Bell Metal Industry: Future Lies In Institutional Support

Despite being an important part of Assamese tradition and culture, the Bell metal industry of Sarthebari is facing several challenges like many other traditional industries of Assam. The industry will not survive on its own only depending on destiny and needs policy intervention. Arup Jyoti Das writes

- Arup Jyoti

When it comes to the cultural identity of Assam, among many other crafts, the bell metal product occupies an important place. The bell metal of Sarthebari, whether it is utensils like kahor manbati, kahor kahi or any other decorative items like the traditional Xorai, etc, have always been seen as a product of cultural importance in Assam. It almost shares equal space as other cultural entities like the Assamese Gamocha and Jhapi. Unfortunately, though the bell metal products keep shining in households, shops and other places, the industry and the artisan community associated with it is facing serious challenges in sustaining this traditional industry with changing market scenario, social security issues and for non-profitability.