Newskarnataka – Mysore

Mysore:  There was a time when earthen vessels ruled the Indian kitchen. In the past  people loved storing drinking water in clay pots or filters as the water thus stored also  had a distinct taste. But  with the advent of technology, earthen vessels were replaced by aluminium and steel vessels. Instead of water stored in clay pots, people began to prefer water  stored in refrigerators slowing sidelining the importance of the earthen pots.

Until a few years ago, at least houses in villages in Malanad region had a few earthen pots lined up along with  the steal  utensils. People used these earthen vessels to prepare some particular curries. But today the use of such pots is restricted merely to exhibitions. The net result of all this is that potters who used to eke out a living making pots are forced to look up for other professions.

In the recent times, people are preferring earthen pots more for decorative purposes even in urban areas. They purchase only those pots which are more attractive.  Banking upon this latest trend, some people from Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are making  artistic clay pots and selling  the same.

Such pots can be seen on display for sale on roadsides in some parts of the city and the traders are also making brisk business. In one such spot near Kalamandir, the clay pots on sale are very attractive with artistic designs and people are flocking the place to purchase these trendy pots.  Some of these earthen pots or water filters are fitted with a tap and a stand for safety.

Many purchasers feel they have made a wise decision to purchase these clay water filters costing anywhere between Rs 250 to Rs 300 instead of spending more on a steel water filter.