ISSN 0970-8669 Review

Introduction: and the adjoining territories of district, Odisha is famous for its traditional arts they are very popularly known as the “Thattaries.” and crafts since time immemorial; it’s other name In the district, they are popularly ascertained, “Utkal” signifies the significance of the same. the Metal Artisans or the Kansa-Karigaras Because the etymological derivation of the term or the “braziers.” In district the i.e. “Ut” and “Kala” roughly refers to excellence “Kansari” or the “Kansa Karigaras” are popularly of art. Hence, the term Utkal is aptly appropriate designated as the “Kharuras.” for this state. The famous temple of “Konark” is In Bolangir district, the artisans or the full of artistic , the forms of which are Karigaras those who are engaged in the Brass uniquely beautiful. Not only in stone works but and Bell metal work are ascertained as the also in other fields of handicrafts the ancient “Khaduras.” In Phulbani district, the Kansari artisans of Odisha had advanced abundantly and dominated belt i.e. the Kansari Padas or the reached the peak of quality and beauty in Kansari residing villages are Phiringia, Gutingia, producing varieties of excellent articles of utility Khajuripada, Sarangada and numerous other

A Study on Brass and Bell Metal Industries of Odisha

Manas Chandra Behera

and of decorative value1. The study of Brass and villages, whereas in the the Kansari Bell-metal Industry in Odisha is a part of Odisha’s dominated belt is Guduvellipadara, near handicrafts) of the artisans or part of Odisha’s art Manamunda. It is however 8 Kms. far from and craft. Manamunda. But in both the districts (Phulbani The people those who are engaged in the and Boudh districts) the Kansaries or the Kansa- profession of bell metal work are normally known Karigaras are popularly entitled as the as the Kansaries. But the nomenclature “Kharadas.” On the contrary all the artisans or “Kansari” has also different names in different the Kansaris those who are engaged in the Brass places of Odisha. For instance, in some districts and Bell metal work are popularly known as the like Puri, Cuttack and , the artisans “Thattaries” in the district only and no engaged in Brass and Bell metal work are other nomenclature has been entitled so far. popularly designated as the “Kansari”, while in However, all the artisans or the the districts like , Jagatsinghpur, Kendujhar “Karigaras” or the works comprehending in the

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Kansari community, are popularly known as the assets of a family. Utensils of various sizes and “Kansyakaras” in the . In this different designs cover all sorts of articles a man district the people belonging to Khandara, Sunari uses in day-to-day life. The artisans follow two or Bania and Kamara(blacksmith) are also processes of production – one by way of casting engaged in Brass and Bell metal ware/work. The in moulds and the second by constant beating to people belonging to the Kansari community here get the required size and shapes. Besides utensils are however known as the “Tameras” they are the artisans produce different kinds of statues popularly known as the “Tamra Karigaras” or generally the statues of Gods and Goddesses in “ Artisans” or “Tamba Karigaras.” Here Balakati and Kantilo of undivided , “Tamera” means “Tamra” or in Odia it is called Bhuban in District, Baidyarajpur in Tamba (name of a metal) roughly indicates to , Bellaguntha in Ganjam District, copper. Remuna in Balasore District2. Initially the Kansari were inhabiting at The nimble fingers of the craftsmen turned Kanyakubja or Kanauj, on the river bank of every article they touched into a thing of joy. The Ganga. It was however the metropolis or the city living generations of Odisha still carry the old capital of Harsha-Vardhana, the last independent traditions. The traditional designs and processes ruler of the Hindus, in ancient . He belonged are recorded in the old palm-leaves and they still to the famous Pushyabhuti dynasty. But in the later guide the craftsmen now. With the help and aid phase, the Kansaris had hailed from the Ganges received from the State Government, the to Srikshetra Puri, at the invitation of Gajapati handicraft artisans have developed their arts and Kapilendra Dev(of the Suryavamsi dynasty). The crafts both in quality and quantity. Filigree work, proximate purpose of the king to greet the Kansari Brass work, articles of Golden grass Art, Textiles, was to manufacture the Brass and Bell metal Horn work, Stone carvings and many other items utensils of the “Lord of the Universe/Lord are now produced in innumerable varieties. Most Jagannath” for His worship. Simultaneously, the of the handicrafts brought under the Co-operative perpetration of Brass-bands and Brass-Turis of Societies for handicrafts-artisans have been the Lord was yet one of the other reasons to greet organized in the different parts of the State. A the brazier community to Odisha and since that regular and well organized system of marketing day (hitherto) the Kansaris at first spread to of handicraft articles has been evolved by opening Kantilo and subsequently to other parts of Emporia of Puri, Cuttack and Bhubaneswar3. Odisha. Brass and Bell-metal Industries of Brass and Bell-metal Industries of undivided Cuttack District:- The artisans of this Odisha:- From ancient time, the artisans of industry are concentrated at Baidyarajpur Odisha knew the scientific process of preparing (Jeypur), Bindhanima( Tigiria), Bhatimunda, an of zinc and brass known as bell-metal. Ganraba and Kanpur village. They produce Bell- The daily utility utensils are produced in artistic metal utensils and decorative items in their designs. It is a custom in Odisha to give some traditional style and sell the products in the local utility utensils of Bell-metal during the daughter's market. The Bell-metal Industrial Co-operative marriage. These utensils are also considered as Societies have been organized in the district and

