Himachal Pradesh has a rich tradition of clay ware mostly black or dark red, but in a wide range. All these products are mostly made for home use in a traditional form and are very attractive. Pottery includes both decorative and practical items such as bowls, vases, dishes, and lamps.

The potters of Himachal Pradesh originally belong to Jammu, Rajasthan, and Punjab and are concentrated mainly in the villages of Kangra, Mandi, Kullu, Chamba, and Shimla.

Their place of origin distinguishes their style of working. These potters are locally known as kumhars, kumbhars, or prajapatis, and trace their descent from Lord Vishwakarma. These ‘clay’ artists have gained instant recognition for their innovative designs.

Kangra district is well-known for its distinct red and black pottery. The pots are embellished by painting on them with the traditional white and black colors or by inscribing popular linear and circular patterns with a knife mainly before firing.

The products commonly made include pots of different shapes and sizes. These are used for storage and ritual purposes. Diyas or lamps, toys, and figures of Hindu deities are shaped by hand or molded and then painted in gay colors for the festive season. Kangra in Himachal Pradesh has clay ware in black or dark red colors. The products made are mainly for domestic use: gidya jugs for milk or ghee, patri bowl for curd or butter, and nareles or tobacco-smoking pots.

Kangra clay art is unique. It is peculiar not only in the matter of clay mould but also in the contrast of colors it carries. Fine quality clay is used for the purpose. After crushing it well, the clay is sieved thrice before a fine paste is prepared with the help of filtered lukewarm water. A cake of such a paste formed is then set on the potter’s wheel for preparing Kangra pottery and clay dolls. Kangra is noted for black pottery, which resembles the Harappan pottery style.