https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?action=history&feed=atom&title=Asharikandi_Terracotta_CraftAsharikandi Terracotta Craft - Revision history2026-08-29T00:00:24ZRevision history for this page on the wikiMediaWiki 1.43.6https://en.bharatpedia.org/w/index.php?title=Asharikandi_Terracotta_Craft&diff=487847&oldid=prevGavinEspinoza2: Creating the article more to come2026-03-08T22:38:44Z<p>Creating the article more to come</p>
<p><b>New page</b></p><div>{{Short description|Traditional terracotta craft of Assam}}<br />
{{Use dmy dates|date=March 2026}}<br />
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{{Infobox geographical indication<br />
| name = Asharikandi Terracotta Craft<br />
| image = Terracotta of Asharikandi, Dhubri, Assam (58).jpg<br />
| image_size = 250px<br />
| alt = <br />
| caption = An Artisan shaping a [[Hatima Putul]]<br />
| alternative names = <br />
| description = Terracotta craft<br />
| type =<br />
| area = [[Asharikandi]], [[Dhubri district]], [[Assam]]<br />
| country = India<br />
| registered =2024 <br />
| material = Clay<br />
| official website =<br />
}}<br />
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'''Asharikandi Terracotta Craft''' is a traditional form of clay sculpture and pottery practiced in the village of [[Asharikandi]] in [[Dhubri district]], [[Assam]], India. The craft is widely recognized as one of the largest clusters of terracotta artisans in the state and forms an important component of Assam's traditional handicraft heritage.<ref name="toi2026">{{cite news |title=Assam’s tableau showcases Asharikandi terracotta craft tradition |url=https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/india/assams-tableau-at-republic-day-parade-showcases-asharikandi-terracotta-craft-tradition/articleshow/127532769.cms |work=The Economic Times |access-date=7 March 2026}}</ref><br />
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Artisans of Asharikandi produce a wide range of terracotta objects, including ritual figurines, decorative dolls, household objects, and religious idols. The craft tradition has been practiced for more than a century and has been transmitted across generations within potter families.<ref name="heritage">{{cite web |title=Asharikandi terracotta craft heritage |url=https://www.pratidintime.com/national/assams-republic-day-tableau-to-highlight-asharikandis-terracotta-heritage-11022618 |website=Pratidin Time |access-date=7 March 2026}}</ref><br />
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In 2024, the terracotta craft of Dhubri district received a [[Geographical indication|Geographical Indication (GI) tag]], recognizing its cultural significance and unique regional identity.<ref name="gi2024">{{cite web |title=Dhubri terracotta craft receives GI tag |url=https://morungexpress.com/assams-r-day-tableau-highlights-asharikandis-terracotta-heritage-at-kartavya-path |website=The Morung Express |access-date=7 March 2026}}</ref><br />
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==History==<br />
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[[File:Aasharikandi.jpg|thumb|Teracotta boat]]<br />
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The origins of Asharikandi terracotta craftsmanship can be traced to the early 19th century when potter communities migrated from regions of present-day [[Bangladesh]] (then part of [[Bengal]]) and settled in western Assam.<ref name="history">{{cite web |title=History of Asharikandi terracotta village |url=https://www.freepressjournal.in/india/assams-republic-day-tableau-to-showcase-asharikandis-terracotta-legacy-on-kartavya-path |website=Free Press Journal |access-date=7 March 2026}}</ref><br />
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These settlers brought with them traditional pottery skills, which gradually adapted to local cultural practices and materials. Over time, the craft developed distinctive Assamese characteristics in form, design, and symbolism.<ref name="heritage" /><br />
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Historically, artisans supplied earthen utensils, ritual objects, and decorative sculptures to nearby settlements and local landholding families. The location of Asharikandi near riverine trade routes of the [[Brahmaputra River]] facilitated the distribution of these products across the region.<ref>{{cite web |title=Asharikandi terracotta craft cluster |url=https://ajmaliasacademy.in/assam-showcases-asharikandi-terracotta-craft-at-republic-day-2026-parade/ |website=Ajmal IAS Academy |access-date=7 March 2026}}</ref><br />
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By the late twentieth century, Asharikandi had become known as a major terracotta craft centre in Assam, with numerous artisan families continuing the tradition.<ref name="toi2026" /><br />
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[[File:Documentary on Making Terracotta in Asharikandi Vi.webm|thumb|Documentary on Making Terracotta in Asharikandi Village]]<br />
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==Materials and techniques==<br />
The primary material used in Asharikandi terracotta craft is a locally available clay known as '''''Hiramati''''', valued for its fine texture and plasticity.<ref name="toi2026" /><br />
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The production process typically involves several stages:<br />
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* Preparation and purification of clay <br />
* Hand-moulding or wheel-throwing of forms <br />
* Drying under sunlight <br />
* Firing in traditional kilns<br />
