Situated only 100 kms from
Delhi, Khurja, though a small town of Uttar Pradesh, supplies a
significant portion of the crafts used in the country. Khurja is
basically famous for ceramic crafts. Today, Khurja is a bustling
centre of ceramic activity and a trip to this small city is a must
for every pottery lover.
IThe history of Khurja pottery goes back to about 600 years ago.
Many potter families moved from Delhi to Khurja during the reign of
Mohammed Bin Tuglak. Iniatially these potter worked with mud and
clay , slowly they moved to introduce blue glaze on red clay
products. A special mix of powdered quartz is used to make the
stoneware base for blue pottery, which is then glazed, blue. This
art, popularly known as Delhi blue pottery, has attained a distinct
flavor.
Using this art, a wide range of candle holders are produced by the
craftsmen. There are nearly 400 factories in this small town making
handpainted ceramic votive holders, handmade
candle holder etc. The uniqueness of these splendid candle
holders is that in spite of being handcrafted, they are very
reasonably priced.
The
Industry Scenario
In the 1970s, the Government of Uttar Pradesh upgraded all the
existing potteries and modernized the kilns. Today, the pottery
craftsmen are much in demand. Both exports and imports are on the
rise. There is also an influx of designers who are giving new design
inputs to potters. The modernization of this craft has increased its
market prospects,
