Preserving and promoting the ancient traditions of various communities, while continually emphasizing the significance of safeguarding one's customs and heritage to the younger generation, has been the mission of The Vivekananda Kendra Institute of Culture since its establishment. In line with this goal, the subject I am presenting here focuses on the material culture of one community, which is an integral part of their age old identity. The creation of pottery, a form of material culture within a community, dates back to the dawn of human civilization. Pottery is consistently present in discussions about ancient civilizations across the globe. As such, pottery is an inseparable element of cultural identity in virtually every society. A well-known name, Dhekial Koloh, is derived from the village, Dhekial in Golaghat District, Assam. It holds an important place in the region’s rich heritage of craft and artistry. The Dhekial Koloh is a unique form of pottery, renowned for storage and preservation of jiggery and this is one of its kinds.
This Dhekial koloh is featured by a long narrow neck and a globular body part. It has a smooth surface, with no decorative designs on the body or neck. This pottery is made using a wheel. The drying process is vital to prevent cracks during the firing process. There are two methods for firing the pots: open kiln and closed kiln. The potters of Dhekial use the closed kiln method for firing their pottery, which is locally known as Peghali. The size of the pot is approximately 54 cm. in length, where the length of the neck is 20 cm. and rim diameter is 16 cm. The potters who practice the art of making these clay pots are known as the "Kumars." They are one of the two potter communities in Assam.
In earlier times, most villagers practiced sugarcane cultivation, and the environment was ideal for it. Jaggery, a key product, served as a major source of income for the community. This particular pottery i.e. the “Dhekial Koloh” was primarily used to store jaggery for long-term preservation, protecting it from damage, and also for transportation. The long neck of the pot was designed for easy tying to vehicles when transporting it to nearby villages.
Through interviews with potters from the Kumar Village of Dhekial, I learned that the craftsmanship and use of this pottery have significantly declined in the present day compared to the past. One reason for the decline in pottery making is the cessation of sugarcane cultivation in the area, caused by attacks from monkeys and other wild animals. As a result, people shifted to tea plantations, which proved to be more profitable and less affected by other factors. In many households, I've observed small tea gardens in the front and backyards. The residents agreed that tea cultivation requires less labour and brings in a good profit. This shift has led to the decline of pottery making in the region. Today, only a few households still practice the craft, and even they are unwilling to continue, as cheaper storage items made from materials like plastic are now easily available in the market.
Besides being a symbol of cultural identity, pottery made from clay also serves as a natural preservative, protecting food from bacteria for several months. This has been also scientifically proven through analysis of the composition of raw materials used in these pots by researchers. Earlier it is a widely used practice in Assamese households, as clay absorbs excess moisture from the jaggery, aiding in its solidification. While this traditional method has faded in many areas due to modern food preservation techniques, its scientific benefits are still valued in Assamese culture, particularly for community events like weddings, feasts, and religious ceremonies.
The material culture of the potter’s community of Assam has a deep-rooted tradition, but as modern individuals, we must strive to understand the science behind these practices and promote this rich heritage globally. Folk beliefs alone cannot sustain traditional cultural practices in a changing world; scientific validation is essential for their broader use. Economically, there is potential for increased global demand for pottery, offering both quality assurance and ecological benefits. By combining scientific knowledge with cultural traditions, the use of these resources in daily life becomes even more justified, making it highly significant from a modern cultural standpoint. This approach helps in preserving the community's cultural identity, preventing it from disappearing.
