Terracotta Craft of Bastar
Bastar, a land of tribal's, is the largest district in the state of Chhattisgarh. Endowed with rich minerals deposits and precious stones, it forms the southern part of Chhattisgarh. The total forest area of the district is roughly 7112 sq km, which is more than 75 per cent of the total area. Tribes consist of 31.8% of the total Chhattisgarh population, with 66.3% of concentration in Bastar. The main tribes of Bastar are Gonds, Kamars, Biagas, halbas and Bhatras. This region is also famous for some distinctive and equally beautiful craft forms. Edka is small village in the Narayanpur tehsil with the majority of Muria tribe (sub tribe of Gonds) living in the area. Surrounded by the lush green forests of Narayanpur- Jagdalpur-Gadchiroli range, it is a village of potters. The main source of income here is agriculture and pottery. Other main centers of tribal terracotta in Bastar region are Kumharpara, Nagarnar, Kondagaon, Narainpur and Kanker. Beside these Dantewada, Tumnas, Bhairamgarh, Sukma, Kukanar, Kokawad, Karanpur, Choti lohara, Kandaripani, Sandanpur, Karar, Mitipura, Deori and Dhansera are also known for the same.
