Haryana and UP Pottery Tradition of Khurja and Rewari

The pottery cluster of Khurja in Uttar Pradesh and the traditional kumhars (potters) of Haryana represent the Gangetic plain tradition of ceramic and earthenware making. Khurja is the ceramics capital of India, producing 30 percent of the country crockery — from hotel chinaware to temple puja items. The Khurja ceramic tradition produces blue-and-white glazed pottery similar to Persian and Chinese blue ware, as well as unglazed terracotta. Haryana traditional potters (kumhars) produce functional earthenware — clay pots, matkas, kulhads (clay cups for chai), and diyas (oil lamps) — that are integral to Indian ritual and daily life. The kulhad (clay chai cup) is experiencing a revival as a sustainable alternative to plastic cups at tea stalls. GI certification was awarded for Khurja ceramics. State pottery training centres in Haryana and UP support artisan skill development. Export of decorative Khurja ceramics to the Middle East and Europe.