Molela terracotta

Molela terracotta (Hindi: मोलेला मृद्दकला) or Molela clay work is a distinctive form of flat-relief terracotta craft native to the village of Molela in Rajsamand district, Rajasthan, India. Characterized by vividly painted, wall-mounted plaques, the tradition is practiced predominantly by the Kumhar community of potters and holds both artistic and ritual significance. The craft has been transmitted across generations for more than four centuries.^[1][2]

Molela Terracotta
Geographical indication
Flat-relief terracotta plaque from Molela, Rajasthan
Description	Wall-mounted terracotta plaques depicting deities and rural life
Type	Handicraft
Area	Molela village, Rajsamand district
Country	India
Registered	Yes

History

The terracotta craft of Molela is believed to have originated in the 17th century when artisans from the nearby village of Bagol settled in the area. Unlike typical three-dimensional terracotta sculptures, Molela artisans specialized in shallow-relief plaques mounted on walls.

A prominent legend tells of a blind potter who received a divine vision of the folk deity Devnarayan, instructing him to collect clay from the banks of the Banas River and create his image. Upon completing the figure, the potter’s vision was miraculously restored. This miraculous event established the religious foundation of the Molela craft and the devotion to creating deity plaques.^[3][4]

Materials and Techniques

The terracotta plaques are made using locally sourced red clay with high plasticity. The process begins with preparing flat clay slabs, around 1 to 1.5 cm thick. Artisans then model figures and motifs in shallow relief using simple wooden and metal tools. The pieces are sun-dried and fired in traditional wood or coal kilns at about 800 °C. After firing, the plaques are painted with natural mineral and vegetable pigments in vivid reds, greens, yellows, and whites, and are often finished with lacquer or resin for durability.^[5]

Motifs and Design

Common themes include:

• Depictions of Hindu gods such as Ganesha, Durga, and Shiva
• Folk deities including Devnarayan, Pabuji, and Bhairavnath
• Scenes from rural life: farming, herding, tribal rituals, and village festivities

Each plaque is typically framed by architectural motifs that resemble miniature temple facades. The use of bold lines and flat planes is characteristic of Molela’s visual language.^[6]

Cultural Significance

The plaques are highly significant among tribal communities such as the Bhils of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh. These communities travel to Molela annually, especially around festival seasons, to purchase new votive plaques for domestic shrines and ritual use. The images are believed to bring divine blessings and protection to the household.^[7][8]

Contemporary Recognition

In the 20th and 21st centuries, Molela terracotta has gained recognition beyond traditional contexts:

• Master artisan Mohanlal Chaturbhuj Kumhar (born 1939) was awarded the Padma Shri for his contributions to the art. He has exhibited Molela terracotta internationally and was also honored with the Shilp Guru award in 2003.^[9][10]
• Designers and craft researchers have begun adapting Molela motifs for use in contemporary textiles, interior décor, and fashion, helping sustain the craft in modern markets.

Efforts are also being made to incorporate environmentally sustainable practices into Molela production, such as the use of eco-friendly materials and reduced kiln emissions.^[11]

See also

• Terracotta
• Rajsamand district
• Kumhar
• Devnarayan