Pottery making is the art of moulding clay into vessels by firing them at high temperatures to give them a durable form. But for the people of Jhajjar, pottery is much more than that. To them, it's a legacy they have carried for generations. It involves the blood, sweat and tears of their ancestors who have been actively involved in the art of making pottery. For them, pottery is not just a craft but a conversation with the soil.
As more and more people recognise the power pottery holds, its demand is increasing in urban settlements. Pottery is eco-friendly and feels like a gift from nature. It is the closest to Mother Earth you will get in this modern world.
History of Jhajjar Pottery: Origin and Historical Significance
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Ancient Roots of Jhajjar Pottery in the Indian Subcontinent:
Pottery has been a part of Indian culture since the Indus Valley Civilisation. Historians have found remains of clay utensils dated as far back as 3500 BC.
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Mughal Era Influence on Jhajjar Pottery:
The Mughal Era had a huge impact on the style of pottery in the region of Haryana and Rajasthan. Since the Mughal emperors gave royal patronage to artisans, pottery went from kitchen utensils to decorative lamps for the royals. In this era, pottery got a makeover by the addition of geometric motifs and carvings. Smoke-fired techniques also became common during this time period, permanently reshaping the history of Jhajjar Pottery.
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Current Scenario:
Serving as a major hub for the craft across India. Because of its history, Haryana's arts and crafts have developed from profound cultural roots, combining practicality and creative expression. From carrying water in the matkas and using it for day-to-day activities to lighting Diyas during occasions like Diwali, Dussehra and Navratri, Pottery has been a significant part of Haryana handicrafts. Jhajjar is a small district in the heart of Haryana, which is not just famous for agriculture but also for its age-old tradition of pottery making. Pottery making in Jhajjar has been practiced for centuries. It has its origins in the Indus Valley Civilisation. Research found in the JHAJJAR DISTRICT GAZETTEER states that archaeologists discovered traces of a thousand-year-old civilisation in Badli village during an excavation. (1)
Raw Materials & Tools
The uniqueness of Jhajjar pottery comes from the raw materials used by the artisans:
Raw Materials:
Traditionally, the clay from the foothills of the Aravalli range was used in Jhajjar pottery. Known for its fine grain, reddish-brown hue, and excellent plasticity, this clay resulted in shinier and durable products.
Now, teracotta clay, sand, and burnt clay powder are commonly used to make the diyas, pots, and other items.
Tools:
Even the simplest tools work like magic:
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Wire clay cutter: Potters use it to cut clay. It effortlessly slices the lump which makes the process easier for the potters.
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Sponge: The magic sponge is used for adding and removing water, smoothing surfaces. It is also used to clean up after the work is done.
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Metal scraper: To make beautiful patterns, the metal scraper is used for smoothing and cutting the clay.
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Natural dyes & brushes: For the cherry on top, dyes and brushes add colouring to the creation.
The Crafting Process: Step-by-Step Process of Making Jhajjar Pottery
Let’s dive into the potter’s world and experience the step-by-step journey of the marvellous creation:
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Clay Preparation: The potter first collects the perfect clay for the pottery to ensure the quality of the product. The process involves him hand-picking any gravel or stones in the collected clay, which is picked from the foothills of the Aravalli range.
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Shaping: After the clay is prepared, the potter delicately centres the ready-made clay on the wheel. The movement and rhythm of the wheel gives shape to diyas, matkas and planters.
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Design & Decoration: To give life to the clay, the potter carefully curates the product and decorates it with his creativity by forming fine lines, patterns, and colours them with natural dyes.
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Drying & Firing: The dance of the fire moulds the fragile vessel into a strong permanent one, marking its legacy.
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Finishing: Finally, the potter is ready with the vessel after the last and final step of polishing the pottery.
Signature Styles of Jhajjar Pottery Products
Jhajjar pottery tells a story not just through its making, but in the many forms it takes.
Different forms:
From water pots that quench your thirst and keep you cool to kulhads that hold your morning Chai, cooking pots that have the taste of your mother’s homemade food, to diyas and decorative planters that light up your festivals and bring joy, the pottery can mould into a different story every time.
Visual Features:
With a red and black exterior accompanied by matte finishes with geometric or floral motifs, the Jhajjar pottery of Haryana is a unique expression of our heritage. The Surahi which is a slim-necked pitcher is the most loved creation of these potters. These vessels not only look great but also serve the purpose of storing water and keeping it cool
How Is Jhajjar Pottery Different from Pottery?
Here are some of the unique features of Jhajjar Pottery that set it apart from other pottery types
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Feature |
Jhajjar Pottery |
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Clay Source |
The clay found in the region of Jhajjar is known for its fine-grain quality. |
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Technique |
Hand-thrown, sun-dried, open-fired - The Jhajjar Pottery is completely handmade using ancient techniques, which sets it apart from mass-produced clay pots. |
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Finish |
The products have a matte finish, as they are unglazed. The earthy texture and look make them not only functional but also aesthetic. |
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Design Focus |
Jhajjar pottery has a minimalist design, with an influence of the medieval era. |
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Cultural Value |
Deeply rooted in local customs, certain pots are made specifically for weddings, storing grains, or religious rituals, each with its own symbolic shape and size. |
Artisans & Communities
Ram, an artisan from Rohtak has been working in this industry for the past 25 years, and learnt this craft from his father when he was 12.
Sunita, a native of Haryana, has opened a self-help group to promote the Jhajjar pottery. She works with over 60 women to make handcrafted pots, surahis, diyas and much more, keeping the traditional form of Jhajjar Pottery alive.
Market Trends & Revival
There is an ongoing demand for the pottery as more and more people recognise the benefits associated with it in terms of better health, environment friendly and sustainable. Here is why:
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Opting for Sustainable Options:
Many people are waving goodbye to plastic and toxic materials and saying yes to pottery.
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The trend to go back to the roots:
More and more people are trying to reconnect with their roots, and switching to clay pots is one of the major trends that we can see in the present times.The effect of the Jhajjar Pottery is similar and more people desire to own it.
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Cost-efficient and accessible :
You can find it in open markets and online platforms like Crafts of Haryana, as it is easily accessible and cost-efficient
Conclusion
Jhajjar Pottery is the essence of Indian tradition and culture. It is not just pottery but a story of the artisans who have dedicated their whole lives to the art that portrays our culture in its most authentic form.
The government is taking essential steps to preserve the artefacts by promoting them and giving incentives to the workers who dedicate themselves to the art.
We, as consumers and citizens of India, should also contribute to keeping our culture and traditions alive by supporting the local artisans.
At Crafts of Haryana, we have a strong network of artisans who partner with us to ensure you get the most authentic handicrafts of Haryana right to your doorstep. When you choose us, you are choosing a piece of India’s history, roots, and tradition.
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