It gives me immense pleasure to learn that a Brochure is being brought out on the occasion of Asharikandi-Terracotta, a joint venture of NECARDO and DRDA, Dhubri for the development of the traditional craft.

I am sure that a project of this nature will definitely go a long way in development of the crafts and also its market in the North East.

I wish the North East Craft and Rural Development Organization the very best for all future endeavors.

Terracotta craft is an ancient art form of our State in general and of the undivided Goalpara district in particular. The artisans display their creative and artistic skill in marketing beautiful dolls, toys.-images of idols etc with terracotta - a composition of glutinous clay and coarse sand. But unfortunately, this craft has lost much of its past glory due to various reasons and is now mostly confined only to making common earthen-wares such as jars, pitchers, flower-tubs etc.

As the terracotta craft bears a traditional value, it should be our endeavour to revive, preserve and upgrade this art form and popularise the products in and outside the State through proper marketing system.

It is heartening to note that the :North East Craft and Rural Development Organization, in collaboration with DRDA Dhubri has taken up a project for upgradation of terracotta craft of Ashrikandi village with some effective steps like proto-type sample development, design development, brochure development, price-list development etc. Such projects with surely encourage all who are involved in this craft to create products having utility as well as aesthetic value.

My best wishes to NECARDO for grand success of their laudable venture.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

A long felt demand, in terms of preservation, documentation and development of famous traditional Terracotta and Pottery craft and socio-economic development of craft-persons of Asharikandi village under Devitola Development Block of Dhubri district of Assam has been fulfilled by DRDA, Dhubri. A project named NECARDO-DRDA- ASHARII has been taken up for the development of some aspects related to the craft. Under this Project DRDA-Dhubri has extended the necessary assistance and cooperation to bring out this brochure. The brochure will help one to get an overall idea on Asharikandi style of Terracotta along with some additional information related to the area and on the said project.

ASHARIKANDI TERRACOTTA AND POTTERY DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE, a voluntary organisation, comprised of district level heads of development-departments and elected representatives of Asharikandi GP, Devitola AP and craft lovers and headed by Deputy Commissioner, Dhubri, as Chairman, has paved the way to take up the project.

His Excellency Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Sri Ajoy Singh (Honorable Governor of Assam), Smt. Ajanta Neog (Honorable Minister of State, Tourism, Government of Assam), Sri Wajed Ali Choudhury (Honorable Minister of State, Char unnayan and printing and stationery, Government of Assam), Sri Anowar Hussain (Honourable Member of Parliament, Dhubri parliamentary constituency), Sri J. P. Rajkhowa (IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Assam), Sri C. Babu Rajiv (IAS, Additional Chief Secretary, Government of Assam), Smt. Emily Choudhury (IAS, Lower Assam Divisional Commissioner, Government of Assam), Sri P. K.Borua (ACS, Ex Deputy Commissioner, Dhubri), Sri Avinash Joshi (IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Dhubri), and all others who directly and indirectly - have supported and advocated the need of preservation, promotion and development of Asharikandi style of Terracotta and Pottery and have contributed in any form to the movement and to bring out this brochure, have indebted us. We are grateful to them and acknowledge their valuable services. 3

(I)Asharikandi Village Pictorial display of the location in Maps
(India/ Assam/ Dhubri & Asharikandi)

(II) Familiarity to the village

If one starts from Dhubri and Cauripur towns of lower Assam towards Guwahati through NH-31, only fourteen kilometers and five kilometers are to be crossed respectively to reach the wonderful earthen world of Asharikandi craft village. From the bus stoppage named Targhat on NH-31, one-kilometre earthen PWD road leads one to the beautiful Craft Village of Terracotta and Pottery in Asharikandi (Madaikhali) village under Devitola Development Block of Dhubri district of Assam. in this artisans' world, male and female, young and old of altogether eighty potter-families are always busy to shape and create a range of fascinating terracotta and pottery items. It is one of the largest clusters of Terracotta and Pottery in India.

