Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, on the second day of her visit to Meghalaya, visited Larnai village in West Jaintia Hills district and interacted with artisans preserving the State’s renowned GI-tagged Black Clay Pottery tradition. She also visited Shri Maa Jayantee Temple and the Nartiang heritage complex, highlighting Meghalaya’s rich cultural, spiritual and historical legacy.
At Larnai village, Smt. Sitharaman was briefed on the unique black clay pottery craft, which has been practised for generations and remains an integral part of the cultural identity and livelihood of local communities. The Black Clay Pottery of Larnai, known for its distinctive black finish and handcrafted production process, has received Geographical Indication (GI) recognition for its uniqueness and cultural significance.
The Finance Minister interacted with artisans and members of the pottery community, appreciating their efforts to preserve and promote the traditional craft. She noted that indigenous knowledge systems and traditional skills such as black clay pottery are valuable cultural assets that contribute to local livelihoods while strengthening India’s rich artisanal heritage.
A live demonstration of the pottery-making process was organised during the visit, showcasing various stages including clay preparation, hand-moulding and engraving. During the demonstration, Smt. Sitharaman enthusiastically joined the artisans and tried her hand at moulding clay, guided by their expert craftsmanship. The interaction provided her with a firsthand appreciation of the patience, precision and artistry involved in the traditional pottery-making process. She lauded the artisans for keeping alive a unique cultural legacy and for passing on their knowledge and skills to future generations.
The artisans shared their experiences in sustaining the craft and highlighted ongoing efforts to expand market access for their products. The interaction underscored the importance of supporting traditional artisans and promoting locally produced handicrafts as part of broader efforts to strengthen rural livelihoods and preserve cultural heritage.
Earlier, Smt. Sitharaman visited Shri Maa Jayantee Temple and offered prayers. Believed to be over 600 years old, the temple is widely revered as one of the 51 Shakti Peethas and holds immense religious and historical significance. The temple stands as a testament to Meghalaya’s rich spiritual, cultural and historical heritage and continues to attract devotees and visitors from across the country.
Later, Smt. Sitharaman visited the Nartiang Monoliths, one of the most significant megalithic heritage sites in the Northeast. During her visit, she also toured an exhibition showcasing Meghalaya’s GI-tagged products, including Khasi Mandarin, Memong Narang, Lakadong Turmeric, Garo Textile, Larnai Black Clay Pottery and Meghalaya Chubitchi.
She interacted with artisans, weavers, farmers and producer groups participating in the exhibition, learning about the distinctive characteristics of the products, traditional production practices and their growing market potential. Appreciating their dedication, craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit, she commended them for preserving Meghalaya’s unique cultural and agricultural heritage while creating sustainable livelihood opportunities for local communities.
Smt. Sitharaman was also briefed on the historical significance of the Nartiang Monoliths and their role in preserving the legacy of the erstwhile Jaintia Kingdom. The site, which houses an extensive collection of monoliths erected during the reign of the Jaintia kings, reflects the rich traditions, social customs and architectural heritage of the Jaintia people and remains an important cultural landmark in Meghalaya.
The visits to Larnai village, Shri Maa Jayantee Temple and the Nartiang heritage complex highlighted Meghalaya’s vibrant cultural traditions, indigenous craftsmanship, agricultural excellence, spiritual legacy and rich historical heritage, while reaffirming the importance of preserving and promoting the State’s unique cultural assets for future generations.