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Artisans use both hand modelling techniques and potter's wheels to shape the objects. After firing, the products are sometimes decorated with natural pigments or left in their characteristic reddish-brown terracotta finish.<ref>{{cite news |title=Electric potter's wheel to transform terracotta handicraft in Asharikandi |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/electric-potters-wheel-to-transform-terracotta-handicraft-in-asharikandi/articleshow/126845174.cms |work=The Times of India |access-date=7 March 2026}}</ref><br />
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==Motifs and products==<br />
[[File:Hatima Putul Traditional Terracotta Doll from Asharikandi Village Dhubri Assam 03.jpg|thumb|Hatima Putul is a traditional terracotta doll from Asharikandi Village, Dhubri, Assam]]<br />
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Asharikandi artisans produce a variety of terracotta items, including:<br />
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* Decorative dolls and figurines (''Putul'' or ''Putola'') <br />
* Religious idols of deities such as [[Ganesha]], [[Durga]], and [[Lakshmi]] <br />
* Animal figures and folk characters <br />
* Household vessels and ritual objects<br />
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One of the most iconic creations is the [[Hatima Putul]], a terracotta sculpture depicting a mother holding a child. The design gained national recognition after artisan Sarala Bala Devi received the National Award for Terracotta Craft in 1982 for this work.<ref name="sarala">{{cite web |title=Sarala Bala Devi and the Hatima doll |url=https://www.pratidintime.com/national/assams-republic-day-tableau-to-highlight-asharikandis-terracotta-heritage-11022618 |website=Pratidin Time |access-date=7 March 2026}}</ref><br />
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==Socio-economic significance==<br />
[[File:Terracotta of Asharikandi (Swami Vivekanandan).jpg|thumb|Swami Vivekananda]]<br />
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The terracotta craft industry provides livelihood to numerous artisan families in Asharikandi and surrounding villages. Craft production is often organized at the household level, with family members participating in different stages of production.<ref name="toi2026" /><br />
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The craft also contributes to the cultural tourism economy of Assam and has attracted attention through exhibitions, government initiatives, and participation in national craft fairs.<ref>{{cite news |title=Asharikandi terracotta craft among NE traditions chosen for research |url=https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/guwahati/asharikandi-majuli-masks-among-6-crafts-in-ne-chosen-for-research/articleshow/122938863.cms |work=The Times of India |access-date=7 March 2026}}</ref><br />
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==Geographical Indication status==<br />
In March 2024, the terracotta craft of Dhubri district was granted a Geographical Indication (GI) tag under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999.<ref name="gi2024" /><br />
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The GI recognition acknowledges the unique techniques, materials, and cultural heritage associated with the Asharikandi terracotta tradition and helps protect it from imitation.<ref>{{cite news |title=Asharikandi terracotta craft receives GI recognition |url=https://morungexpress.com/assams-r-day-tableau-highlights-asharikandis-terracotta-heritage-at-kartavya-path |work=Morung Express |access-date=7 March 2026}}</ref><br />
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==Cultural recognition==<br />
Asharikandi terracotta craft has gained national attention through exhibitions, government initiatives, and cultural events. The craft was prominently featured in the Assam tableau during the [[Delhi Republic Day parade|Republic Day parade]] in New Delhi in 2026, highlighting its importance as a symbol of the state's traditional artistry.<ref name="toi2026" /><br />
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The inclusion of the craft in national cultural displays has contributed to broader awareness and preservation efforts.<ref>{{cite news |title=Asharikandi terracotta craft showcased at Republic Day parade |url=https://www.newkerala.com/news/a/assams-r-day-tableau-highlights-asharikandis-terracotta-heritage-riverine-478.htm |work=IANS/NewKerala |access-date=7 March 2026}}</ref><br />
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==Gallery==<br />
<gallery><br />
File:Terracotta of Asharikandi, Dhubri, Assam (54).jpg | Duck shaped terracotta doll<br />
File:Terracotta of Asharikandi (Radha-Krishna).jpg|Radha Krishna<br />
File:Terracotta of Asharikandi, Dhubri, Assam (1).jpg|Artisans shaping clay pot<br />
File:Hatima Putul Traditional Terracotta Doll from Asharikandi Village Dhubri Assam 04.jpg| Hatima Putul, Traditional Terracotta Doll from Asharikandi Village<br />
File:Mahadev Paul (Terracotta Artist).jpg|A Terracotta artist<br />
File:Terracotta of Asharikandi Dhubri Assam 10.jpg|Ganesha<br />
</gallery><br />
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==See also==<br />
* [[Terracotta]]<br />
* [[Culture of Assam]]<br />
* [[Dhubri district]]<br />
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==References==<br />
{{Reflist}}<br />
{{commons category|Terracotta of Asharikandi}}<br />
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[[Category:Terracotta]]<br />
[[Category:Culture of Assam]]<br />
[[Category:Geographical indications in Assam]]<br />
[[Category:Dhubri district]]</div>GavinEspinoza2