What is traditional Indian Tableware?

Traditional tableware includes Thali, Katori, Gilass, Chai Daani, Donga, Chamcha, Crockery

Indian food service centers around Thali. Entire meal is served at once in bowls arranged on the periphery of a Thali. Most of the tableware was made of Brass, Copper, or Kansa. The food surface was coated with Tin (Kalai). Silver with gold trim was used for the rich class. Nowadays, most of the Tableware is made of stainless steel. Slowly, Indian table service is adopting western methods. During British Raj, the flatware was introduced Spoon (Chamcha), Fork (Kanta), Butter knife (Chhuri). General masses just never took to using flatware.
The conceptual art drawings are from my memory.

Chai Daani (Teapot)

The tea (Chai) pot (Daani) was introduced during British Raj. The tea was cooked/prepared in Tea kettle or stock pots. The hot tea was poured in the teapot for service. Cotton quilted cap was sewn to cover the teapot to keep tea hot.
The teapots were made of copper or brass. The inside of teapot was was coated with Tin. The shapes and capacity of teapots varied. Some were made taller. The average capacity of tea pot was about 24 fluid ounce. Matching sugar-bowl, and creamer were made to complete the set
The conceptual art depicts traditional Brass teapot.

Chamcha, Chamchi (Spoon)

Chamcha is a large spoon. The smaller spoon is called 'Chamchi'. Yet, arger spoons are used as servers. The chamcha made of silver and copper are used for religious functions and Pooja. There are no size standards. Nowadays, the standards used in UK and USA have been adopted. Chamcha is one Tablespoon, and Chamchi is half a teaspoon.
Chamcha may be made of: Brass, Silver, Copper. Nowadays most of the flatware is made of Stainless steel. Silver is used by rich class. Copper spoons are still used for religious ceremonies.
The conceptual art depicts traditional Brass Chamcha where scoop is coated with Tin

Crockery: Cup (Piyali), Saucer (Pirich), Plate (Tashtari), Tea-pot (Chai Daani)

In early 1950s 'Bengal Potteries' started to produce bone china. While the majority of India continued to use disposable terracotta tumblers (Kulhar) to drink their tea, the rich and middle class moved on to fine china sold at crockery shops in every major city of India. The tea-set (tea-cups, saucers, tea-pot, sugar bowl, creamer) had floral designs, and gold trim lines. The Indian tea-cup hold about 6 fluid ounces. The fine china plates (Approximately 8", and 6" sizes) were introduced to serve snacks along with tea. The tableware at tea-time was all fine-china except for teaspoons. Bengal Potteries closed down in late 1970s, but the fine-china with elegant designs became the new tradition and continues.

Donga (Serving Bowl)

Donga is a round or oval shape food serving bowl with a dome shaped lid. The rim of the bowl is shaped like a flange. There is no handle. Flange is used to lift the bowl. Traditional donga may be made of Brass, Kansa, Copper, enamel coated steel. Rich class used a Donga made of silver with gold trim. Nowadays, Donga is made of stainless steel.
The diagram shows a brass donga, the interior is coated with Tin (Kalai).

Gilas (Tumbler)

Various sized tumblers are used for beverages. Common Gilas capacity ranges from 7 fluid ounce to 9 fluid ounce. Common Gilas is used for water, milk, Thandai.
The tall Gilas capacity ranges from 16 to 24 fluid ounces. The tall tumbler (Bara Gilas) is used for Matha (soured butter milk), and Lassi. The tall tumbler has a solid-rim at the bottom to prevent it from tipping over.
Gilas are normally made of brass or copper. Rich class uses Gilas made of Silver with optional gold trim. Nowadays, stainless steel Gilas are used. Rich class still uses silver Gilas.
The conceptual art depicts traditional Brass Gilass where interior is coated with Tin

Katori, Katora (Bowls)

These bowls are used to serve curries, Dal, Kheer, Yogurt etcetera. Smaller bowls are called 'Katori'. Larger version is called 'Katora'. A typical Katori holds about 5 fluid ounce, it is about 3 inches in diameter, and 1.5" high.
Bowls are usually made of: Brass, Copper, Aluminum, wood, and Silver decorated with gold for rich people. Nowadays, stainless steel Katori are used. Rich class still uses silver bowls.
The conceptual art depicts traditional Brass Katori where interior is coated with Tin

Kulhar (Earthen Tumbler)

A disposable earthen tumbler holds about 7 ounce of fluid. It is used to drink hot beverages such as Garam Chai (hot tea latte) or cold beverages such as Thandai. Kulhar is not used at home. It is primarily used by street vendors or at social gathering.
Kulhar is made of local red clay.

Lota (Tumbler)

Lota holds about 10 fluid ounces of water. It has a round bottom that ends in to a neck and the top of the neck flares out to form a rim. It is used to drink water, carry water to wash hands. Some of Lota may also be equipped with a spout. Copper lota is used to store holy water (water from Ganges river) during worship.
Lota is made of: Brass, Copper, Aluminum, Silver. Nowadays, it is made with stainless steel. The exterior may be clad with copper
The conceptual art depicts traditional Brass Lota where interior is coated with Tin

Surahi (Earthen pitcher)

Surahi is a long neck earthen pitcher to store and serve cool water
Traditional materials: Black clay, Red clay. Nowadays plastic and glass pitchers are used to serve cold beverages. The nobles used Surahi made out of Brass, Silver, or copper.
In the olden days, master craftsmen would etch and carve the the surface with elaborate designs, complete with inlay work. These items have become collectibles and sold as vase or urns in the market place.

Thali (Food Platter)

Thali is a round platter with eared rim. Entire meal is served on a Thali. Small bowls called 'Katori' are arranged around the periphery. The Katori are filled with Dal, Curries, Raita, sweets, and condiments. The un-populated area is used to pile Rice and Roti. The eared rim prevents the Katori to slide off the platter as well helps to lift the platter off the flat surface.
- 'Khana Thali' to serve meal is about 13" to 14" in diameter, with rim raised about ¾".
- Larger version Thali is called 'Thal'. These are 14" to 18" in diameter. They are used to display foods. In the olden days, Thal were used for major announcements. The middle area was engraved with the announcement. The Thal may be loaded with sweets such as Laddu and given out to neighbors, friends and family clan.
- Smaller version is called 'Tashtari'. These are 6" to 8" in diameter and used to serve snacks
- 'Aaarti Thali' is made of silver and used for Pooja, Diwali, Weddings, and Rakhi etcetera. Aarti Thali is about 10 to 11" in diameter.
Traditional Thali to is made of: Brass, Copper, Kansa, Silver decorated with gold for rich people. Nowadays, stainless steel Thali are used.
The conceptual art depicts traditional Brass. The Thali interior is coated with Tin

Tableware for large social functions (Pattal, Dona, Kulhar)

In the olden days disposable items were used. The 'Pattal' (platter) was made as a doily of leaves. 'Dona' (bowls were made with of leaves as well. The 'Kulhar' (Terracotta tumbler) was used for cold or hot beverages (Water, Chai, Thandai). Nowadays, styrofoam plates and cups are used in urban India.

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