Khurja- The Bustling Centre of Earthenware Activities

Khurja, a small town of Uttar Pradesh is situated in Distt. Bulandshahr about 100 km away from Delhi. It has direct rail link from Delhi and Howrah.

Blue pottery is a popular craft of the state since Mughal period. Khurja is important center of this craft. Excellent specimens of earthenware and terracotta are produced in addition to toys by using new production techniques and design. Thus, Khurja has formed a niche for its products viz. Pottery, Milk and Pure Ghee not only in the state of Uttar Pradesh but also in the whole country.  The following pottery products are manufactured in Khurja City :

1.     Stone Ware Pottery

2.     Bone China Pottery

3.     Earthen ware Pottery

4.     Electrical Insulation Products

5.     Terracotta

6.     Refractory Products

7.     Artistic ware Pottery



Stone Ware Pottery

Legend goes that potters of the origin of Seriayee, Turkey, Egyptian had come to India in large numbers along with the army of Taimur the Lame. His army went back but many of these Potters chose to stay in India and dispersed in Khurja, Delhi, Jaipur and Multan. They started manufacturing various pottery goods by using red clay.



Bone China Pottery

During the period of Second World War, State Government had set up a small pottery complex to meet the demand of white clay earthen pots in hospitals. Khurja played a vital role by fulfilling the demand of Hospitals. Later on, in the year 1952, Government had established a Pottery Centre on the model of Japan Pottery Complex.



Earthern Ware Pottery

There are about 500 units in small scale sector. Besides 200 units are engaged in manufacturing Pottery products which include 50 units run by women entrepreneurs since 1992. In cottage Industry sector, Khurja is famous for deploying 750 pottery units, which positioned it first in pottery industry in the whole continent of Asia. The income from pottery business is the main source of their livelihoods.



Electrical Insulation Products

Pottery manufacturing business in Khurja has generated direct and indirect employment for approximately 25, 000 personnel in manufacturing sector and for more than 1.00 lakh persons in trading sector.  However, it remains the fact that Kurja does not have any raw material, fuel and chemicals to produce pottery products. The supplies of these items are fulfilled by importing from the neighboring states.



Terracotta

The other source of income of large number of families of Khurja town is handicraft business. In this sector, about 600 Handicraft units are engaged in manufacturing of Blue Art Pottery, Designed Crockery and Toys. All these units are in unorganized form and are not registered in MSME department. In addition to the above, about 30 units are engaged in manufacturing of Terracotta.

Refractory Products

Every citizen of the state may be proud that the example set by Khurja is being emulated by other states for developing their pottery business. Recently, Government of India, under Prime Minister National Innovation Council, has approved 25 clusters all over the country for introducing innovation. It is a matter of pride that 'Khurja Pottery Cluster' has been identified one among them.

Artistic ware pottery

Thus, Khurja is a bustling centre of ceramic activities in true sense and a trip to this small city of Uttar Pradesh is a must for entrepreneurs and every pottery lover.

Vijay Seth

General Secretary,

Kutir Chini Patra Utpadak Sangthan, Khurja