Rajasthan is famous for numerous handicrafts and each period of history has contributed to the aesthetic heritage of this land. Pokhran in particular is renowned for white and red clay articles with geometric designs.
Recent Developments
In order to restore the lost glory of the once-most famous pottery of Pokhran, the Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) today distributed 80 electric pottery wheels to 80 potter families in Pokhran which has a rich heritage in terracotta products. Pokhran has over 300 potters’ families that are engaged with pottery for several decades, but potters started looking for other avenues due to heavy drudgery in the work and no market support.
Potter wheels were distributed under KVIC’s Kumhar Sashaktikaran Yojana. Apart from the electric wheels, the KVIC also distributed 8 blunger machines in a group of 10 potters, used for mixing the clay which can produce 800 kg clay in just 8 hours.
KVIC Chairman claimed that the exercise is aligned with the Prime Minister’s call for “Atma Nirbhar Bharat” and strengthening of potters aimed at creating self-employment while also reviving the dying art of pottery. It is part of efforts to reconnect the potters with the society and revive their art by providing modern training and equipment. The state KVIC unit will also facilitate the sale of their pottery at the railway stations of Jaisalmer and Barmer given the high tourist footfall in these cities.
[Pokhran is one of the aspirational districts identified by the Niti Aayog. It is a small town in Jaisalmer district where India conducted its 1st nuclear test]