The nearest broad-gauge railway station from Asharikandi is New-Coochbehar in West Bengal. The nearest big cities are Guwahati in Assam, and Siliguri in West Bengal. The Assam State Transport Services, North Bengal State Transport Services and private transport travel agencies like Joy Travels, Ashwini Travels, Green Valley Travels, and Assam Valley Travels, etc. ply through the NH-31 and cater the need of transportation to reach the destination. The suitable time for visiting the place is throughout the year, except the months from May to August. But the best time to visit is winter - from November to February. In Dhubri and Gauripur towns, hotels are there for accommodation having facilities of both the vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. The average maximum and minimum temperature of the area is 36°C and 7°C respectively. One can roam in and around the cluster, visit the artisans' cottages full of traditional products, have a glimpse of making of Terracotta, and can also buy them.

(III) Background of the Village and Craft

(i) A brief introduction to Asharikandi style of Terracotta

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 crafts that human beings ever introduced on this earth. It was once considered to be the poor men's craft. But in course of time, it has made its access and occupied a distinct identity among all classes of people by its aesthetic value.

The countries famous for Terracotta practice other than India are ITALY, CHINA, FRANCE, JAPAN, IRAQ, EGYPT etc. In India, the places, other than Asharikandi, where Terracotta and pottery crafts are generally found, are:-

Terracotta: Gorakhpur (UP); Jaipur, Molela (Rajasthan); Visnagar, Bhuj, Kutch (Gujrat); Gwalior, Bastar, Jagdalpur(MP); Darbhanga (Bihar); Katwa, Krishnanagar (WB); Goalpara (Assam); Bargarh (Sambalpur)(Orissa); Khamapur (Karnataka) etc.

Pottery: Thanamandi (J & K); Nabha (Punjab); Saharanpur, Chunar (UP); Alwar, Khandela, Pokhran (Rajasthan); Palanpur, Bhuj, Kutch, Dabhy, Pethapur (Gujrat); Darbhanga, Siwan (Bihar); Katwa, Marajole, Krishnagar(WB); Goalpara-(Assam); Ziro (Arunachal Pradesh); Cuttak, Dhankandal (Orissa); Chittor (AP); Ootacumand, Coimbatore, Chattanipatti, Nallur (TN); Khamapur (Karnataka); Bombai (Mumbai) (Maharastra)etc. (Source Map Handicrafts of India, the Council of handicrafts Development Corporation.)

In India, the single largest cluster where both Terracotta and Pottery crafts are found and practiced in traditional way is Asharikandi (Madaikhali) craft village. Due to the factors of production, the product-quality of one place varies from that of another. Weather is a key factor and plays a major role in Terracotta-production. The main raw material for pottery and terracotta craft is Hiramati, a special type of soil. The quality of Hiramati varies from place to place. The quality of Hiramati and quality of artistic skill determine the quality of Terracotta and Pottery products.

Artistic skill quality of Hiramati, climatic condition and age-old tradition of Kumbhakaras (potters) of this place Asharikandi, have enabled to retain a separate identity of Asharikandi- style of Terracotta. HATIMA doll nationally and internationally acclaimed unique masterpiece of late Sarala Bala Devi, has brought much repute for Asharikandi- style of Terracotta.

(ii) Historical Background

Before the partition of India, a few potter- families from erstwhile East Bengal, at present Bangladesh, migrated to this place of Asharikandi (Madaikhali). It is said that the term Asharikandi derived from the combination of two words 'ASHAR' and 'KANDI'. 'ASHAR' is the third month in Assamese calendar and 'KANDI' (Assamese term) means 'shedding tears'. During ASHAR, heavy rainfall causes flood in this low-lying area. The dwellers of this place shed tears out of misery caused by the havoc of flood. Specially the potters have to suffer a lot. They cannot make, dry up, burn their products and cannot even store safely their earlier produced items during the rainy season ASHAR, the flood-prone month. The senior-most potters say that they selected the place due to some reasons like- the availability of raw materials, cheaper transportation facility, important strategic location etc. HIRAMATI, the soil is the soul of this craft. The reserve of HIRAMATI, lies nearby areas like Silairpar, which is only four kilometers away from the village .If the raw material had to brought through surface transport to the production-place, it would have been very costlier. But owing to the strategic location, the people can avail the cheapest means of transportation by boat etc. through waterways, as the village is just on the bank of the River Gadadhar, a tributary of the mighty Brahmaputra. For selling of finished goods, both the surface transport and water transport can be availed. The connection with the river Brahmaputra gives the place an advantage for marketing network with the major cities. Earlier, the needs of the Jamindar (Royal) family of ware and utensils for everyday-use were catered from this area since this potter-community migrated to this place. The farsightedness of the ancestors of the potters of this place is really laudable and amazing.

