Clay Crafts of Central India brings to the fore the regional concentration of the central Indian cottage crafts. Clay Crafts of Madhya Pradesh are known for the terracotta items that are part of an antique tradition of the state. The art of creating terracotta items is one of the oldest traditions in India. In fact the artists from Madhya Pradesh have preserved the traditional craft form with their own perseverance.
Clay Craft is practiced in almost all region of Madhya Pradesh and each region has its own distinct style and artistry to display. The terracotta items of Madhya Pradesh are made by following a mature process of moulding and decorating the clay items. Clay crafts of Madhya Pradesh involve decorating the created items with great artistry after it is dried and baked properly. The colours of terracotta articles and figures are found in pink, red, brown to light and dark grey colours. One of the major centres of clay craft of Madhya Pradesh is located in Bastar. The artisans create famous traditional statues of elephants, serpents, birds and horses which stand unique in their simplicity and rustic tone. In addition to these, the decorative roof tiles and `rukha padki` of Raigarh are also well known for their authenticity. The Bundelkhand terracotta of Madhya Pradesh stands apart for the life-size images of human forms. This form is particularly practiced by the tribal communities of Bundelkhand.
Clay crafts of Madhya Pradesh include creating decorative roof top tiles that are made partly by hand moulding and partly on the potter`s wheel. These tiles are shaped like half tubes and the figures of elephants, monkeys, bears, reptiles, gods and goddesses are placed on top of them. Apart from terracotta items and other decorative items made out of clay comprise conventional dolls and toy making which need proper skill and artistry. These dolls are made of cloth pieces and clay by the artisans of Madhya Pradesh. The handmade clay toys of Madhya Pradesh are prepared in hollow shapes and sometimes the clay toys are formed with solid figures. Animal figures like horses, elephants, dogs, lions, birds, deer and bulls are made on wheels.
The tradition of clay crafts of Jharkhand is predominantly carried on by the potter`s community of Jharkhand known as Kumhars. The people of this community create different articles from clay and the exclusive pieces are embellished with colours and designs.
The clay crafts of Jharkhand display a wide variety of items that are created by the skilled artisans. The artisans create huge range of utilitarian items including ceremonial water jars, earthen cups, long necked vases, and pots. A large size pot is very famous among the local people which is used for making `mahua liquor` (it is locally made liquor) and local beer made out of rice. Deogarh is well known for attractive black gleaming pottery.
The clay craft of Jharkhand blooms with all its variations during the season of festivals. The craftsmen make bright coloured terracotta animals, figurines and clay items beautifully decorated with colours. The local folks, among which women also occupy major part, create terracotta jewelleries at Nunihat. Bihar has an ancient tradition of making clay and terracotta items that dates back to the Mauryan period. In the villages of Jharkhand, the people create different clay items following the past tradition with the combination and usage of vibrant colours. Each village and district of this state display distinct style of making clay crafts.
Clay crafts of Jharkhand are also preferred for making toys and images which are closely related with seasonal festivals and other religious ceremonies. The artisans create different clay figurines which are given a full fledged characteristic by the usage of bright colours and sometimes the terracotta figures are also praised for the glossy polish. Clay elephants are very famous among the other articles and according to the popular belief, these elephant figurines are kept on the roof tops as these signify marriage. Play items or toys are made for children including elephants, reptiles, horses that are sold in the local market.