Struggles of Traditional Pottery Sellers in Chennai’s Valluvar Kottam

Amidst the bustling streets of Chennai’s Valluvar Kottam, traditional potters endure relentless challenges in preserving their craft. Despite the growing interest in slow living and pottery as a therapeutic hobby, passing on the torch to the younger generation remains an uphill battle. From gathering clay to firing the pots in distant kilns, the arduous process is underappreciated, with customers often bargaining ruthlessly, undermining the years of skill and dedication involved.

For sellers like K. Shiva and Usha Vadivel, the declining profitability and lack of appreciation threaten the sustainability of their businesses. Despite witnessing a spike in sales during the summer, the inherent struggles, including breakage during transit and meager profits, cast a shadow over the future of traditional pottery in the face of more lucrative career options pursued by the younger generation.