja pottery dates back to almost 600 years. It is believed that potters from Multan came to the town of Khurja and started practicing pottery. In fact, a number of artisans often call themselves ‘Multani Kumhars’ hinting at the origin of the craft. Creating these works of art is a meticulous process wherein each piece is handcrafted to perfection with utmost care and precision. A true labour of love, the making of these pots requires several intricate steps. A particular kind of clay called ‘safed mitti’ also known as golden clay, is used to prepare these pots. The other ingredients of this clay mix – quartz stone and feldspar- are procured from different states like Gujarat and Rajasthan. The clay is then molded, either by hand or through electric machines, into various shapes like, pots, vases, tiles or items of crockery. Each product is then smoothened and hand painted with intricate floral patterns in warm hues of earthy greens, reds, blues and browns. Black paint is often used to do the borders of the patterns. The product is then glazed to add luster and ensure longevity and then baked at high temperatures fire to impart strength and highlight the colours.
Versatility in clay
Symbolic of a long- standing tradition, the making of Khurja pottery serves as a tangible link to the cultural heritage of the region. Families take pride in preserving and practicing this art as part of their cultural identity. A source of livelihood, employment and sustenance for thousands of locals, the Khurja pottery industry currently employs almost 25,000 workers, with approximately 5000-7000 people engaged in support services. With over 500 factories now, this industry has gained global acclaim owing to its unique blend of tradition, aesthetics and functionality. Visitors can witness the magic of the art and culture of this region by visiting the local artisans. Not only does the Khurja pottery appeal to the senses as an artistic piece of work but it also intrigues the gourmet within us owing to its numerous culinary perquisites. These clay pots are known to help neutralize the PH balance of the food, disperse steam evenly during cooking- resulting in lesser use of oil and also retain the nutritional value of ingredients while cooking. The Khurja pottery is indeed not just a craft but a window into the culture, lives and livelihoods of the local people.
