Known as the "lyric of handicrafts",
pottery has always supplied writers and
poets with the metaphors they have needed.
It was probably the Pathan potters from
Afghanistan who introduced the glazing techniques
to the Mughal court in India.
Today, Khurja, an old town about 80 kilometers
from Delhi, is full of Muslim potters, engaged
in this ancient craft. They use inky blue
color known as Jaipur blue as background
for floral designs. They also make tiles
and do pottery cutwork.
Khumba MatkasThe pretty, unglazed khumba matkas (water
pots of clay), piled high around New Delhi
railway station, are made locally. According
to a Hindu legend, the first pot was made
to store amrit (the nectar of immortality)
thrown up during the great churning of ocean.
Thus the Khumbas, the name also given to
the potters' community, were held in high
esteem.
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