The Artisan Hub Behind Kolkata’s Iconic Durga Idols
Tucked away in the narrow lanes of North Kolkata lies Kumortuli (also spelled Kumartuli), a historic neighborhood that has been the cradle of clay idol-making for over 300 years. Known for producing the beautiful and intricate idols of Goddess Durga, among others, Kumortuli is an integral part of Bengal’s cultural and religious landscape. This bustling area of artisan workshops plays a pivotal role in one of India’s largest festivals, Durga Puja, and represents the artistic heartbeat of Kolkata. Durga Puja is inscribed in UNESCO list of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity.
A Historical Overview:
The origins of Kumortuli date back to the late 17th and early 18th centuries, during the time of British colonization in Bengal. The British East India Company set up its trade headquarters in Kolkata (then Calcutta), which led to the influx of artisans and craftsmen from rural areas. As Kolkata became a thriving city, the demand for skilled labor, including idol makers and potters, grew exponentially. The local landlords (zamindars) who lived in the city required clay idols for their religious practices, especially for Durga Puja.
The potters, known as "kumors" (from the Bengali word for potter), began settling in the northern parts of the city, creating what would eventually be known as Kumortuli. Initially, these artisans crafted basic clay items such as pots and utensils, but over time, their focus shifted to creating the stunning idols for which Kumortuli is now famous.
Interestingly, a unique style of clay idol sculpting has seen it's genesis in these narrow bylanes of North Kolkata. Mahisasura, the male demon, is sculpted on the lines of Greek Gods. Apparently, the potters had no visual reference for the mythological texts or religious scriptures, simply because they didn't belong to the "upper caste". However, they had seen sculptures on the walls of European buildings of "White Town", or the British inhabited part of Kolkata. Goddess Durga & her children were sculpted in traditional Bengali style with traditional attires & Indian features. But Mahisasura became an embodiment of the Greek!
The Cultural Significance of Kumortuli:
Kumortuli holds a sacred place in the heart of Bengali culture, particularly in the context of Durga Puja, the grand festival that honors the victory of Goddess Durga over the demon Mahishasura. Durga Puja is not just a religious festival in Bengal; it is a cultural, social, and artistic phenomenon. The idols created in Kumortuli are at the center of this celebration, where art and devotion come together to inspire awe.
For generations, the idol-makers of Kumortuli have been creating the Durga idols that are worshipped in thousands of households and public puja pandals (temporary structures housing the idols) throughout Kolkata and beyond. In many ways, these artisans shape not only clay but also the spiritual and emotional essence of the festival.
Traditional Idol-Making Process:
The process of making a Durga idol is steeped in tradition, craftsmanship, and devotion. It begins months in advance, long before the festival. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of how these magnificent idols come to life:
1. Framework Creation: The process starts with creating the skeleton of the idol using bamboo and straw. This skeletal framework forms the basic shape of Durga and her accompanying figures, including her children - Lakshmi, Saraswati, Kartik, and Ganesh.
2. Application of Clay: The most important step is applying layers of clay to the straw framework. The clay is sourced from the banks of the Hooghly River, a tradition that adds to the spiritual significance. According to custom, a small amount of clay is also collected from a brothel, believed to symbolize inclusiveness and purity after it is used in the creation of the deity.
3. Sculpting the Details: Once the clay structure dries, artisans delicately carve the fine details of the face, hands, and ornaments. This requires incredible skill, as the expressions and intricate designs on the idols are what bring them to life.
4. Painting and Decoration: After the sculpting is completed, the idols are painted with natural colors. Finally, they are adorned with jewelry, sarees, and other decorative items to reflect the grandeur and splendor of the goddess.
This entire process is not merely about creating a physical idol; it’s about crafting an embodiment of divinity. The artisans often consider their work as an offering to the goddess herself, pouring their skill and devotion into each creation.
