Food, Health, and Economy: A Perspective from Potters of East Champaran, Bihar

Abstract

The psychological and physiological well-being is linked to access to quality and nutritious food. The link between food and well-being highlights the need to understand consumer behavior in food purchasing contexts, while consumer utility remains significant. The researchers raise pertinent questions about variations in consumer purchasing behavior. The authors aim to explore consumer behavior when purchasing cooked food prepared in metallic versus earthen pots. A unique culinary tradition that concentrates on the mass consumption of non-vegetarian food, commonly known as “Ahuna” in Champaran Bihar.” “Ahuna,” offers economic benefits that affect traditional pottery practitioners, particularly the Kumhars. The “Ahuna” is recognized by “Champaran Meat House,” and has proliferated across India. This paper analyses earthen vessels as a nexus among food, health, and economy using a case study from East Champaran incorporating Kumhar’s perspective. It is based on primary data, including interviews, questionnaires, and observations from East Champaran, Bihar, India.