Dispur urged to alleviate woes of traditional potters across Majuli

JORHAT: The lockdown has adversely affected hundreds of traditional potters across Majuli district. They are facing immense hardship as they could not do any business during the peak months of February, March, April. Conscious circles have urged the State government to initiate steps for the welfare of these traditional potters of Majuli, particularly during the lockdown phase.

The pottery industry is mainly run by women who mix the clay, silt and sand to prepare the earthen pots. The making of pots at the Salmora area in Majuli near Jorhat district is primarily a women's job. They give shape to the lump of clay, dry it in the sun and bake it in the furnace. The men help them in preparing the furnace with bamboo, banana leaves and drift-wood. Drift wood and other wood are used to keep the furnace alive for six to eight hours alternatively, said potter Thanasor Kalita.

Moreover, pottery is a traditional form of cottage industry of Majuli where pots are generally exchanged with paddy, which is the staple food of the inhabitants of this largest riverine island of the world. The potters travel from village to village to exchange pots for paddy especially after the harvesting season, said Kalita.

However, during the three lockdown periods since March 24, the movement of these potters got restricted. As a result, they are facing immense hardship to meet their daily needs.

The world famous Majuli river-island in the heart of the Brahmaputra River in Assam is known for its centuries-old and vibrant Xattriya culture. The island has preserved the craft of handmade pottery. The Kumars of Salmora area in the upper region of the river island have kept this ancient craft alive. The artisans' families have also kept alive the ancient barter trade system, said Monoj Sabhapandit of Majuli.

The tradition of handmade pottery has been kept alive in the three villages across Majuli. These hamlets are Barboka, Kamjan Elengi and Besamora of Salmora. These three villages covering 760.25 hectares of area have 639 families with a total population of 2,836.

The origin of handmade pottery can be traced to the reign of the Ahom kings during which different forms of art and craft flourished in Assam under royal patronage. However, no historical data is available on the exact period in which handmade pottery flourished in Salmora, added Sobhapandit.

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