Over a century ago, the establishment of railway lines brought an influx of artisans from Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh to Bengaluru. Handpicked by Mysore’s Wadiyars, who had seized control of Bengaluru in that era, potters brought their artisanship to work for the dynasty. They later passed their skills down to their younger generations, eventually creating a new hub for their craft. By 1926, their Kumbara community carved a space for themselves in Benson Town and established their Pottery Town to honour and sell their work.
Generations later, this historic Pottery Town is inhabited by 40 families, around 20 of whom keep their ancestors’ pottery legacy alive today. The neighbourhood is now a bustling tourist attraction, drawing people in from Bengaluru and beyond with its wide variety of hand-crafted ceramics. Year-round, you can find endless variations of pots and mugs and more in the Pottery Town, though its artisans are particularly busy during the Diwali and Ganpati seasons as they prepare hundreds of murtis and lamps for celebrators nationwide.
The Pottery Town’s long history is not unmarred, however. Bengaluru’s Kumbara community has faced immense hardship in their continued residence in Benson Town. In 2018, for instance, the Town was nearing its end as the community’s lease agreement was close to expiry. Their artisans first reached an agreement with the government in 1976, allotting them a portion of land for their working sheds. However, as the studies they built began to deteriorate and their customer base shrank over the decades, a limited number of active potters were left in the area. Hope for The Pottery Town’s future dwindled.
Yet, their artisans did not give up. They continued with their craft and started teaching pottery lessons to drive up sales and income. For only ₹200, tourists can now learn how to craft cups, diyas, and more, from one of their experienced artists. This initiative proved to be successful as it garnered the attention of several influencers who have now made Bengaluru’s Pottery Town the next big tourist attraction.
The dedication the Pottery Town’s artisans show to their craft is a lesson on the importance of preserving and celebrating traditions. This space is not special because of the goods it provides, but because of the rich history each of its hand-made goods carries. Each piece of clay is moulded by the hands of its creator and the many artists who came before them.
If you enjoyed reading this, here’s more from Homegrown:
Ratan Tata Passes Away At 86: Celebrating The Legacy Of A Homegrown Titan
Akshara Invites Listeners Into Her ‘Orbit’ With Her Ethereal New Pop Single
New Delhi, Attend An Exhibition Confronting The Undervaluation Of Women's Labour