Question

Explain why the practice of serving tea in kulhad (disposable cups made of clay) on trains has been discontinued?

Answer 1

Hint: Since ancient times, Indians have always used stuff made out of natural products. It could be a drinking water pot, or kulhad which are often used by tea sellers. However, it is made of top fertile soil which leads to its depletion.

Complete answer:
First, let’s understand what kulhad is and how it is made. These are traditional handle-less clay cups and majorly from Pakistan and India. These are also called Shikora and are meant to be disposable. They are made by firing in a kiln and are almost never reused. For decades, clay pots have been an inevitable part of the Indian culinary world. From cooking traditional chicken to biryanis to using them as crockery. These are one of the most popularly used crockeries across the country.

The use of kulchas was discontinued in trains because:
- They started depleting the top fertile soil, this top fertile soil was used to make kulhads.
- The kulhads are made by firing in a kiln. It means a large number of pots would require a lot of fuel burn. This will cause pollution.
- The kulhads are baked which does not allow them to degrade faster.
- Even though it is a better option than plastic cups, it somewhere fails to be economically cheaper.
- Hence, these are the points because of which trains had to discontinue the use of kulhads.

Here is the image of Kulhads

Note: In households and some shops, the curd is sold in kulhads. It brings an earthy essence and flavour and even fragrance to the respective delicacy. These cups are mostly seen during winter when most chai wallahs serve hot tea in them.