Ishwardi (Pabna) Correspondent :
Ishwardi’s tradition of village-Bengali pottery is on the way to extinction. With the touch of modernity, the demand for clay pottery has also decreased in the villages. People of Pal community involved in this industry are disoriented. Many have already changed professions. Palpara is not as busy as before.
Rows of clay pots are not noticeable. Steel, aluminum and plastic utensils have taken the place of earthenware. But once upon a time there was no alternative to earthenware for almost all the daily needs of the family.
Over time, the demand for earthen goods has decreased due to the rush of raw materials. Due to which the scope of work and income of people involved in this industry has decreased. Also, potters said that this industry is losing due to increase in the price of necessary equipment including soil and various crises. Some of the current generation have changed professions and started small businesses like driving rickshaws, vans, autorickshaws, CNG.
About three hundred Paul families were associated with pottery in Muladuli of Iswardi upazila and Arambaria of Sara union. Still hundreds of families are connected with this profession.
He has been supporting his livelihood and children’s education by sheltering this profession. Pottery has been going on for more than a hundred years in Muladuli and Arambaria villages of Sara union in Ishwardi.
It can be seen in Arambaria Paul para, the previous busyness is no longer there. Rows of clay pots were not noticed. However, some families still retain the grandfather’s profession.
Someone is making curd bottles. Someone is working on burning pots and pans. The women and children of the family are helping the men in all kinds of work, including drying the curd bottles in the sun.