From pride to peril: Odisha’s potters struggle to keep the wheel turning amid falling demand

Traditional pottery in Odisha is facing a severe downturn as demand for clay-made products continues to decline in the modern age. Once a thriving source of livelihood, the craft has now become an uncertain means of income for many families struggling to sustain their ancestral trade.

Potters, who once earned modestly, especially during festivals such as Diwali, now find themselves grappling with dwindling orders and fading interest in earthenware, raising concerns over the future of this traditional occupation.

In Khadikajodi village under Korukonda block of Malkangiri district, thirteen families still depend on pottery for their livelihood. They make earthen lamps, pots, pitchers, water jars, small containers, and clay toys. But as the popularity of earthen items continues to fall, their economic situation has worsened.

One of the craftsmen said, “Our forefathers practised this trade, but now it is difficult to collect clay and other materials. The earnings are too low to manage daily expenses. I am not sure whether our children will continue this profession, as many are migrating to Andhra Pradesh in search of work.”

Modernisation Halts Potter’s Wheels in Keonjhar

In Anseikala village under Joda block of Keonjhar district, pottery once thrived in nearly every household. Today, only a few potters remain active, while most have moved to other professions as modernisation reduces demand for traditional goods.

Another craftsman shared, “We now work only on orders. If the government provides some support, it would help us sustain our trade and educate our children.”

Across Odisha, the story remains similar; the potter’s wheel that once symbolised tradition and self-reliance now turns only occasionally, as the artisans hope for support to revive their fading craft.