Tag: SARTHEBARI BELL METAL INDUSTRY

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.

Tag: SARTHEBARI BELL METAL INDUSTRY

SARTHEBARI BELL METAL INDUSTRY

Let's Crack
APSC Together

Quick Links

Newsletter

Subscribe for Updates

Let's Crack APSC Together

Quick Links

Newsletter

Subscribe for Updates

Let's Crack
APSC Together