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Subarnapur’s ‘Wizard of Clay’ readies next generation of terracotta artisans
Orissa POST
|June 14, 2025
Sonepur, June 13: Mukunda Rana, 60, a terracotta artist from Kuhibahal village in Binika block of Subarnapur district, has earned national recognition for his lifelong dedication to the ancient clay craft.
Popularly known as the ‘Wizard of Clay’, Rana has trained thousands of artisans across Odisha and beyond, significantly contributing to the revival and growth of the craft.
Belonging to a traditional potter family, Rana’s journey began early, inspired by his father Brusabha Rana. He embraced clay modelling during his childhood and later moulded his own identity by mastering intricate terracotta sculptures. Though formal education eluded him beyond Class VIII due to poverty, his passion for the craft never wavered.
Rana first gained local acclaim by creating Ganesh and Saraswati idols for his school. Encouraged by teachers and peers, he gradually transitioned to fine terracotta artistry.
This story is from the June 14, 2025 edition of Orissa POST.
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