(iii) Present Status

Once all the people of the Paul Para, the name of the cluster of potters of Asharikandi, used to practice pottery craft. But in course of time, they had to discontinue pottery, their traditional work, due to many problems. Twelve years back only two families had been practicing terracotta and few families had been doing pottery works. But, at present, altogether eighty families of this village are engaged in terracotta and pottery practice. The artisans now work round the year. Terracotta and pottery work is now their main profession. Few years back it was their part- time job. Earlier they used to sell their potteries like - pitchers and other utensils in the nearby towns and villages, and terracotta products- like Hatima Doll, Ainar Horse, Elephant, Rhino, and other idols of God and Goddesses on the occasions of local festivals and fairs. Now they go out for selling their terracotta products in selected occasions like trade fair, and sale cum exhibitions organised by the various Govt. Departments and NGOs. Resellers of terracotta and pottery items come to the artisans' cottages and purchase the goods direct from the village. The selling part of the products is also run by the Scheduled Caste, fisherman Barman community people, who are also the residents of Asharikandi village and five hundred families in number. This fishing community, due to the lacking of fishing opportunities, had to left their ancestral-work and has been shifting to terracotta and pottery works.

(iv) Organisations Involved

The organisations those have been working for the revival of the craft and socio-economic development of the craft-persons of Asharikandi since last twelve years are as follows: -

a. NECARDO : North east craft and rural development organisation is a registered NGO. The organisation has been working for the development of craft and welfare of craft persons of North Eastern States. It works for the preservation and promotion of Asharikandi style of Terracotta .It works to convert Asharikandi village into a model ecotourism centre of excellence and to make it a model Terracotta and Pottery cluster in India.

b. ATAPDC : Asharikandi Terracotta And Pottery Development Committee, a voluntary organisation, is constituted by the District Administration, Dhubri. it is comprised of district level heads of development-departments and elected representatives of Asharikandi GP, Devitola AP, and craft lovers. It plans for the development of terracotta and pottery craft of Asharikandi (Madaikhali) village. The Deputy Commissioner, Dhubri, heads the committee as the Chairman.

c. ATOM55 LTD : Asharikandi Terracotta Doll making Samabay Samiti Ltd, a registered co-operative society, was established in the year 1977 for the welfare of the artisans of Asharikandi cluster. The society tried a lot but remained far away from achieving its goal.

(IV) Artisans' Profile

Artistic touch adds value and liveliness to clay. Among numerous artists of Asharikandi cluster, a few who have brought name and fame to their credit and have occupied a special position in the world of Terracotta in respect of artistic skill are:-

Late Sarala Bala Devi begged the prestigious National Award on Terracotta craft in the year 1982 for her excellent innovative masterpiece -HATIMA doll a lovely female figure with a child on her lap.

Sri Dhirendra Nath Paul the worthy son of the worthy mother, late Sarala Bala Devil is nationally and internationally acclaimed master crafts-man on Terracotta. Mr. Paul has represented traditional Asharikandi style of terracotta craft many an occasion in india and abroad . At present he is the senior- most skilled crafts- person in the cluster.

Sri Mahadev Paul is one of the senior crafts-men of this cluster. He begged State Award on Terracotta for his excellent masterpiece Ganesh, the son of Lord Mahadev.

Sri Gokul Paull a young upcoming talent of this cluster, is the worthy son of worthy father, Sri Dhirendra Nath Paul. His artistic skill fascinates anyone to become a terracotta -fan.

