Published in August 2018 by the Fashion communication Department(2016 - 20) National Institute Of Fashion Technology Mithapurs farms, patna Bihar, 800001 Documented by Rishika, Kriti, Swati, Aditi, Satvik, Tanya All rights are reserved by NIFT.No part of this publication can be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical or photocopy without prior permission. Printed in India
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The term Terracotta is derived from the words ‘Terra’ and
Cotta’. ‘Terra’ means earth and ‘Cotta’ means baked. Both the words are of Latin and Italian origin. An object of art made of a composition of clay and sand and baked with earthen color, a brownish red, is terracotta. Terracotta is one of the oldest craft that human beings ever introduced on Earth. It was once considered to be poor man’s craft, but in due course of time it has made its ascent and occupied a distinct identity among all classes of people by its aesthetic value. India has a rich tradition of clay crafts and pottery throughout the country. There is hardly any Hindu festival or ritual, which is complete without the use of Wearthen lamps or the diya. The terracotta tradition is the continuation of the Indus valley traditions that date back 5000 years.Terracotta has been used throughout history for sculpture and pottery, as well as bricks and roof shingles.In India the places where terracotta is generally found are Gorakhpur, Molela in Rajasthan, Vishnagar, Bhuj and Kutch in Gujarat, Gwalior, Jagdalpur and Bastar in MP, Darbhanga and Madhubani in Bihar, Katwa and Krishnanagar in West Bengal, Dhubri in Assam, Bargharh in Orrissa, Khamapur in Karnataka.
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For a village with such a rich heritage and culture build up through these years, the demographics of it never really changed. Small, old houses, broken walls,blie doors are the first to grab attension. 1
Mangrauni is one of the villages in Madhubani district. Mangrauni is Darbhanga Maharaja’s (of Mithila) marital home i.e. his wife Maharani Kaam Devi’s home and thus has historical significance. Mangrauni is present in block Rajnagar. The total population of the village is 776.The literacy rate is 27.74%. The female literacy rate is 16.1%. The male literacy rate is 38.34%. Mangrauni village have 30 potters family who are engaged in terracotta work & handmade pottery. Mostly, whole families contribute in the completion of terracotta items. 4
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Mangrauni is one of the villages in
Madhubani district whichis present in block Rajnagar. People here practices terracotta craft for more than 100 years. It is one of their main source of income and a daily activity. Currently the village have 30 potters family who are engaged in terracotta work & handmade pottery. Every morning begin with the worship to god for providing them the oppurtunity and basic material to make them able to do work after that they start working. Household and craftmaking takes place together as almost all the members of a family including women, men and children involve in the craft. Childrens of the artisans learn the basic techniques of making terracotta items since childhood from their fathers and fathers from thier forfathers. The soil here is rich in minerals which make it relevant for the craft purpose.
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Women contributing to the household and for making of terracotta.
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मिट्टी गाबिश मिट्टी धुनकर गीली रखी जाती है। बालू और रुई संग वो ढांचा बन जाती है।। चाक पर चलकर वो पूरी हो पाती है। भट्ठी में जलकर वह अमर हो जाती है।। इस मूरत को कभी रंग भी देते हैं कारीगर। इस प्रकार वो मूरत साक्षात।
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The entire production process is manual and all the terracotta objects in Mangrauni are handmade. The tools mainly used in terracotta production are ‘Kudal’, Drill, pitna, churi/chaku (different types and sizes of knives), chann, traditional wheel (used by men only) and ‘athi’. Apart from these, few cast and moulds are also used. 14
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Clay is the basic necessity for pottery and terracotta. The only difference in pottery and terracotta manufacture is the soil. For terracotta, along with clay, there are other materials used such as hay (dried straw) for shaping and providing strength to the figurine, used jute rags and dust to give rigidity, thread for tying and cotton to give better moulding and detailing. For commercial purposes, they use saancha (pharma- mould) to make the faces and other parts of idols, bangles, lamps and toys saleable at lower prices. The certified hastashilp is not made by the use of saancha and is instead carved by hands and other tools which do detailed nakashis (carvings) and designs.
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The artisans, often uneducated and leading a simple life, nonetheless create magic which entices locals and tourists alike. From the humble pot used to store water and keep it cool in summers and the small Diyas or motives to the most elaborately crafted door panels, temple facades, and statues of Gods and Goddesses, a terracotta artisan’s vision and creativity knows no bounds.
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The artisans have incorporated Mithila painting and general art painting to detail and decorate their terracotta products to add more aesthetic quality and attract customers. 19
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MADHUBANI AT A GLANCE
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Terracotta, pots and wheat being dried in front of the house.
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Navlakha Palace, also called Naulakha Palace, is a royal brahmin palace situated in town of Rajnagar, near Madhubani in Bihar. This Palace was built by Maharaja Rameshwar Singh of Darbhanga. This Palace suffered extensive damage during the earthquake of 1934 and was not rebuilt thereafter. Now this palace is in ruins.The palace is open for public and is protected by the army.The whole palace has spread in a very big area and contents several temples and buildings. It is also known as Rajnagar Palace complex. It is one of the major tourist centers of Mithila.
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