NOVEMBER - 2017 91 ISSN 0970-8669 Odisha Review about 1,500 artisans are now engaged in the craft. Brass and Bell-metal utensils were The industry provides employment to the artisans manufactured by the Kansaris of Kantilo throughout the year4. abundantly and these were reckoned as the Brass and Bell-metal Industries of primary sources of livelihood, in the vast village undivided Boudh-Kandhamal:- The only Brass of the undivided Puri district and else the newly 7 and Bell-metal utensil manufacturing unit in the formed district as well . small scale sector has been established under Brass and Bell-metal Industry of co-operative fold at Gudvelipadar. It has invested undivided :- Bell-metal Rs.9,000/- and provided employment to 11 industry is a vital part of cottage industry. The persons5. cottage industries played an important role in the Brass and Bell-metal Industries in rural economy of the district. However, Bhuban undivided Puri District:- Proficiency in the is famous for the manufactures of Brass and Bell- working of non-ferrous metal is one of the most metal utensils known throughout Odisha for the ancient handicrafts of the district. This metal craft beautiful craftsmanship and fine finish. This reached a high level of perfection during the rule industry dates back to pretty old time and quite a of the Ganga Kings from the 11th century large number of persons are engaged in this trade. onwards. The types and varieties of Brass and On 1st August, 1953, a Co-operative Bell-metal products cover a vast number of Society was started at Bhuban to give the artisans objects. Among the more popular products better financial stability and help. Another Co- mention may be made of household utensils and operative Society was organized at Indupur in pots, temple accessories, ornaments and 1962. During 1965 a new Co-operative Society decorative wares and curios. Kantilo, Khalisahi, was started at Bhuban. Thus at present there are Pratapsasan(Balakati), Bhainchua and Muktepur 3 nos. of Co-operative Societies in the district are the important centres of this industry in the having 250 members. During 1967 the Bhuban district. During 1961, there were 711 and Nua-Bhuban Societies alone produced goods establishments in the district and 1,370 skilled worth one lakh of rupees8. artisans were engaged in this trade. The traditional caste of braziers is Kansari, but persons belonging Brass and Bell-metal Industries of to many other castes have also adopted this undivided :- So far as the profession. Co-operative Societies have been trade centres of Balasore District are concerned, formed to give the artisans better financial stability. the chief commercial centres of the district are At present there are 15 Co-operative Societies Balasore, , Chandbali, Nilagiri, Baliapal, in the district having 517 members. Remuna and Chandipur. The Industry has to face stiff competition But out of the 7 trade centres of the and has to survive against many new rivals like district, Remuna is the most noteworthy trade aluminium, stainless steel and ceramics. Yet it has centre, which is profusely famous for its not declined due to the conventional association production of Brass and Bell-metal works. It is of Brass and Bell-metal with the social and cultural situated in the Balasore sub-division at a distance life of the people of this country6. of 8 kms. west of Balasore. It is an important

