International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Kumbhar (Potter) Community of Odisha in Historical Background: A Review of Sources

The potting community (Kumbhar/Kumhar) is one of the Major indigenous communities of Odisha, belonging to the artisan groups in India. Pottery is one of the ancient crafts of man and is an integral and inseparable component of his culture. A chronological account of the growth and development of pottery, discovery of potsherds and potteries from different archaeological sites of Odisha as well India validates the continuity of the potting tradition. The ceramic tradition indicates the continuous flows of ceramic culture from one generation to the next. The large quantities of pottery fragments at archaeological sites raise questions concerning where they came from and how and by whom they were made. The archaeological investigation in Odisha from post independent provides insights into the prehistoric settlements of the area and material remains demonstrate a trajectory of cultural succession from the Palaeolithic to the Medieval period. This cultural succession provides an ample opportunity to study the Kumbhar (potter) community of Odisha on the basic of ethnographic context, as it is the first-hand study of people, culture and subject in local settings, and to their description and analysis in written texts. This ethnographic study is highlighted the origin and growth of Kumbhar community of Odisha through various sources, which are available in India as well as Odisha from ancient times to present day.