ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES

Cottage Industry- POTTERY

Introduction

Pottery making has been the essence to utensil development in our country. One of the major cottage industries, it is highly practiced in states like Rajasthan, Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh. The base of our research is the local pottery making centre in Bheri village, Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh. This is a detailed summary of the features and characteristics of that pottery making centre and its by-products.

Location
The site is situated next to ANGANVADI KENDRA in village Bheri, Gagal, Kangra. This small Pottery Industry is run by Mr. Madanlal aged 35 and his Wife Santosh aged 29.

His family includes his mother and four children.

Production

Types of products manufactured:

Pots, Flower pots Piggy Banks Scrubbers Diyas

Traditional Diyas used in the festival season

Clay Piggy Bank

Traditional Bengali Dhunki

Scrubber

Pots (Water Pots)

Flower Pots

Different Styles of Pots

Production

The basic Tools used in the process are:

Thattu Kanheru Chaak

Production

1)
2) 3) 4)

The basic production processes are: Crushing of sediments, Filtration, Shaping and sizing of the product and, Baking process to harden the product using furnace.

Shaping and Sizing Process

Broken prototypes

Production

Pure soil is needed for production or making these pots and containers that is obtained from the fields of village Dugyari in Gagal region, Kangra district.

Supply and Demand

The amount of production depends upon the season and its demand in the market. The demand is high during the festive and wedding season. Their annual income is approximately Rs. 50,000 - 60,000 INR.

Sales

Areas and seasons of sale:

Basic sale in the markets of Kangra, Gagal and Dharamshala regions. Sale intensifies in the festive season and fairs.