Material , Culture and Identity

Pottery, a craft dating back to prehistoric times, has evolved significantly since the discovery of clay's transformative properties through fire. The invention of the potter's wheel marked a turning point, enabling more precise and symmetrical shapes. Diverse cultures worldwide integrated pottery into daily life and rituals, developing unique styles and techniques.

In India, while pottery has a rich history, the post-independence era presents a complex scenario. Despite a resurgence in demand for handmade pottery, the industry faces challenges due to competition from machine-made products, inadequate support, and market difficulties. This has adversely affected the livelihoods of many potters, with younger generations showing less interest in the craft.

To gain insights into the challenges faced by the pottery community, I conducted a field visit to Benson Town, Bengaluru, renowned for its pottery heritage. The experience provided valuable exposure to the local culture, history, and livelihood. I observed the sourcing of raw materials, the crafting process, and the distribution of finished products.

Going back in Time

Pottery Town started when Bengaluru became important for military activities. The first railway line from Madras to Bengaluru was built in 1864, and this connected Bengaluru to other parts of the country. Many workers from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh came to Bengaluru because of this railway. The government gave land to the Kumbara community, who work with clay, to settle near the Cantonment area. This settlement is very old, over 100 years, and is important for the city's culture.

Pottery families in Benson Town have been making pottery for generations. They used to create large water storage tanks, vessels , diyas , articrafts  and other items. Today, they only focus on making diyas and vases for festivals like Diwali and Ganesha idols for Ganesh Chaturthi.

However, these potters now face challenges. Clay scarcity is a major issue due to brick factories using up most of the local clay. Unlike before, they now have to buy clay from distant places like Kolar, Yellanhanka, and Ramanagara. This clay is transported by tractor, unlike in the past when they could easily get clay from nearby lakes. Clay shipments arrive only once every six weeks.

Additionally, the younger generation shows little interest in continuing the pottery tradition. Overcrowding due to a slum formed in the 1970s has limited workspace. Despite their requests, the potters have received no government support.

Meeting the Potters of Benson Town

Gangadhar and Sons

This little pottery store has been passed down through the family for generations. The lady who runs it inherited it from her dad, who got it from his father. They've always been craftsmen, making pots to earn a living.

At the shop, they make and sell pots of all sizes. You can find anything from small teacups for just Rs.3 to large tanks priced at Rs.30,00. And the tea cups are like one time use. They get the clay they need from the riverbeds or lakes in places like Ramanagara or Mandya.

She also mentioned of getting bulk orders from restaurants, personal orders, as momento, and also from the nearby states like Tamil Nadu and Andra Pradesh and exporting them. We don’t have a picture of her as she didn’t want to come in front of camera.

Not only cats but even owl shaped pot or any personalized design as well. We were shocked to see so many varieties of pots, bottles, storage jars, plates, masks and so on......

Meet Ramesh

Ramesh has been making pottery, just like his family has done for 120 years. He began learning and practicing pottery when he was just 6 years old. The place where Ramesh works on his pottery is rented from the government. He gets the clay he needs from suppliers in places like Hoskote and Kolar.

He also conducts pottery making classes and many students and we saw people interested in pottery visit his shop to learn pottery. Well it’s not as easy as it looks.

He mentioned the busiest time for sales is from January to June, before the rainy season starts because during summer they keep the pots open in sun to dry but during rainy it becomes difficult and the have the wood fire kinda place to dry the pots. Ramesh crafts pots of all sizes, from small teacups to large tanks even customized pots

During Ganesh Chaturti, he also makes eco-friendly Ganesha idols. He can make anything out of clay.

My visit to Ramesh's pottery workshop was truly captivating. I watched him skillfully mold raw clay into exquisite vases and teacups, I felt a deep sense of satisfaction witnessing the transformation of shapeless material into functional and decorative pieces for customers. Upon entering the workshop, clay was scattered across the floor and walls, a testament to the creative process at work.

As the saying goes, "Every artist has a messy workspace to create something beautiful." Despite my initial unfamiliarity with Ramesh's business, I was quickly drawn into the artistry unfolding . With a slab of clay on his wheel, Ramesh expertly spun the wheel, shaping the clay with precision and finesse. In just a matter of minutes, the formless clay took on the graceful silhouette of a vase.

After engaging Ramesh in conversation about his craft, I ventured to the kiln, where pots were fired. Along the way, we stumbled upon another potter's house, brimming with stacked pots awaiting their turn in the kiln.

Through firsthand experience, I gained insight into the intricate workings of his craft and the significance of pottery making.

The effect of BMRCL on pottery town

Pottery Town, a place known for pottery in Bangalore for over 100 years, is in danger of disappearing because of new metro lines. The Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation Limited (BMRCL) wants everyone to leave in three months so they can extend the metro, saying it will make traffic better. But the people who live and work there, like artisans who make pottery, worry because they don't know if they'll get money to move. They're scared that if they have to leave, they won't be able to sell as much pottery, especially during certain times of the year. Even though they've asked for help from local leaders and officials, they're still worried about losing their jobs and their history. It's not clear who really owns the land, so nobody knows what will happen next. Pottery Town is important to Bangalore's past and its economy, but now its future is uncertain.

My perspective of Pottery Town shifted drastically from virtual images to experiencing it firsthand. However, it's disheartening to note the lack of government support for both the artisans and their craft. Many artisans appear to be living modestly, despite their impressive skills with over two decades. The environment is filled by dusty roads and aging stone buildings. Nevertheless, amidst these observations, the experience of witnessing artisans at work was truly captivating. Learning about their backgrounds and the historical significance of the place added depth to my visit, leaving me with a newfound appreciation for Pottery Town and its resilient community of artisans.