Khurja Pottery: The Traditional Ceramic Craft of India
Overview
| Type | Handicraft |
|---|---|
| Area | Khurja, Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh |
| Country | India |
| Registered | 2008–2009 (GI Tag) |
| Material | Clay |
Historical Origins
The origin of Khurja Pottery is surrounded by multiple legends:
One story suggests that during the campaign of Afghan King Timur (Taimur Lung) over 500 years ago, Egyptian and Syrian potters accompanied him and settled in the Khurja region.
Another narrative states that potters migrated to Khurja during the Mughal era.
Scholarly research indicates that Khurja is one of the oldest centers for glazed pottery in India, with many potter families calling themselves “Multani Kumhars”, suggesting origins from Multan.
Modern-day pottery manufacturing in Khurja began in the 1940s when the Uttar Pradesh government set up a pottery factory in 1942. The factory closed in 1946–47 due to quality issues but was re-established as the Pottery Development Centre in 1952, providing technical support to local artisans and fostering cluster growth.
Materials & Manufacturing Process
Material: High-quality local clay, often mixed with quartz and feldspar, forms the base of Khurja pottery.
Shaping: Pottery is shaped using hand-molding or wheel-turning techniques.
Decoration: Artisans apply floral, geometric, or traditional motifs using vivid colors such as blue, red, green, and brown.
Glazing & Firing: A glazing process followed by kiln-firing ensures durability and gives a glossy finish.
Products: Includes blue pottery, glazed ceramics, terracotta items, decorative wares, sanitary ware, tiles, and insulators.
Geographical Indication (GI) Status
Khurja Pottery is registered under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration & Protection) Act, 1999 (GI Act), listed as Item 178: “Khurja Pottery”.
The GI recognition safeguards the authenticity of Khurja pottery and ensures that only products made in the designated region can use the name.
Manufacture & Export
Khurja has grown into a major pottery cluster with hundreds of units, supporting thousands of artisans. The craft caters to both domestic and international markets, including the USA, UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Khurja, Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, India |
| Industry Type | Handicraft / Ceramics |
| Registered under GI | Yes – Item 178, GI Act 1999 (Link) |
| Modern Factory Established | 1942 by Uttar Pradesh Government (Source) |
| Factory Converted to PDC | 1952 (Source) |
| Cluster Size | ~500 units / ~400–500 factories (Source) |
| Export-Oriented Units | ~23 (Source) |
| Sample Manufacturer 1 | DNF Ceramics – Established 1976 (dnfceramics.com) |
| Sample Manufacturer 2 | Khurja Ceramic – Wholesale & exporter (khurjaceramic.com) |
| Sample Manufacturer 3 | Blue Stone Ceramics – Manufacturer in Khurja (bluestoneceramics.com) |
Significance
Khurja Pottery is an important cultural and economic asset for Uttar Pradesh. Its GI status, combined with skilled craftsmanship, ensures market recognition, supports local livelihoods, and promotes export growth. The blend of traditional artistry with modern industrial practices makes Khurja pottery both a heritage craft and a commercially viable industry.
Conclusion
Khurja Pottery stands as a timeless example of India’s rich ceramic tradition. With its roots stretching back centuries, supported by modern manufacturing infrastructure and GI recognition, Khurja continues to thrive as both a national treasure and a global export product, preserving craftsmanship while adapting to contemporary markets.
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