Sri Ashwini Paull another young upcoming talent of this cluster, is distinguished for his skill on Terracotta curving works.

(V) About Product and Production

(i) Product Range:-

Terracotta in addition to the pottery works, Terracotta- Dolls, Toys and Animals were produced by the artisans of Asharikandi cluster over the years. There were no utility products. A few efforts have been made in the past few years to upgrade the products, but the latest step jointly taken by DRDA-Dhubrij and NECARDO for the development of Terracotta of Asharikandi cluster is laudable. In this recent effort, some newly developed and designed Terracotta prototypes of various categories, types, and sizes have been added to the range of products of Asharikandi cluster. The items are exclusive and classic in nature

Utility products like -Fish Type Pen Stand, Folding Table, Terracotta Water Filter, Decorative Casket, Terracotta Photo-frame, Pancha-Pradeep Hatima, Naba-Pradeep Hatima, Hatima Pradeep&Child, Fish Type Candle Stand, Peacock Type Tub, Duck Type Tub, Fish Type Tub, Frog Type Ashtray, Fruit Container, Coaster with container, etc.
Show pieces like- Flower Vase with Stand, Fachu, Full Curving Motka, Partial Curving Motka, Lady and Lamb, Mom and Kid, Horse, Assam Rhino etc Historical/Religious /Cultural items like - Asom - Sarai, Goddess  Durga, Crucified Jesus, Three-part Palanqum, Mayurpankhi Boat, Pankhiraj, Mahadev-Ganesh etc.

(ii) Product Range - Pottery

Since the settlement of the potters in this village (Madaikhali), they have been making traditional pottery items like- pitcher, jars, water containers, earthen utensils, low-cost toilet rings, earthen pipes- for water supply, parts of tabla and mridang (Indian musical instrument), etc.

(iii) Raw Materials

Hiramati, a special type of soil is the principal raw material for terracotta & pottery products. Besides Hiramati, water, catechu, red-soil, firewood, sand paper, hay etc. are also the integral parts for terracotta and pottery products.

(iv) Existing Tools Used by the Artisans

The traditional and existing tools used in terracotta and pottery production at Asharikandi crafts cluster are 'Kodal', Kaim', 'Boila', 'Pitna', 'Chakku' (Different types and sizes of knives), . Kaim Kathi (Three to four varieties), 'Khota', 'Natar Kada',  Fulam (Design tools), 'Scale', Wheel (For male-use only), 'Para' 'Chatali', 'Nata' (muddy tom piece of cloth), 'Athi', 'Dice'. Earth surface - workplace.

(v) Existing Technology

Other than traditional technology, no modem technology has been applied in terracotta production-procedure at Asharikandi cluster. Traditional technology like- manual Hiramati conditioning, production of terracotta and pottery by bare hand and by big hand- driven wheels, firing of items in traditional kiln, traditional packaging by common hey, leads the artisans of the cluster to face problems in the fields like production, transportation, marketing and cost effectiveness etc. Traditional way of production is highly time labour and energy consuming.

As a result, the artisans of the cluster are unable to meet up the challenges from rest of the technologically advanced clusters in other parts of the country. Production procedure needs immediate modernization. With the help of modern technology, terracotta items can be produced with more perfection, with less labour and time than that of now. Incorporation of modem technology and inborn artistic skill of the artisans of Asharikandi cluster can easily compete with the terracotta products of the rest of the states in India and abroad.

(VI) Some Activities Related to the Cluster

a. SIDBI Building
SIDRI (Small Industries Development Bank Of India) has constructed one Office cum Godown cum Work-shed on 1200 Sq. ft. area on the land of the Artisans' Society to cater the various need of the artisans

b. Rest Camp
District Rural Development Agency (DRDA), Dhubri, has constructed one building in the cluster. The said building is used as Community Hall cum Rest Camp to cater multipurpose need of the cluster.

