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August 5, 2017: The Potter and his Wife

 

It was most helpful having a good guide while in India because we got to see and experience a variety of things we otherwise wouldn't have.  An example was a stop at one of our guide's friend's homes while in a small village in Rajasthan. 

05 Potter

As part of our education about the Caste system of India, wherein people are born into certain groups or Castes, our guide explained this man was born into the lower Sudra (labor) cast.  He was a potter, just like generations of his ancestors before had been.

04 Potter

10 PotterThe potter adeptly demonstrated his ability to mold wet clay into usable vessels, like drinking cups and small bowls.  The drinking cups we were especially familiar with as we had a cup of chai every day in such vessels, purchased from street vendors.   When done with the chai, the vessel is discarded, creating an ongoing demand for these clay cups. 

It took the potter just a few seconds to craft a perfect cup, so experienced and skilled was this man.  The wet clay vessels were allowed to dry in the sun before being baked in a kiln and sold.

01 Potter

02 Potter

Our guide also pointed out that Caste system was changing and that people born into a lower class could become quite successful.  Just because the Potter's Caste made him a laborer, it did not mean he was poor.  This man was quite wealthy, as you might gather from the nice clothes he and his wife wore.  They lived simply in a tiny home, but he owned many acres of land and was a millionaire.   Many people born into lower Castes are successful physicians and professionals, although most had to emigrate from India because they would not be accepted in these roles here.

The couple couldn't speak a word of English and, of course, we knew no Hindi, but a connection was made and a lesson learned.

08 Potter

09 Potter

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  • Potter and his wife, Rajasthan
  • Potter and his wife, Rajasthan
  • Potter, Rajasthan
  • Potter, Rajasthan
  • Potter, Rajasthan
  • Potter and his wife, Rajasthan
  • Potter's wife, Rajasthan
  • Potter, Rajasthan

Twitter: @DrFumblefinger

"We do not take a trip, a trip takes us".  John Steinbeck, from Travels with Charlie

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Comments (6)

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An interesting insight garage med by poking around in unexpected places. The caste system is still a blight on Indian society, though breaking down in towns and cities due to the pressures of modern life (sharing transport for example), in rural areas it can be deadly serious when low caste people try to assert democratic rights

Amateuremigrant posted:

Cheers

Blasted technology.  

Turns 'gained' into 'garage med' - what sort of prediction is that ?

I hate "autocorrect" as well.  More of a problem than a help, but I appreciate your comment and insights, Bob.

Twitter: @DrFumblefinger

"We do not take a trip, a trip takes us".  John Steinbeck, from Travels with Charlie

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