AEGAEUM JOURNAL ISSN NO: 0776-3808 TRADITIONAL POTTERS OF MAJULI- CHALLENGES AND SCOPE FOR DEVELOPMENT Rinkumoni Patir Research Scholar, Department of Economics, RGU, Rono Hills, Itanagar, Arunachal Pradesh.
[email protected] Abstract: The age old tradition of pottery craft is one of the important crafts in Assam and has been playing a significant role in the economy and society of Assam. It is an eco-friendly craft which provides income and employment to the poor. This old craft practice is decreasing day by day for various reasons. The low demand and low profitability are main reasons for which the new generations not attracted towards this craft. There is a vast scope for development of this sector. If the government takes necessary action and create awareness among the new generations, this sector will flourish to develop. This research paper is based on primary as well as secondary data and attempt to explore the various challenges faced by the local artisans of the rural areas of Assam with special reference to Majuli District and try to suggest some measures to alleviate the problems. Keywords: Eco-friendly, Potters, technology, productivity, challenges 1. INTRODUCTION Pottery is an age old handicraft in India. It considered as the most iconic elements of Indian art and civilization. Evidence of pottery is in India dates back to Indus Valley Civilization. Pottery is an important medium through which men have expressed their emotions. The art of pottery indicated their religious and social customs of the society. It occupies an important place in auspicious occasions like celebration of marriages, religious occasions like “Puja”, performance of “Preta Karma” of deceased.