Kullhad Making
Clay Kullhad Making Training:
Kullhad making is not an entirely traditional craft but an evolution of pottery skills adapted to modern market demands. Traditionally, potters primarily produced earthen pots, vessels, and other traditional wares. However, with the increasing consumer preference for eco-friendly products, many potters have shifted to kullhad production. Recognizing the growing demand—especially at railway stations and tea stalls—this training provides short-term guidance to artisans and unemployed youth, helping them develop the skills needed to capitalize on this emerging business opportunity.
Kullhad making is a traditional Indian art form that offers immense potential for large-scale self-employment. The culture of using kullhads for serving tea and other beverages is reviving in India, largely due to the ban on single-use plastics and growing environmental awareness. This training aims to empower rural artisans and unemployed youth with systematic training in kullhad production, enabling them to meet market demand and earn a steady income.
Potential for Self-Employment and Rural Industry:
The kullhad making business can be an excellent industry for rural areas. The required raw material (clay) is easily available locally, and production can be done in bulk at a low cost. There is a constant and high demand for kullhads from tea stalls, railway stations, restaurants, catering services, and at events. This business can provide employment to rural artisans within their villages, helping to curb migration to cities.
Understanding Clay and Equipment:
During the training, participants learn how to select the best quality clay for making kullhads and how to process it for production (including cleaning, kneading, and mixing). Furthermore, comprehensive practical training is provided on operating the primary equipment, the potter's wheel, and safely using the kiln for firing the kullhads.
What is Taught in the Training:
This training program primarily focuses on products with high market demand. Trainees are taught to make the following items:
- Kullhads of various sizes for tea/li>
- Clay glasses for lassi and buttermilk
- Small pots (matki) for setting curd
- Simple diyas (for Diwali and other festivals)
- Basic production of other earthenware
The Kullhad Making Process and Technique:
Trainees are taught the complete process of making a kullhad on the wheel, starting from centering the clay. This includes shaping the clay correctly, maintaining uniform wall thickness, cutting it from the wheel with a thread, and techniques for proper drying. Finally, they learn how to fire the kullhads in a kiln at the right temperature to make them strong and waterproof.
Safety and Quality Control:
Special emphasis is placed on the safe operation of electric potter's wheels and taking precautions when working with the high-temperature kiln. Quality control standards are taught to ensure the production of high-quality kullhads, including maintaining uniform size and shape, ensuring they are free of cracks, and are leak-proof.
Business and Bulk-Sale Strategy:
The training covers how to calculate production costs to determine the per-piece price. Trainees are guided on how to get bulk orders by approaching local tea vendors, hotels, caterers, and railway contractors. They are also taught how to reach more customers by branding their products as "plastic-free" and "eco-friendly," enabling artisans to succeed in the modern market through this traditional craft.