Contribution to Bengali Culture:
Kumortuli has become synonymous with Durga Puja, but its cultural significance extends beyond the festival. The artisans here create idols for other festivals too, such as Kali Puja, Saraswati Puja, and Vishwakarma Puja, among others. Over the years, Kumortuli has evolved into a cultural hub that reflects the artistic soul of Bengal.
Durga Puja, being the grandest of them all, sees the most remarkable creations emerge from the narrow lanes of Kumortuli. The vibrancy of Bengali culture, its rich traditions, and its deep-rooted love for art and aesthetics are reflected in the craftsmanship that flows out of Kumortuli each year. This has led to Kumortuli becoming an internationally recognized symbol of Bengali culture. Every year, idols from Kumortuli are exported to countries around the world, wherever the Bengali diaspora celebrates Durga Puja, from the UK and the USA to Australia and Singapore.
Present-Day Challenges Faced by Artisans:
While the artisans of Kumortuli are revered for their craft, they face a host of challenges in today’s world. Despite their crucial role in one of India’s biggest festivals, many idol-makers live in poverty, struggling to make ends meet. Here are some of the key challenges they face:
1. Low Wages and Financial Instability
Despite the hard work and artistry that goes into crafting the idols, the financial rewards are meager. Many artisans work seasonally, earning most of their income during the months leading up to Durga Puja. Once the festival season is over, work is scarce, and income dries up. Additionally, middlemen often take a significant portion of the profits, leaving the actual craftsmen with little financial security.
2. Space Constraints and Poor Working Conditions
Kumortuli’s narrow lanes are cramped, and the workshops where the idols are made are often small, dingy, and lacking in proper ventilation. The artisans work long hours in challenging conditions, with little access to modern facilities. The neighborhood itself is congested, with little room for expansion, which limits the growth and modernization of the idol-making industry.
3. Rising Costs of Materials
The cost of raw materials like clay, straw, bamboo, and paints has risen significantly over the years. However, the prices of idols have not kept pace with these increasing costs, leading to shrinking margins for the artisans. Additionally, environmental concerns have led to restrictions on the use of certain materials, such as non-biodegradable paints, further complicating the production process.
4. Competition from Machine-Made Idols
In recent years, machine-made idols and mass-produced alternatives have started competing with the handmade idols of Kumortuli. While these factory-made idols are cheaper, they lack the artistic finesse and cultural authenticity that Kumortuli’s craftsmen offer. However, this competition has impacted the livelihoods of many artisans who rely on traditional methods.
5. Impact of COVID-19
The pandemic severely impacted the artisans of Kumortuli. With many public Durga Puja celebrations scaled down or canceled altogether, orders for idols plummeted. This resulted in significant financial losses for many families in Kumortuli, pushing them further into poverty.
The Future of Kumortuli:
Despite the challenges, there is hope on the horizon for Kumortuli. The government and various cultural organizations have begun to recognize the importance of preserving this age-old craft. Efforts are being made to improve working conditions, provide financial aid, and promote Kumortuli’s art to a global audience. Additionally, there is a growing movement toward eco-friendly idols, which has prompted a revival of traditional techniques using natural materials.
Young artisans are also beginning to innovate by incorporating modern aesthetics and designs into the traditional craft, appealing to a newer generation of worshippers while staying true to the essence of Bengali culture.
A Living Tradition Which Beckons Immortality:
Kumortuli is not just a place - it’s a living tradition that continues to nurture the soul of Bengal. The artisans here are the custodians of a rich cultural legacy, shaping the divine in clay year after year. Even as they face significant challenges in the modern world, their resilience and dedication ensure that Kumortuli remains the heart of Durga Puja and Bengali artistry.
As we admire the intricate beauty of the Durga idols during the festival, it’s worth remembering the hands and souls that crafted them - the hands and souls of the artisans of Kumortuli, whose passion, skill, and devotion breathe life into one of Bengal’s most treasured traditions.
Dipanjan Chakraborty
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