One of the oldest and most respected forms of artistic expression is terracotta. A vibrant community of artisans resides in the small village of Asharikandi (Madaikhali), which is tucked away in the center of Assam. The village, which places a strong focus on tradition and workmanship, is home to the largest cluster in India where terracotta and pottery are made with extraordinary care and skill. Every artwork produced serves as a tribute to the area’s rich history and culture.
Every day, they dive into their clay creations, sculpting and molding with laser precision. The end result: pure magic! From quirky pitchers and handy utensils to divine statues and a clay zoo, these artists use their terracotta skills to create a whole new world.
About the Asharikandi Craft Village:
Asharikandi is a village in the Debitola development block in the Dhubri district of Assam, India. The village is located 14 kilometers east of Dhubri town and 190 kilometers west of the state capital, Guwahati, and Borjhar Airport. According to the 2001 India census, Asharikandi had a population of 1,872 in 305 households. The village is famous for its traditional crafts, such as terracotta and pottery. It is one of the largest clusters of terracotta and pottery in India.
Unveiling the mysteries behind Asharikandi Village’s name:
The term ‘Asharikandi’ comes from two words: ‘ASHAR’ and ‘KANDI’. Ashar is the third month in the Assamese calendar, and Kandi means’shedding tears.’ The climate is a distinguishing feature of this village. Specifically, during the Ashar season, heavy rainfall causes floods in low-lying areas, causing significant distress among the local population. However, the monsoons also dampen and moisten the soil, which is necessary for the production of terracotta.
The Wonderful Geography of Asharikandi Village!
Asharikandi is a quaint village surrounded by the Godadhar River, a tributary of the Brahmaputra. Because of its peaceful location, it provides an advantageous marketing network with major cities in the Northeast. The raw materials for terracotta production, primarily clay such as Hira mati or aithal mati, and sand, are sourced from the riverside of Silaipur, which is about 18-20 kilometers from Asharikandi.
Unfurling the Scrolls of Time: A Chronicle of Asharikandi Village.
Previously, the villagers only worked part-time on terracotta and pottery. However, in recent years, many families have relied on these crafts as their primary source of income. The village makes a variety of items, including pitchers, utensils, and pots. Terracotta items such as the Hatima Doll, Ainar Horse, Elephant, and Rhino have become popular among animal figurine collectors, resulting in high sales. Furthermore, idols of gods and goddesses, decorative household items, and miniature houses sell well in the market.
The Hatima Doll, depicting a mother with elephant-like ears cradling her child, is a well-known and highly sought-after product in the region. This design exemplifies the elephant-inspired patterns associated with Gauripur’s royal family. Their legacy as village terracotta patrons continues to this day.
Terracotta is one of the most ancient art forms, dating back to the Harappan and Indus Valley civilizations. However, keeping this centuries-old legacy alive is difficult. Heavy rains in Ashar, the third month, flood low-lying areas, putting the terracotta trade at risk. As a result, Asharikandi’s name reflects the shedding of tears by combining Ashar with the suffix Kandi.
Crafting Terracotta: A Creative Journey
Despite the storm’s challenges, the humid climatic conditions have resulted in the formation of hiramati, a unique soil type that is central to the region’s artistic tradition. This raw material is obtained in Asharikandi from the Silaipur River, which contains a large reserve of hiramati.
Following collection from the bank, the clay is soaked for a few hours or overnight. Following that, the artisans manually remove any unwanted particles from the clay. Next, the clay is prepared and kneaded by hand and feet, which takes several hours.
Once the desired design has been determined, the clay is shaped using various techniques such as wheel-throwing, coiling, or pinching, which are frequently used with traditional tools such as boila and pitna. After shaping, the objects are air-dried and finished with a red-clay glaze sourced from nearby hills. Finally, the objects are fired in a traditional kiln to complete the process.
Terracotta production is not a gender-exclusive craft. Women and children are also involved in the production of these items, which is an important part of Asharikandi culture. Currently, it is estimated that over 80% of the village’s families participate in this art form.
Recognizing the craft village’s tourism potential, the government of Assam designated it as a model village and included it in its rural tourism initiatives. To revive the craft and promote the artisans’ socioeconomic development, an NGO called NECARDO (North East Craft and Rural Development Organization) has been working in the area. Since 2006, NECARDO has been carrying out a United Nations Development Project (UNDP) to promote terracotta art and culture.
A guide to the mystic pathways leading to Asharikandi village.
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