Potters take last stand in Bagerhat as industry nears extinction
Robin Pal of Kumarpara in Bagerhat's Kumarpara Union, a senior potter, does not shy away from sharing his trade secrets.
"To make earthen clay items, a special type of clay is needed, which has to be collected from Barishal. Earlier, we used to make items with soil from the river banks near our house, but now due to pollution, we can no longer do so," he says.
Pollution is just one of many problems.
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"We do not have any modern equipment to make clay here, so we rely on the traditional method of kneading with our hands and feet."
The production process is difficult. It starts with the clay being placed on a wheel and then slowly being turned to plates, bowls and pots.
Then those are dried in the sun, dipped in colours, burned and finally sold.
As the wheels turn, Pal turns to look at the artisans, whose deft movements give shape to the clay.
Some can be seen painting the final products. But despite the buzz of activity, something remains missing.
"If you spend Tk15,000-16,000 in a month, you might make a profit of Tk8,000. Even if the entire family works day and night, there won't be much money to be made. The shopkeepers buy the goods from us at around Tk10 and sell for Tk20-30," Pal says.
With such poor margins, despite long hours, artisans are turning their attention elsewhere.
Although more than 200 families were once involved in this industry, today there are less than 15.
The traditional form of pottery, without any patronage, stands on its last legs.
'Maybe in 10 years, there will be no potters left in this village'
Khagen Pal is also a veteran in the industry, who was once lured to it due to the high returns.
"Even after passing BA, I came to this profession without going for a job because there was a good demand for it at that time. Our handmade clay items were once supplied to different parts of the country. The goods were sent by loading boats through the nearby river. But now that has almost stopped," he says.
Even locally, there is little demand.
Khagen believes there are areas where the government can offer support.
"If we got electric wheels, as a few families have, our work would have been much easier. It could have also created interest among the new generation. It is very difficult to work on a large hand-operated wheel, so now no one wants to learn this work."
Deepali Rani Pal, another potter, has been involved in the profession since she was very young.
She used to help her father and now helps her husband in making the various clay utensils.
"The water in clay pots stays cold, and the taste of food is different when cooked in clay pots. But now people are leaning towards plastic, aluminum and melamine. This has not only reduced our work, but also increased the health risks to people," she says.
The lack of profits also dissuades people from joining the profession.
"Maybe in 10-15 years there will be no potters in this village."
'Dark future'
Dipali Rani Pal of Taleshwar village usually goes to a rural fair in the neighbouring Kachua upazila to sell her wares.
Along with her is Sekhar Chandra Pal.
"In addition to selling to wholesalers, we also take them to fairs. The demand has decreased, but now people want casual products made of clay, including flower pots, dinner sets, and tea cups. But due to lack of promotion, the goods are not selling.
"I have been in this profession for 30 years. I want to educate my children and send them to other professions. The future of this profession is dark."
But is there a way out?
With the economic prosperity of the people, the development of technology, the change in taste, the shadow of modernity and the change of times, traditional clay utensils are on the verge of extinction today.
Aside from fairs, there is another period when sales spike, although the work is more different.
Kamala Pal says there are particular periods of high demand.
"Our workload increases during Saraswati and Durga Puja. Then people come from far and wide to order idols. But there is not much work throughout the year. So many are choosing alternative jobs."
Glory days now only in memories
For those who have left the profession, there remains a heavy-heartedness, perhaps even a yearning to return to the golden days.
Ujjal Pal, a resident of Kumarpara, put down his wheel a while back.
He recalls the glory days with a tinge of regret.
"At one time, big boats used to come to the river next to us to buy clay goods. Boats used to come here from different parts of the country. Now that trade is no longer there. I tried a lot to continue this work, but I was forced to give it up because it was not profitable."
Ujjal now works as a labourer or farm hand.
Meanwhile, like him, the locals hope that one day people will return to clay products.
Deepak Kumar Pal, a local and teacher, said, "Clay products were once a part of our culture. With the evolution of time, this industry is now on the verge of destruction. Despite being environmentally friendly, this product is being lost to the dominance of plastic. To sustain this industry, potters need training and modern equipment must be provided for potters."
He suggested low-interest loans on a large scale and government initiatives to promote the clay products.
"Public awareness campaigns must be run about the harmful effects of plastic and melamine," he added.
Bagerhat BSCIC Industrial City Officer Md Sharif Sardar said there was scope to help the few remaining potters.
He, too, suggested training, financial assistance and loans, which the BSCIC would look into arranging.
"If they feel that their product needs marketing, we will also be by their side. This is a traditional industry of rural Bengal," he said.
