Like all other handicrafts and crafts, the tradition of pottery making in India is very old. The ancient pottery of a country speaks volumes about its civilization. Pottery is one of those important mediums through which men have expressed their emotions. For thousands of years pottery art has been one of the most beautiful forms of expression. A piece of pottery has a visual message in its shape and color.
Pottery is the most sensual of all arts. In India, we have had a great
tradition of pottery making. In fact, being an agricultural country,
pots for storage of water and grains were in demand. The real beginning
of Indian pottery began with the Indus Valley Civilization and the art
of shaping and baking clay articles as pottery, earthenware and
porcelain has continued through the ages. While pottery and earthenware
are definitely utilitarian and often decorative, porcelain and studio
pottery belong to the sphere of art.
There is proof of pottery making, both handmade and wheel-made, from
all over India. In the Harappaan civilization potter's place was quite
an important one in society. The craft was well advanced. Rectangular
oven for firing the product were in use. Seals and grain and water
containers were made that were put to use effectively. The potter
occupies a unique position in the craft traditions of India. India is
home to more than a million potters. The potters are wonderful masters
of their trade.
The tradition of pottery manufacturing in India can be traced back to the Indus valley civilization.