Necessary utensils made of clay are one of the oldest traditions of Bengal and Bengalis which has a golden past. In the evolution of time, in the era of industrialization, the pottery tradition of village Bengal is slowly disappearing. Bengali race and their ethnicity have been associated with the smell of soil since ancient times.
Those involved in such work are called Kumar (Potter). In the past, pottery made by skilled village artisans was highly valued. Earthenware was used for household work. But now the plastic products ousted this eco-friendly industry. Potters are not doing well because there is no demand compared to supply.
Many have left this profession and taken other professions. However, fighting with the cruel reality, some Kumar families still retain this tradition of their father and grandfather and so on.
This eco-friendly art made by the hands of potter artists was adorned in every house in the village. Without which public life was incomplete, today it is lost due to the touch of industrial modernity. The potters used to make various types of pottery such as clay jugs, pots, pots and pans, flower tubs, vases, decorative pots, clay banks, children's toys. The main materials of this industry are clay soil, firewood, dry grass, straw and sand.
People associated with this industry live in many areas of the district. Potters skillfully shape small amounts of clay into various aesthetic products. When I went to Shibnagar Palpara and Uthariapara of Singerbil Union of Vijaynagar Upazila, I saw potters. Here about 50 families are still involved in this profession.
Talked to Mintu Chandra Pal of Shibnagar Pal Para, He said, since birth, he has seen the outstanding honor in this work and their forefathers were in the same career. Now a household cannot be run well by doing this. Children cannot be educated. There is no improvement in the family. He said that it is impossible to retain the memories of the ancestors of thousands of years without the support of the government.
Aarthi Rani Pal says, I can't wear a good saree, can't eat anything good. Our life is very difficult. I make things with my hands and sell them for Tk 8/10. It doesn't sell either. The demand for plastic products has decreased. We can continue this work if we get the support of the government.
With the touch of modernity, the value of this art is decreasing day by day. To say that with great sorrow, this industry is almost on the verge of extinction. Many men and women of the Kumar community described their helplessness and seeking support.
ZH
