The origin of pottery in India can be traced back to the Neolithic age. Coarse handmade pottery in various colours such as red, orange, brown, black and cream mainly consisted of different types of bowls, jars, vessels, etc. Harappan and Mohenjodaro cultures heralded the age of wheel-made pottery. These were characterized by well-burnt black painted red wares. The phase of glazed pottery started in the 12th century AD, when Muslim rulers encouraged potters from the Middle East to settle in India. Glazed pottery of Persian models with Indian designs, dating back to the Sultanate period has been found in Gujarat. 

The terra-cotta objects are made by hand or on the wheel, by firing them in an open oven. The surface is rubbed and polished, with a wood or stones while it is still wet. The first pottery unit run in India was by Sir S Deb, in Kolkata. It established the success of high-class pottery made out of local clay. Porcelain factories were set up in Gwalior and Calcutta in first decade of 20th century. Today, the pottery industry is run on both cottage and modern lines. Hundreds of small and big factories all over the country keep this age-old tradition alive. 

Apart from commercial and sociological implications, pottery in India has deep religious significance. For instance, if no image of a deity is available, a water-pitcher is worshipped as 'mangalghat' (good omen). The translucent blue pottery of Delhi and Jaipur, with its unique arabesque patterns, has lent a touch of grandeur to the art of pottery. Functional items like flowerpots or Diwali lamps too are a part of this fascinating tradition.

Wood craft

Woodcraft has given a new definition to home-furnishing in India. The Matsya Purana says that every home should have a beautifully carved doorframe in wood as a sign of welcome to visitors. Carved lintels, brackets and balconies are found in traditional homes in many parts of the country. 

Since time immemorial, wood has been used to make utensils. In Himachal Pradesh water pitchers and bowls are made out wood. In Kashmir, walnut wood is used for making trays, fruit bowls, etc. Storage receptacles are made in wood in many regions. Gujarat, in particular, has a rich tradition of wood-carving. Here, in addition to small chairs and tables, the swing, without which no traditional home is complete, is made. Wood lacquering is popular in Karnataka and Maharashtra. Traditional woodwork like painted cradles, boxes and ganjifa and the set of playing cards, are painted with religious and mythological figures. 

Wood inlay, which developed and flourished with the Mughal influence, is done with bits of ivory, plastic, horn, metal pieces or other types of wood into carved surfaces of wooden items. This is found in various parts of the country such as Gujarat, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi. The Mughal designs of Uttar Pradesh such as the fretwork, jali or the anguri work are also very popular. 

Rare woods have special uses. Ebony and rosewood are carved into trinket boxes in Uttar Pradesh, while in Karnataka they are inlaid with ivory. Hand fans made here from thin slivers of sandalwood spread aroma in the room. In Gujarat inlay has become applique work and mosaic designs are built up from strips of different kinds of wood first glued together and then thinly sliced. The architecture too is famous. It is elaborate and elegant with its projected balconies, decorative windows and doors. The beautiful traditional homes of Kerala, built with teakwood are brilliant pieces of architecture. These retain their quality for decades together.

The soft toned elegant walnut wood and the fine deodar wood are found in Kashmir. The lattice- work and the Khatamband works are famous. The fragrant sandalwood in Karnataka is used for carving out intricate pieces that captivate the eyes. The red sandalwood of Andhra Pradesh is used to carve idols, deities and dolls. The woodwork of the north-eastern tribes is locally known as kumisyng. The huge log drum is noteworthy in this region. The wood carvings of the tribal areas of Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Orissa and Rajasthan include doors, window frames, "marriage-litters", wedding pillars, tobacco cases and pipes.

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