Pokaran Pottery

Pokaran Pottery is its light pink, almost white colour, which is the result of a laborious process in which hard clay is beaten and ground to provide appropriate texture and then filtered through a sieve so that the clay powder passed through is of fine texture. The white/light pink clay of Pokaran possesses entirely different properties than the normal red terracotta used by potters all over the country. Human judgment and expertise are applied at every step. Once fired, the products become very tough and last for many years. Some of the ancient Pokaran Pottery grain silos are said to be lasting for over three generations are over 100 years and still in use.

The soil is stony containing numerous rocky ridges, located in the remote Pokaran is a remote location in the Thar Desert region In summers, the temperature goes up to 50-degree Celsius and in winters as low as 0-degree Celsius. lt is the climate that gives the soil its salty hard uniqueness. The soil of Pokaran is light pink in colour and is brought from an area 5 kms away called Rind. In this area spread over approximately 250 bighas, rain water collects as a result of which the soil takes a particular viscosity, ideal for the pottery. Hence, it is the particular climate and soil of the area which differentiates the Pottery of Pokaran and makes it unique.

Difference between other styles of Pottery in Rajasthan -

The Craft of Pokaran Pottery is different from other styles in Rajasthan. The pottery of Pokaran has stylized forms with incised decorative patterns, which are distinctive and Geometrical etchings are used while maintaining the traditional styles. The final product is very heavy. Whereas, in other districts of Rajasthan, for example in Jalore district terracotta horses are made for religious offerings, in Bikaner artists work with lac and special rich effects are transferred through the use of gold; in Alwar District artists show their skills by making paper thin pottery, known as kagzi pottery and items made are very light weight.