92 NOVEMBER - 2017 Odisha Review ISSN 0970-8669 trade centres, containing one of the largest sub-division. A number of artisans were also found markets in the northern part of the district. There in Remenda, Barpali and Bijepur and a few at is considerable trade in brass utensils and Rampela and Katapali. The artisans were vegetables from its neighbourhood. The famous Kharuras and Kansaris and the articles most shrine of Khirachora Gopinath is located here and commonly turned out were lotus, howls basins, a religious fair is held here in February. The fair plates, saucers, drinking-mugs, water-cans, lamp- lasts for about thirteen days and large quantities stands and pipes, besides the curious boat- of commodities are sold here during this occasion. shaped anklets worn by many women. Brass A daily market sits herewith a few shops to meet cooking and water-pots (Kalsis) were usually the needs of the local people9. imported, but were being made locally to a small Brass and Bell-metal Industries of extent, for during the famine of 1900 some brass- undivided Sundargarh:- Brass and Bell-metal workers migrated from the south and settled in utensils for domestic use are being made by the Tukra, and the local workmen were trying to Kansari caste. They make also the brass acquire the craft. The old brass-work of the ornaments, anklets, bracelet, rings, etc. worn by district was often curious and much superior to women of the poorer classes. Tangarpali is one anything then attempted, but it was melted without 12 of the important centres of Brass and Bell-metal regard to its artistic superiant down . production in the district. At present the cheap Brass and Bell-metal Industries in aluminium and plastic products have almost undivided District:- A large number replaced the use of bell-metal utensils by the of Kansaris work in bell-metal which constitute common men. The use of stainless steel utensils an important industry in the district. A number of is gradually becoming popular among the richer artisans belonging to Khadura and Kansari castes section of the society10. concentrate Balangir, Bairasara, Tarabha, Bhainsa Brass and Bell-metal Industries of and Khumsamala. The articles most commonly undivided Mayurbhanj:- Some of the tribal turned out are bowls, basins, saucers, drinking people exhibit skill in casting toys and cult images mugs and lamp stands. Curious boat-shaped from bell-metal. In order to encourage this art anklets worn by many women in the district are two Co-operative Societies have been organized also prepared by local artisans. The total produce at Baisai and Muruda and about 62 families are is greater than the local demand.13 engaged in the work of casting. The products of Brass and Bell-metal Industries in these societies have earned good reputation Keonjhar District:- Brass and Bell-metal outside the State11. Industry in the district is chiefly concentrated in Brass and Bell-metal Industries in Kendujhargarh, Mujupur, , Kalimati undivided Sambalpur:- A large bell-metal and Pitalanagar. About few families of Bell-metal industry existed in Sambalpur town during the first artisans are engaged in this trade. These workers decade of the present century, where a number are popularly known as Thattari (Kansari) by of Kansaris (from Kansa which means bell-metal) caste. They make brass and bell-metal utensils, worked only in bell-metal and at Tukra (or brass ornaments, anklets, bracelets, rings etc. Kultatukra), a village near Kadobahal in Apart from this, they also make aluminium utensils

