GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 26th Jan: Assam’s tableau at the Republic Day parade on Kartavya Path offered a vivid glimpse into the state’s rich terracotta heritage, centring on Asharikandi, the renowned craft village in western Assam’s Dhubri district.
The tableau highlighted the living tradition of Assamese terracotta, celebrating the artistry, cultural depth and economic resilience of the artisan community. Nodal Officer Bikram Newar and officials from the Cultural Affairs Department, Government of Assam, were present on the occasion.
At the heart of the tableau stood a towering terracotta doll carrying earthen lamps arranged in a circular formation, creating a striking visual centrepiece. The motif symbolised light, continuity and tradition. On either side of the tractor-mounted structure, earthen sarai were displayed along bamboo fencing, underscoring Assam’s abundant bamboo resources and their role in the region’s socio-economic fabric.
Mayurpangkhi boat reflects Assam’s river culture
The trailer section of the tableau was designed as a graceful Mayurpangkhi boat, evoking Assam’s deep-rooted riverine heritage. Artisans were depicted shaping hiramati (local clay) into divine forms of deities such as Ganesh, Kartik, Durga, Lakshmi and Saraswati, showcasing the living process of terracotta craftsmanship.
A traditional pall (sail canvas) at the rear enhanced the authentic aesthetic of the boat, reinforcing the central place of rivers in Assam’s cultural and economic life.
Rooted in the spirit of Atmanirbhar Bharat
Conceptualised around the theme of Atmanirbhar Bharat, the tableau portrayed Asharikandi as a symbol of self-reliance driven by cultural entrepreneurship. The village was presented as an example of how traditional skills, when preserved and innovatively showcased, can sustain livelihoods and strengthen a self-reliant local economy.
Why Asharikandi is famous
Asharikandi is widely recognised as the largest Assamese terracotta and pottery craft cluster in India. Located in Dhubri district, the village is home to numerous artisan families who have practised traditional pottery and terracotta craftsmanship for over a century, passing their skills down through generations.
Artisans create a wide range of terracotta toys and idols, locally known as puttola, using hiramati. These include iconic figures such as the Hatima doll, Ganesh, Kartik, Maa Durga and other deities, reflecting a blend of folk aesthetics and religious symbolism.
The roots of this craft tradition trace back to the early 19th century, when families from the pottery community migrated from East Bengal (present-day Bangladesh) and settled in Asharikandi. Over time, they preserved their ancestral occupation while infusing innovation and local cultural influences, giving rise to a distinct Assamese terracotta art form.
Late Sarala Bala Devi played a pivotal role in bringing national recognition to Asharikandi. She received the National Award for Terracotta Craft in 1982 for her iconic Hatima doll — a graceful female figure holding a child on her lap — which became a defining symbol of the craft village.
In a major boost to its heritage value, the terracotta crafts of Dhubri district received the Geographical Indication (GI) tag in March 2024, becoming the sixth traditional craft from Assam to receive this recognition. The GI status has further strengthened Asharikandi’s position as a national centre of terracotta excellence.
With its Republic Day tableau, Assam brought Asharikandi into the national spotlight, celebrating both the artistic legacy of terracotta and the enduring spirit of self-reliance among its artisan community.
