A Lamp That Keeps Burning on Its Own! How Did a Chhattisgarh Potter Make It Work?
What if you could light an oil lamp and let it burn for an entire day without worrying about adding more oil? An artisan from Chhattisgarh has turned this idea into reality with a unique clay lamp that can keep glowing for 24 to 40 hours without manual refilling.Meet Ashok Chakradhari, a traditional potter from Kondagaon, who has found an innovative way to give an everyday earthen lamp a remarkable new feature. His creation combines traditional terracotta craftsmanship with a simple scientific principle, making it both functional and fascinating.An Idea Born While Exploring YouTubeThe journey began in 2019 when Chakradhari was exploring new creative possibilities through YouTube. During his online research, he came across traditional oil-refilling techniques and wondered whether he could adapt the concept to his pottery.What followed was a series of experiments, failed attempts and design changes. After several trials, he finally developed a lamp that could replenish its oil supply automatically as the flame continued to burn.The design features a dome-shaped reservoir that stores the oil. A specially designed clay tube connects it to the lamp's base. As the flame consumes the oil in the basin, the changing pressure inside the reservoir allows more oil to flow down in a controlled manner. This process continues automatically until the stored oil runs out.According to Illustrated Daily News, Chakradhari shared a video of his creation on social media in 2020, and it soon attracted widespread attention. The video reportedly generated more than 200 enquiries from people across India, bringing his work into the national spotlight.But the potter did not stop with his first invention. He went on to develop an improved version of the lamp, which he claims can burn for more than 100 hours without refilling. His creations are produced at the Jhitku Mitki Terracotta Kala Kendra, where he works with a small, dedicated team.Keeping Traditional Craftsmanship AliveDespite growing interest, meeting orders from across the country remains a challenge. Producing these lamps requires skilled craftsmanship, while transporting delicate clay products safely over long distances calls for careful packaging and handling. Chakradhari continues to refine his designs and production methods to reach more customers.His journey shows how curiosity and experimentation can give traditional crafts a fresh purpose. By bringing together pottery and practical innovation, this Chhattisgarh artisan is proving that even an age-old clay lamp can hold a bright new idea!
