Mitti Ke Log-1

Mitti Ke Log-1This incident revolves around that time when I was unable to know about the widely extended clay on the face of the earth either black, yellow, red or brown, what contains, yielding plants and also solely responsible for the third basic amenity which all human being must have, i. e. house. Then, I was only seven or eight years old. As usual, I used to smell the clay and liked its natural aroma and that exists even today. Mother restrained me to leave it, so that I could be devoid of this unusual act. But due to curiosity for this simple clay, over a long time culminated into love and motivated me to do a research on related topic. Therefore I am researching on the potters of Delhi (MITTI KE LOG) >From the ancient civilizations we find the evidences of baked or unbaked clay objects of ritualistic or domestic purposes. Invention of the potter’s wheel (chaak) was the most striking incident of human civilization, which paved the path for a great scientific revolution and helped to produce bigger, articulate and aesthetically sound utensils. Man started making terracotta to give expression to his fears, religious urges, social life and amusement and to attain aesthetical enjoyment. Thus, a simple process whose only objective was utilitarian in the beginning evolved into a complex process as a medium of expression and became a work of art. It is impossible to say whether chaak had been invented, in India or somewhere else but the industrial revolution of Europe and the world moving on wheel is the out come of chaak.Kumbhar, one of the various castes of India, possess an honoured position due to their artistic skills. They are inhabited in each and every part of India. The whole Indian society is inseparably linked to the kumbharas. In the fast track life of today clay figurines and utensils are not used in day to day life as extensively as it were used earlier but, still it occupies unparalleled importance in religious rituals, festivals and marriage ceremony. Use of clay idols extensively in yearly Puja festivals of Durga, Ganesh, Sarasavati etc. and artifacts for decorative use in urban areas are showing new possibilities for the kumbhar community.Traditionally there have been kumbharas living in all areas of Delhi. Large number of their population has been switched over to other professions, but few of them are still doing their parental work.Uttamnagar, a suburb of Delhi, has the largest population of kumbharas near about 500. 11 Feb 2005, few mts. Back from Tilak pool, after crossing the drainage and walking 200mts. Along the road, I reached kumbhara toli( Prajapat colony). There clay pots, toys, decorative lamps and several terracotta items were placed on display in many shops on both side of the road. Here, I had come six months ago but couldn’t come to know the whole colony. I met Gopal kumbhar, who told me little bit about his work and his society. His polite behaviour and tea are still in my remembrance. But today, I wanted to see the colony alone so I didn’t approach Gopal and walked down here and there for half an hour. My long hair and wandering eyes it would be centre for attraction, because some were staring me. Before the chowk, on the left side of the road, I saw a tent (here each and every house is made of cement) without any hesitation, I intered into the tent where a young man 20, and a lady 45, were enjoying their work. I introduced my self before they asked. The young man is Dharmveer and the lady his mother, Sumitradevi. She is widow and has three children. Her elder son, Dharmveer is 10th pass, Anita is second child and after 8th she left the school. Third is Sumit studying in class 5th and his family wants to see him in higher education. Dharamveer doesn’t want him to involve in this profession.I asked him, do you not like your profession? He replied” yes I love, but it is not enough to fulfill the hungry stomach. It has less income and lots of difficulties”. Her mother is from Bahadurgarh, Harayana. Before marriage she didn’t know about clay work, because her father’s family is engaged in other works. After marriage she used to work with clay and often helped her husband. Unexpected death of Dharmvee’rs father forced her to deal with coming challenges. That’s why she placed herself as a fultimer in this profession. Her husband’s four brothers and her family jointly work on the same place, for they pay 25000 thousand per year, but they have separate kitchens.Dharmveer’s family make decorative lamps, idols, plaques, altars, flower pots etc. They make different items after getting orders. Some potters are engaged in marketing and only deals with producers and consumers.( I met a kumbhar in Safdarjung Enclave, who sells clay objects but does not know the pottery skill.)Abstract of conversation with Dharmveer on the art and technique:How long have you been in this work?Since childhood. But totally involved after 10th.How much you earn?It depends on market demand and season. It varies between 4000 and 6000 monthly. But due to shortage of demand we don’t do anything for months.Tell me about your technique, from where you get row materials and when the kiln is fired?Our technique is just similar as other ones. First give proper shape on chaak(electrified) and dry in sun, then colouring which depends upon need and bake at last. We fire the kiln on demand. In rainy season we don’t fire.I have seen some works in Bihar(Darbhanga), Bengal(Bankura), U.P.(Gorakhpur). They are very artistic and very demanding. Why don’t you make like them?Clay from those places is very smooth and handy for moulding, because it is naturally wet. We used to take clay from Harayana which is dry, crumbly and deserve less plasticity.Here, female members actively participate with males. Only males work on chaak. Rest of work such as carving, drying and colouring are done by females. The chief of muhalla is Pradhan who is elected by kumbhar community. His decisions are supreme and generally acceptable. Price determination of artifacts and terracotta products and social problems are solved by him.While working they were talking with me. After one hour when her mother left, I asked some personal questions.Have you fallen in love ever?I hardly get time, and even its not possible here. A guy was severely beaten up in return of loving a girl of his age in the muhalla.So what do you do in spare time?Roaming with friends is my favorite time pass, not so far, but near about Janak Place.(a market complex)Have you been to LalQuila ever?Yes, seen from outside. It was built by a great king!It was 6.30 pm. I took permission to leave promising him to meet again soon. Before leaving I saw his workshop at a glance, the kiln and terracotta objects scattered around.I will introduce you the brief history of terracotta next time. At the same time my journey to Bankura and Darbhanga will unveil some interesting facts about this art. That’s it for now. See youNishant