Categories
Crafts of Uttar Pradesh Pottery of Different States of India

The Magic of Khurja Pottery from Uttar Pradesh: Where Tradition Meets Modernity

Spread India's Glorious Cultural & Spiritual Heritage

ॐ श्री गुरुभ्यो नमः ॐ श्री शिवानन्दाय नमः ॐ श्री चिदानन्दाय नमःॐ श्री दुर्गायै नमः 

Source of all Images in this Blog-post : Google Images : ‘Google Image Search’ will reveal the multiple sources of every single image shared here. For more details, kindly see ‘Disclaimer

The ceramic city of Khurja - The Hindu BusinessLine
Khurja Pottery of Uttar Pradesh

Khurja pottery is traditional Indian pottery work manufactured in Khurja village of the Bulandshahr district in Uttar Pradesh in India.

Khurja Pottery of Uttar Pradesh – Buy Online

Khurja pottery has been protected under the Geographical indication (GI) of the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) agreement.

It is listed at item 178 as “Khurja Pottery” of the GI Act 1999 of the Government of India with registration confirmed by the Controller General of Patents Designs and Trademarks.

Khurja Pottery of Uttar Pradesh – Buy Online

History

Origin of Khurja’s pottery work has been said with at least two different stories. In one legend, Afghan King Taimur Lung accompanied Egyptian and Syrian potters during his campaign in the Khurja region over 500 years ago.

In another legend, potters had been moved to the region during Mughal Empire while another version says there, we are no long historical events in accordance with pottery tradition in Khurja.

Khurja Pottery of Uttar Pradesh – Explore & Buy Online

However, the author of “Pottery-making Cultures and Indian Civilization” mentioned that “Khurja in Bulandshaher is one of the oldest centers for glazed pottery in India”. Further mentioned, “These potters often call themselves as Multani Kumhars suggesting that their origin was Multan.

Modern-day pottery manufacture flourished in the 1940s, and the Uttar Pradesh government set up a pottery factory in 1942. Later, the factory was closed in 1946–47 due to lack of quality. In 1952, the factory was changed as Pottery Development Centre.

From 1942 until now, some adoption, transformation, initiative was taken by various actors for the betterment of pottery manufacture that resulted an importance role of Khurja pottery in national level as well as export to foreign countries.

Khurja Pottery of Uttar Pradesh – Buy Online

Production

There are about 15,000 people as official employees while about 25,000 unofficial employees who work in 500-odd units and nearly 400 factories. They produce several kinds of items such as crockery wares, art wares, electrical goods, sanitary wares, tiles, household items, etc.

Khurja pottery has market in India and foreign countries. There are nearly 23 export-oriented units. Reports say that production has received around 2,500 million Indian Rupees worth of item in 1999–2000 including 148.2 million Indian Rupees worth of export.

Khurja Pottery of Uttar Pradesh – Buy Online

Khurja Pottery is a popular form of ceramic craft that originated in the town of Khurja, located in the Bulandshahr district of Uttar Pradesh, India. The craft has been practiced in the region for over 600 years and has become an important part of the local culture and economy.

Khurja Pottery of Uttar Pradesh

Khurja pottery is known for its unique blend of traditional and modern designs. The artisans in Khurja are known for their skillful use of colors, shapes, and patterns to create beautiful and functional pottery items. They use a variety of techniques, including wheel-throwing, hand-building, and slip-casting, to create a wide range of products such as cups, plates, bowls, and vases.

Khurja pottery - Wikipedia
Khurja Pottery of Uttar Pradesh

The clay used for Khurja pottery is sourced from nearby regions, including the Yamuna River bed. The clay is mixed with other natural materials like quartz and feldspar to create a strong and durable ceramic body. Once the clay is molded and shaped, it is left to dry in the sun for several days. After the initial drying, the pottery is polished and decorated with various colors and designs using natural pigments.

Khurja Pottery of Uttar Pradesh

One of the unique features of Khurja pottery is the use of a special type of glaze that gives the pottery a distinctive shine and finish. The glaze is made from a mixture of silica, feldspar, and other natural materials, and is applied to the pottery before firing. The pottery is then fired in traditional kilns, which are fueled by wood and other organic materials.

Ceramic Pottery Jars – Sarang
Khurja Pottery of Uttar Pradesh

In recent years, Khurja pottery has gained popularity both nationally and internationally, and the artisans have started to experiment with new designs and techniques. The government of Uttar Pradesh has also taken steps to support and promote the craft, including providing training and skill development opportunities to the artisans.

Overall, Khurja pottery is a testament to the rich cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh and India, and it continues to be an important part of the country’s handicraft industry.

Ceramic/Khurja Art Jar – Sarang
Khurja Pottery of Uttar Pradesh – Buy Online in US $
D'source Design Gallery on Ceramic Pottery - Khurja - Clay is an  interesting natural material | D'source Digital Online Learning Environment  for Design: Courses, Resources, Case Studies, Galleries, Videos
Khurja Pottery of Uttar Pradesh

Where can we get high quality, authentic Khurja pottery handicrafts? List of a few sources including online vendors.

