Tucked within the bustling expanse of Dharavi, Mumbai, lies Kumbharwada—a 500-year-old pottery village that stands as a living testament to India's enduring artisanal heritage. Despite the encroachment of urban sprawl and the pressures of modernisation, Kumbharwada remains an enclave where tradition thrives amidst adversity.
The roots of Kumbharwada trace back to the 16th century, when potters from regions like Saurashtra in Gujarat migrated to Mumbai, bringing with them the age-old craft of pottery. In 1932, the British colonial government formally recognised the settlement by allotting 13.5 acres of land in Dharavi on a 99-year lease. Today, this area is home to over 200 skilled potter families who have transformed it into a bustling hub of earthenware production.