c. Other Activities
NECARDO has formed twenty SHGs under DRDA, Dhubri, in the craft cluster of Asharikandi village. District level SGSY committee has approved NECARDO to form one confederation of SHGs in the cluster for the all round development of the craft cluster. Handicrafts Department, Government of India, ATDC- Assam Tourism Development Corporation Ltd, SBI-State Bank of India, LHO, Guwahati, have come forward to help the craft and the craft-persons of Asharikandi.

d. Individual Effort
Sri Binoy Bhattacharjee, the Coordinator of ATAPDC and the Director of NECARDO, has been working for the preservation, promotion and development of Asharikandi style of Terracotta for the last twelve years. His active role in the formation of ATAPDC, and The "Assam Handicraft Artisans' Welfare Fund Board" is worth mentioning. He has been awarded with the District Youth leader Award for the year 2002 by NYK, under ministry of youth affairs and sports, Government of India, in recognition to his outstanding works done for the development of youth and community of Asharikandi cluster.

(VII) Threats before Asharikandi style of Terracotta

(i) Hiramati
Terracotta and Pottery craft industry of Asharikandi cluster is facing some threats. The imminent threats are from raw materials. The Hiramati is the principal raw material. It is generally found in the low-lying areas. It is a special type of soil having more elastic and more water containing capacity. It is not available everywhere. The Hiramati which is used in Asharikandi style of Terracotta is found in an area of more than one hundred bighas of land at a  place known as Silairpar. The area is a Government Khas land. It is just fiv kilometers away from the cluster. The artisans used to bring the required Hiramati from the said area for a long period of time but presently the said area is encroached by some illegal occupants. As a result, the procurement of Hiramati is gradually becoming rare and costlier. Eviction of the encroachers and allotment of the Hiramati reserve khas land to the artisans can save the magnificent traditional art and craft from the verge of extinction.

(ii) Firewood
Firewood is the second important raw material for traditional Terracotta and Pottery industry. It is used in the kiln for firing the terracotta and pottery items. Firewood is also gradually becoming scarce and hence costlier. The negative effect of this phenomenon is also seen in the cost effectiveness of traditional Terracotta and Pottery industry. To overcome this problem, allotment of firewood to the artisans at a subsidised rate from the forest department is very essential. The allotment of Government khas land to the artisans for plantation of firewood would be a permanent solution to the problem. The alternative arrangement of firewood is electricity. But the electric-kilns are costly and the shortage of electricity supply might be a cause of difficulty for the artisans.

(VllL) About NECARDO-DRDA-Ashariandi-Terracotta development project

It is a project jointly taken up by DRDA, Dhubri, and NECARDO for the preservation and promotion of Asharikandi style of Terracotta. The duration of this short-term project is two months. Under this short-term project the activities like- forty-two Proto Type Sample Development! Proto Type Design development, Brochure Development (one thousand copies), Catalogue Development (one thousand copies), Pricelist Development (one thousand copies), have taken up. This initiative will save the industry from several challenges.

(IX) Terracotta Products Procurement Procedure

(i) Order
Terracotta items may be procured from the artisans' cottages directly by any visitor to the cluster. The distant buyers may select items from the catalogue. Every product has its code number. All the codes are decoded in the product Pricelist. Product Pricelist narrates utility! size! weight! and price of each product. Before putting order one is to confirm the stock position either by phone or email. After confirmation one should make the payment.
For further detail contact:-

NECARDO
R.K. Mission Road
Dhubri, Assam
India, Pin-783324
Tel:03662-234868 (R) 230577 (R)
Email: necardo@rediffmail.com

Or

DRDA, Dhubri, Assam
India, Pin-783301
Tel: 03662-230008(O) 230005 (R)
Email: drdadhubri@assam.nic.in
Website: www.drdadhubri.org

Or

D.N.Paul, (Tel: 0091-03662-281373)

(ii) Delivery System and Duration
The ordered goods would be delivered to the customer within forty-five days from the date of receipt of payment. Packing and forwarding charges are not included in the Pricelist. The goods will be forwarded by courier service. The name of courier service, product code number! along with full Address & Telephone number are to be clearly mentioned and sent along with the demand draft payable to the proper authority as mentioned in the products procurement procedure.