There are various sources to purchase high-quality and authentic Khurja pottery handicrafts. Here are a few options:

  1. Khurja Pottery Online – The official website of Khurja Pottery offers a wide range of pottery items that can be purchased online. The website showcases traditional as well as modern designs of pottery and provides worldwide shipping.
  2. CraftsBazaar – CraftsBazaar is an online platform that offers authentic Indian handicrafts, including Khurja pottery. The platform offers a variety of Khurja pottery items at reasonable prices.
  3. Amazon – Amazon offers a wide range of Khurja pottery items on their platform. They have a good collection of cups, plates, and bowls with traditional as well as modern designs.
  4. Flipkart – Flipkart also offers a range of Khurja pottery items on their platform. They have a good collection of tea sets, dinner sets, and other home decor items.
  5. Local Craft Fairs – If you are in the Khurja region, you can visit local craft fairs to purchase authentic Khurja pottery items. This would give you an opportunity to meet the artisans and understand the craft in detail.
  6. The Khurja pottery items available at the Central Cottage Industries Emporium are handcrafted and come in a variety of traditional and modern designs. The emporium also offers a range of price points, making it accessible to a wide range of customers.
Essence of KHURJA: August 2015
Khurja Pottery of Uttar Pradesh
D'source Design Gallery on Ceramic Pottery - Khurja - Clay is an  interesting natural material | D'source Digital Online Learning Environment  for Design: Courses, Resources, Case Studies, Galleries, Videos
Khurja Pottery of Uttar Pradesh – Buy Online

Please share details about some of the master craftsmen of Khurja pottery who are national award winners ;

There are several master craftsmen in Khurja who have won national awards for their exceptional work in pottery. Here are a few names and details about their work:

  1. Mohammad Shahid – He is a renowned master craftsman from Khurja who won the National Award for Master Craftsman in 2017. He specializes in creating intricate designs on pottery items using the traditional blue pottery technique. He has been practicing this art for over 20 years and has trained several apprentices.
  2. Shri Prabhulal Prajapati – He is a well-known master craftsman from Khurja who won the National Award for Master Craftsman in 2008. He specializes in creating beautiful and intricate designs on pottery using the traditional hand-painting technique. His work has been recognized and appreciated both nationally and internationally.
  3. Shri Ram Kumar Prajapati – He is another master craftsman from Khurja who won the National Award for Master Craftsman in 2007. He specializes in creating unique and creative designs on pottery using the traditional hand-painting technique. His work has been exhibited in various exhibitions and has been appreciated by art lovers across the country.
  4. Shri Kailash Prajapati – He is a well-known master craftsman from Khurja who won the National Award for Master Craftsman in 2003. He specializes in creating beautiful and intricate designs on pottery using the traditional hand-painting technique. He has trained several apprentices and has contributed to the preservation of the traditional Khurja pottery art form.

These master craftsmen are an inspiration to young artisans and have contributed significantly to the preservation and promotion of Khurja pottery. Their work reflects the rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship of Khurja, and has helped in creating a global demand for Khurja pottery.

Khurja Pottery of Uttar Pradesh
Khurja Pottery of Uttar Pradesh – Buy Online

Is there demand for khurja pottery handicrafts in overseas nations? How much do we export these items from India every year?

Yes, there is a significant demand for Khurja pottery handicrafts in overseas nations. These beautiful and intricate pieces of pottery have gained popularity worldwide due to their unique designs and high quality. The demand is especially high in countries like the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Australia, where people appreciate traditional handicrafts and are willing to pay a premium for them.

According to data from the Export Promotion Council for Handicrafts (EPCH), India exported Khurja pottery items worth approximately USD 1.5 million in 2020-21. While this is a relatively small amount compared to the total handicraft exports from India, it still indicates a growing demand for Khurja pottery items in overseas markets. The demand has been increasing steadily over the years, and there is significant potential for further growth in the future.

Khurja Pottery of Uttar Pradesh
Khurja Pottery of Uttar Pradesh
Khurja Pottery of Uttar Pradesh

Explore the Pottery in CRAFTGHAR


Spread India's Glorious Cultural & Spiritual Heritage

By Mala Chandrashekhar

Introducing Blogger Mala Chandrashekhar - a specialist academically trained in modern Western sciences, yet deeply enamored with India's timeless ethnic arts, crafts, and textiles. Her heart beats for the rich and glorious cultural and spiritual heritage of India, and she has dedicated her entire blog to spreading the immortal glories of ancient India worldwide. Through her simple yet impactful blog posts, Mala aims to reach every nook and corner of the globe, sharing India's beauty and wisdom with the world.

But Mala doesn't stop at just sharing her own thoughts and ideas. She welcomes constructive criticisms and suggestions to improve her blog and make it even more impactful. And if you share her passion for India's culture and heritage, she extends a warm invitation for high-quality guest blog posts.

Ready to dive into the world of India's ageless beauty? Follow Mala on LinkedIn and join her in spreading the magic of ancient India to the world.

LinkedIn Profile : https://in.linkedin.com/in/mala-chandrashekhar-04095917a

One reply on “The Magic of Khurja Pottery from Uttar Pradesh: Where Tradition Meets Modernity”

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *