The family of late Mohammad Achar Kumbhar, one of the renowned potters of the country, and his relatives living in the Tando Bago town of Badin district have kept alive their centuries old tradition of making pots and selling them in various markets of the district and beyond, especially during the first ten days of Muharram.

Mohammad Achar and his craft, which was acknowledged by thousands, both within the country and outside, has left behind numerous apprentices, including his children and other relatives living in various parts of lower and eastern Sindh.

Potters, who belong to the Kumbhar tribe, were previously renowned for their love and attachment towards clay, which has provided them with livelihood for centuries, but are now quitting their centuries old art and finding other means to provide for their families.

Ghulam Mohammad, the younger son of Achar, trades in pottery rather than crafting it. He is of the opinion that “it is very hard for potters to survive economically these days.”

"Now most craftsmen prefer making toys and show pieces to attract customers," he added.

Hawa Kumbhar also told Dawn that not only men but many women from her community in Tando Bago are masters in crafting clay into beautiful objects.

She added that till a few decades ago, there used to be dozens of stalls selling clay pots and utensils, but in recent times, they have reduced to only a handful.

A local historian and an author of a book on Tando Bago’s history, Anwer Abbasi, told Dawn that the Kumbhars have been making clay pots and utensils since before 1786.