Potters leaving trade as demand of earthenware shrinks

A potter makes an earthen pot in the area. Photo: Zahangir Shah

Traditional potters in the district, once valued as suppliers of essential household items like plates, jars and cooking utensils, are now struggling for survival.

Besides the home items, potters make a variety of earthenware including toys, flower tubs, idols and statues.

During this correspondent’s visit to different areas of the district, potters told stories of their suffering amid the dwindling business.

“People across the country used earthenware for their daily work since time immemorial.

But now things made of plastic, melamine, metal and porcelain have taken their place both in city and rural areas, putting our job under threat,” said Nimai Pal, 61, of Gangasagar Palpara in Balla union of Harirampur upazila.

“Traditionally kumars [potters] played an important role by meeting people’s requirement of daily household items. But the profession is no longer a desired one,” said 81-year-old Jatin Pal.

“I am still clinging to my ancestral trade, despite odds. But my two sons Narayan Pal and Kanai Pal have left the profession as it no longer gives financial security, let alone honour. They are now doing gold business,” he said.

Dinesh Chandra Pal, 61, who learnt pottery from his father Jatin Chandra Pal in his early youth, said, “I and my family members make different items with soft clay, including plates, flower tubs, dolls, and statues. Then these are burnt and given finishing touches, often with colour.” 

“Now nobody sees any good prospect in the trade as the money from selling the earthen items hardly covers the production cost,” he said.

Sudeb Pal’s wife Kabita Pal said her husband’s brother is now doing gold business, having left pottery due to poor return from the trade. “Of the 70 families once engaged in pottery here, only 15 families have maintained the tradition, mainly out of love for the ancestral profession,” said 66-year-old Kalachan Pal.

Potters of different areas of the district have similar tales to tell.