Lost and found

Earthen cookware makes a comeback in Indian kitchens

Origin of earthen cookware

Since ancient times most
cultures have had a tradition of
using clay pots for cooking.
Around 14000 BC, long before
people started farming, they
made pottery out of clay in East
Asia – around China and Japan.
Likewise, early traces of pottery
making are found all over the
world. Initially, Earthenware
was used for storing grains and water. clay pots then gradually became essential
for cooking food.

Was modernity the reason for the vanishing earthen cookware?

In the realm of culinary practices, modern
kitchen utensils have become indispensable,
simplifying food preparation and cooking
processes. From non-stick cookware to electric
appliances, these innovations have made cooking
more accessible and enjoyable for people
worldwide. The availability of diverse kitchen
gadgets and appliances caters to a range of
cooking styles and preferences, empowering
individuals to experiment with new recipes and
culinary techniques.
Why are we switching to earthen cookware?
There is a serious problem with the
modern cooking utensils. Non-stick
cookware and other metal pans
destroy most of the nutrients in food.
The earthenware can not only
preserve but can even increase the
nutritional value of the food There are
views expressed by famous ceramic
artists. As per Ceramic artist Rahul
Kumar, “Eating out of ceramic plates is
also much healthier and non-toxic as compared to a metal like aluminum or even
plastic.” As per award-winning ceramic artist Om Prakash “Cooking in clay pots
enriches the food with calcium, phosphorus, iron, magnesium, Sulphur and
several other compounds,” Further, clay pots are alkaline in nature so they mix
well with acidic food to create a balance. In addition to this, ceramic is totally
oven/microwave safe too.

Health benefits of earthenware

One of the biggest advantages
of cooking with earthenware is
that the process requires much
less oil, which makes the food
way more healthy. the clay
adds to the food calcium, iron,
magnesium, and much more –
all of which are immensely
beneficial for our health.
Moreover, clay pots are much safer as there are no chances of any harmful
chemical reaction during cooking or storage, unlike metal cookware.
Sustainable and pocket-friendly

Earthenware offers notable advantages in terms of

sustainability and pocket-friendly, making it a
popular choice for many households.
Firstly, earthenware is inherently eco-friendly. The
raw material used to make earthenware, clay, is
abundant and renewable, making it a sustainable
option. Unlike metal or plastic cookware, which
require significant energy and resources for
extraction and manufacturing, clay is naturally
occurring and readily available in most regions. This reduces the environmental
impact associated with production and disposal.
Additionally, the production process for earthenware is relatively simple and
energy-efficient compared to other materials.
Moreover, earthenware is typically more affordable than other types of cookware.
Clay pots are relatively inexpensive to produce, and their affordability makes them
accessible to a wide range of consumers, including those with limited financial
resources. This affordability aspect aligns with the concept of pocket-friendliness.
Allowing individuals to enjoy the benefits of earthenware without breaking the
bank.

Evolution of Indian pottery: from ancient earthenware to terracotta

painting
Clay, the main raw material used to
make earthen cookware pottery, is
profusely available in India and
hence, the rise of pottery in India, is
quite evident. With the rise of
pottery culture in India, Indian pots
were exported to different parts of
the world. Red polished potteries
are still widely found in Gujarat, Rajasthan, and West Bengal. The phase of painted
pottery started in India during the 12th century when the Mughal period came
into its existence. Modern India calls pottery a Terracotta painting. Today Indian
pottery comes in a variety of shapes and patterns. The ceramic artists from all
over the globe are trying to adopt the Indian form of pottery. The ancient pottery
art has become a contemporary form of Western pottery art.

The harmonious blend: where functionality meets beauty

Indian pottery seamlessly blends utility with artistry, reflecting a timeless tradition
that transcends mere functionality. From everyday essentials like matkas, chulhas,
and kulchas, crafted with precision and imbued with generations of knowledge, to
breathtaking works of
decorative art, Indian pottery
epitomizes the marriage of
form and function.
Talented artisans breathe life
into clay, sculpting intricate
figurines, ornate vases, and
decorative plaques that
celebrate the richness of
Indian culture. Mythology, nature, and daily life intertwine in these creations,
blurring the line between utility and aesthetic expression.

Unearthing Indian earthen cookware

Indian earthen cookware, a
cornerstone of culinary tradition,
was discovered through ancient
pottery-making practices dating back
thousands of years. With clay
abundantly available across the
region, communities crafted
functional utensils like matkas (water pots), chulhas (stoves), and kulhads (clay
cups). This discovery arose from a deep understanding of local materials needs,
with generations of artisans refining techniques over time. The utilitarian nature
of these cookware items embodies the essence of Indian craftsmanship and
cultural heritage.