Traditionally most of these families belong to 'Paul' community of Bengali ethnicity. In Assam 'Paul' means Kumar (that is, potter). These days Dhubri district has acquired a pivotal position in the terracotta and pottery markets in India and abroad. Among the numerous artisans of Asharikandi cluster, late Sarala Bala Devi, who bagged the national award on Terracotta craft in 1982 for her innovative masterpiece - "HATIMA" doll, a lovely female figure with a child on her lap - brought name and fame to the craft village. Dhirendra Nath Paul, a son of Sarala Bala Devi, is nationally and internationally acclaimed master craftsman on Terracotta. Mahadev Paul is one of the senior craftsmen of this cluster. He begged state award on Terracotta for his excellent masterpiece Ganesh. Gokul Paul and Ashwini Paul are some young upcoming talents of this cluster. Considering the tourism potential of this craft village, the Government of Assam has declared the village as a model village and brought under its rural tourism projects. NECARDO (North East Craft And Rural Development Organisation), an NGO, has been working for the revival of the craft and socio-economic development of the craftpersons. NECARDO is also implementing a United Nations Development Project (UNDP) for the promotion of terracotta art and culture since 2006.