Location & Significance
- Sarthebari, in Barpeta district, is Assam’s only hub for handmade bell metal items.
- Bell metal: an alloy of copper and tin, used traditionally for utensils and instruments.
- The industry is deeply tied to Assamese culture, tradition, and livelihood.
Historical Background
- Legendary origin linked to:
- Spread of Buddhism from Tibet.
- Gift of ‘Kangshapatra’ to King Harshavardhana by Kumar Bhaskar Varman (600–650 AD).
- Golden age during the Ahom reign (1228–1826).
- Royal families used bell metal utensils for their medicinal value.
Craftsmanship & Products
- Products: kahi, bati, gilas, lota, sarai, bhogjara, etc.
- Musical instruments like bhortal, bortal are widely used in Assam.
- Baniakuchi area produces pital (brass) items like sarai, koloh, soria.
Export & Trade
- Historical exports to Bhutan, Tibet, China, Nepal, Myanmar, Thailand.
- Now, custom musical instruments are exported on demand.
Colonial Impact
- British era (1826–1947): loss of royal patronage.
- Entry of Rajasthani ‘mahajans’ (middlemen) who exploited artisans.
Formation of Cooperative
- Assam Samabai Kanhar Sangha Ltd formed on Nov 5, 1933, led by Kohiram Das.
- Registered in 1939; renamed Assam Cooperative Bell Metal Utensils Manufacturing Society Ltd.
- Headquartered in Sarthebari Sabha premises, with 12 branches across Assam.
- Aimed to eliminate middlemen and improve marketing & distribution.
Challenges of Bell Metal Industry in Assam
- Decline in Raw Materials – Scarcity of essential alloys and metals affects production efficiency and costs.
- Competition from Duplicates – Low-priced, machine-made duplicate bell metal items from other states are flooding the market.
- Loss of Royal Patronage & Exploitation – Post-colonial entry of middlemen (‘mahajans‘) reduced artisan profits and disrupted direct trade.
- Lack of Modern Marketing – Dependence on traditional sales, with limited e-commerce or branding initiatives.
- Impact of COVID-19 – Sharp decline in demand and artisan employment during and post-pandemic.
- Skill Erosion – Younger generations show declining interest in this labor-intensive traditional craft.
Modern Challenges
- Post-COVID decline in artisan livelihood.
- 10,000+ families rely on this industry.
- Annual turnover: ₹100+ crore.
- Raw material scarcity, competition from cheap duplicates, and 18% GST affect artisans.
- 8 villages in Sarthebari are involved in this craft.
Recent Developments
- State GST removed, efforts underway to remove Central GST.
- Received Geographical Indication (GI) Tag in 2023.
- Demand for financial package and support from State Govt.
Way Forward
- Strengthen Cooperatives – Expand and empower the Assam Cooperative Bell Metal Utensils Manufacturing Society for better market linkage and fair pricing.
- Ensure Raw Material Supply – Establish tie-ups and subsidies for assured and affordable supply of metals.
- GI Tag Utilization – Promote Geographical Indication (GI) tag to enhance branding and international marketing.
- Digital & E-Commerce Push – Train artisans in online sales platforms, digital marketing, and logistics.
- Skill Development Programs – Encourage youth participation via design and skill innovation workshops.
- Government Support – Seek financial packages, infrastructure upgrades, and inclusion under artisan welfare schemes.
