Pattharkatti | Traditional Handicrafts of India - Akkaara
‘Pattharkatti’ a traditional technique of carving & polishing blue-black stone. The craft gets its name from Pattharkatti region of Atri in Gaya,Bihar. Bihar has always had a rich history of stone craft that dates back to the ancient Mauryan Era (322 BCE-185 BCE) The glimpse of which is still evident in The Asoka Pillar at Sarnath, India and The Vishnupad Temple..
.Pattharkatti was introduced to Gaya, some 400 years ago, when 1300 Gaud Brahmins migrated to Gaya, from the western state of India, Rajasthan, on invitation of Rani Ahilyabai of Indore. They built the famous vishnupadh Temple. Most of the families stayed back and continued craft. it was done on 27 different verities of stone, In last 20 years most of the gaud Brahmins have relocated and now only 4 families are left..
.Apart from deities and statues, Pattharkatti was used to make utilitarian household items like glasses, coasters ,large platters customarily used to serve offerings at temples ,the mortar pestle,Dinnerware & other stoneware used for cooking and serving food. Pattharkatti Stoneware were great for slow cooking food, retained its nutrition, made the food taste better..
.At present this not just ornamental but utilitarian craft is losing its place in the society. It has lost connect to the market as people move on to machine made products, the stone quarry jacked the prices of stone for small quantity buyers, raw material is unaffordable, Skills and techniques haven’t been developed and revisited due no support from either government bodies or local communities. Lack of interest & design innovation. As a result now only a few family left in the village of Pattharkatti, are struggling alone to keep their heritage alive .
.Akkaara is on a journey to revive these exquisite crafts. Acknowledge & conserve the rare skills of the craftsmen. Be a part of this journey.
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