We often search for magic in grand tales and distant lands, but sometimes it resides quietly within our world, in the hands of artists. Sri Mukanda Rana, who is fondly called ‘Wizard of Clay’, doesn’t use words for his incantations, but rather his fingers, transforming humble earth and water into art.
His story, much like many profound narratives, doesn’t begin in a lavish setting but in a small village in Sonepur, Odisha. Belonging to a potter family, his father, the late Sri Brushaba Rana, was a renowned potter pre-independence, whose hands crafted essential daily items like Handis (cooking pots), Tawas (griddles), and plates. This rich heritage was Mukanda’s birthright.He embraced this inheritance with the immense joy of a true artist. Even as a boy, he possessed a discerning and keen eye. “I made the Ganesh and Saraswati idols for our school functions and even earned a small income from them.” says Mukunda fondly remembering his childhood days. If a piece didn’t meet my standard I wouldn’t hesitate to break it and start anew he adds.
Unfortunately, formal education beyond the eighth standard was a luxury his family couldn’t afford. Yet, this financial hardship, rather than being a setback, made him realise he must pursue excellence. Long before ‘pinch pottery’ became a modern trend in artisanal circles, Mukanda had already mastered the technique. His hands, guided by an extraordinary creative vision, performed a quiet alchemy, turning raw, unformed clay into intricate terracotta masterpieces. Each creation is not merely an object; it’s a narrative rich with cultural symbolism and astonishing precision, a deeply soulful story frozen in fired earth. At the age of twenty, seeking to further refine his skills, he apprenticed under his maternal uncle, Manabodh Rana of Barpali, who was a National Award-winning terracotta artist.
Since then, for more than thirty-five years, his work has graced national exhibitions, from the bustling capital of Delhi to the vibrant streets of Mumbai, earning him widespread acclaim for sculptures that possess stunning, lifelike vitality. A magnificent forty-foot-by-five terracotta panel, depicting village life, adorns the NABARD, Bhubaneswar. A majestic Lankapodi Hanuman panel is housed at the Lalit Kala Kendra. His teracotta creations of mythical epics such as Krishna Leela, Jagannath, and Ramdhenu are not just displayed but are treasured in museums and private collections across India. The accolades justly followed; a State Award in 2009, and the ultimate recognition, a National Award for his ‘Durga Bhasani’ in 2017.
His creations are now highly sought-after treasures in metropolitan India, prized for their sublime artistry. However, for Mukanda Rana, this artistic magic was never meant to be kept to himself. With support from the Directorate of Handicrafts, he has truly become a “Guru,” initiating skill development workshops across rural Odisha. Embracing the traditional ‘Guru-Shishya Parampara’ (teacher-disciple tradition), he has empowered countless young men and women from underprivileged backgrounds, providing them not just with a skill, but a livelihood and a path to self-sufficiency. His legacy is a beautiful, family-oriented affair. His son, Debananda, is now a certified terracotta designer. His wife and daughter-in-law also contribute their skilled hands to the creation of beautiful items, from Durga idols to elegant Ganeshas. He has, quite literally, uplifted his entire community, teaching villagers a craft that enables them to stand independently.
Presently, after nearly half a century of passionate dedication, the wizard is constructing his sanctuary. His long-cherished dream, ‘Kala Kutira’ (an art house), is finally taking shape with the support of the Lalit Kala Academy. This pottery academy, soon to welcome its first Sunday batch, represents the culmination of a lifetime’s work. When asked about the time required to master the craft, he responds with the clear wisdom of experience, “Five years. Five years to become a skilled potter and start your own business.”
In an era dominated by plastic and waste, his chosen material offers an alternative. A sustainable medium born from earth which finally returns to earth. Maybe its time to bring back their beautiful, functional wares into our homes and kitchens.
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