Near-extinct Terracotta Art revives

Staff Reporter :

RAIPUR,

State Government’s policy to promote traditional art and craft has breathed new life into the near-extinct Terracotta Art form in Chhattisgarh. Potters drifting away from their traditional profession are once again taking it as a career with the assistance of State Clayart Board. Gramodyog Minister Guru Rudrakumar is of the view that Clayart Board’s schemes are economically and socially uplifting for the potters. Government is providing all sorts of assistance to pass down their art from one generation to next according to the wish of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel.

The schemes are creating an opportunity of self-employment for potters. Besides financial aid, they are also giving expert guidance. The initiatives like ‘Kumbhkar Terracotta Scheme’, Glazing Unit installation, registration of potters, training to clay artists and design development schemes are some of the projects undertaken by Clayart Board. Such schemes have energised the potter community to reconnect to their ancestral profession.

Over 200 potter families are earning livelihood through their traditional craft. Potter Community Sarpanch Bharatlal Chakradhari and Potter Dinesh Kumar Chakradhari told that their families are involved in the business and children too are learning the skill. While the men handle the work related to the electric wheel, women create beautiful decorative items for homes.