A village in Dhubri District on the southern part of Brahmaputra, Asharikandi is known for its workmanship with terracotta. One of the oldest crafts, terracotta is an art made of special compositions of clay and sand and is baked with earthen color which turns it into brownish red. Artistic skill, quality of Hiramati, climatic condition, and age-old tradition of Kumbhakaras (potters) of Asharikandi, has enabled to retain a separate identity of Asharikandi- style of Terracotta. HATIMA doll, a nationally and internationally acclaimed unique masterpiece of the late Sarala Bala Devi, has brought much repute for the Asharikandi- style of Terracotta.
Terracotta and pottery work is now their main profession; few years back it was their part-time job. Earlier they used to sell their products like – pitchers and other utensils in the nearby towns and villages, and terracotta products- like Hatima Doll, Ainar Horse, Elephant, Rhino, and other idols of God and Goddesses on the occasions of local festivals and fairs. Now they go out for selling their terracotta products on the occasions like trade fair, and sale cum exhibitions organized by the various Govt. Departments and NGOs. Resellers of terracotta and pottery items come to the artisans’ cottages and purchase the goods direct from the village. One can roam in and around the cluster, visit the artisans’ cottages full of traditional products, have a glimpse of making of Terracotta, and can also buy them. The selling part of the products is also run by the Scheduled Caste fisherman Barman community people, who are also the residents of Asharikandi village and five hundred families in number. This fishing community, due to the lack of fishing opportunities, had to leave their ancestral-work and has been shifting to terracotta and pottery trade.
