Kumartuli clay idols yet to get GI Tag Identification

Sequestered in the clammy lanes of North Kolkata, Kumartauli is a traditional potter’s quarter, renowned for its dexterity in sculpting. Denizens are not merely restricted to the manufacturing of clay idols for religious festivities but they are also engaged in the export of these idols. The settlement of Kumartuli can be traced back to the Battle of Plassey and the advent of the East India Company, which assigned a particular districts to workmen and these districts were gradually identified by the vocations of the dwellers for example, Suriparah (wine sellers habitat), Aheeritollah (cowherd’s quarters) and Coomartolly (potters’ quarters) and so on.

The embellishments of the idols are done either with sholapith (white spongy soft wood) or silver or gold foils in ‘daker shaaj’. A large number of artisans toil in workshops without proper ventilation or lighting to complete the idols of Durga and her children, especially when Durga Pujo approaches and fervour among patrons is intense.

The creation of a ‘Kumartuli Crafts Village’ similar to the model of Raghurajpur craft village near Puri in Odisha will be a nice initiative towards the development of this far-flung district in terms of improvements in work-shed amenities (lighting, ventilation) and dwelling quarters, creation of a large common facility for storage of finished images and a waste disposal facility, besides improvement in roads, drainage systems, street lighting. A GI tag is the way forward to recognise the distinctive artistic talent of this prodigious artisans and prevent their unique craft from slipping into darkness.

Leave a Reply

© Authindia 2023. All Rights Reserved.

Hey, Wait...

Don’t miss out on this incredible opportunity to be a part of our thriving art community! 

Newsletter Form (#2)