NOVEMBER - 2017 93 ISSN 0970-8669 Odisha Review with the peculiar process of heating and beatings. Kantilo in are well known They usually use -ingots, copper and zinc as throughout the State. The precious places, for raw-materials. There are eight Brass and Bell- producing Brass and Bell-metal works are metal Co-operative Societies functioning in the Kantilo, Banigochha (Daspalla), Belapada district14. (Gania), Khalisahi, Itamati, Sarankul, Sunakhala, Ranpur etc. Brass and Bell-metal Industries in undivided Ganjam District:- Brass and Bell- Khurda:- In Khurda district the vital venues may metal are the two earliest known alloys of India. be cited as Muktapur, Balakati, Bhainachua, Large consumption of these two alloys is believed Chandapura. to be the reason for depletion of ores like zinc, Puri:- In Puri district, Dandamukundapur is well copper and tin in this country. Kamara, Kansari, known for producing Brass and Bell-metal Khandara and Sunari or Bania are some of the articles. professionally distinguishable castes engaged in metal ware. Metal ware can be best described Cuttack:- The vital venues of Cuttack district for as the result of a classical tradition where art and producing Brass and Bell-metal works are profession are ideally married15. Kanpur, Badabhuin, Bhatimunda, Bindhanima, Rasikanagara, Kalapathar, Jagatpur, Bhutmundei The flexible brass fish and snakes of etc. and Nuapada are popular in the country. This is an exclusive craft of the district. Jajpur:- In the places which The metals used for these products are brass, produce Brass and Bell-metal articles are Jafarpur white-metal, silver and occasionally gold. Fish and some other places, Jafarpur is a small village manufactured in this area is generally sold outside which is located 8 kms. from Jajpur town and its the district whereas brass snakes are sold locally Post Office is Mugudiha. However Mugudiha is which people buy for Siva temples16. 2 kms. far from Jafarpur. The Central Co-operative Banks at Balasore:- In Blasore district, Remuna is famous Barhampur and Aska and the Bhanjanagar Branch for producing Brass and Bell-metal works. of the State Bnak of India provide financial Ganjam:- In Ganjam district Belaguntha is the assistance in the shape of loans to all the artisans chief centre of Brass and Bell-metal production. Co-operative Societies. Apex marketing Society Phulbani:- In Phulbani district, Phiringia is famous is also rendering necessary assistance for the for producing Brass and Bell-metal works. marketing of goods of the Societies17. Balangir:- In Balangir, the places famous for There were 110 Co-operative Societies producing Brass and Bell-metal works are in the district dealing with various industries. Tarabha, Titilagarh, Bairasar, Balangir town, A general survey of some vital Brass and Sudapada etc. Bell-metal Industries:- Sambalpur:- In , the places Nayagarh:- So far as the Art and Craft is which are famous for producing Bras and Bell- concerned, Nayagarh also has a matchless metal works are Rairakhole, Ainthapali, Rengali, tradition of crafts. Brass and Bell-metal works of etc.

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Angul:- In , it is Tube, which is famous for capital , 33 kms. away from the producing Brass and Bell-metal works. district headquarters Nayagarh and 14 kms. far Dhenkanal:- In Dhenkanal Aukhama is famous from Khandapara Assembly Constituency. As the for yielding Brass and Bell-metal commodities19. biggest village in the Khandapada Tahasil, also in the entire district of Nayagarh, the 2nd biggest Brass and Bell-metal Industry at Kantilo:- village of the State, next to Bhubana of Dhenkanal Kantilo, a village in Khandapara Tahasil, district. It is situated 85011’E and 20021’N. 0 0 is situated in 85 11’ 30’E, and 20 11’ N. However, Kantilo is also located in the It stands on the bank of river and is 15 south bank of river Mahanadi. It is merely 14 kms. Kms. far from Khandapara with which, it is far from Khandapara Block. The road from connected by road. The road from Cuttack to Cuttack to Sonepur, the Khurdha-Balangir Sonepur that runs close to the right bank of the National High way runs close to the river bank of river Mahanadi passes through this village Kantilo Mahanadi, passes through this village22. has earned a good name and fame for the manufacture of Brass and Bell-metal Co- Kantilo is one of the prominent religious operative Society and an aluminium factory. and cultural places of Odisha. It is famous for the Vishnu Shrine Nilamadhava on the bank of river The temple of Lord Nilamadhava, who Mahanadi in Nayagarh District, called is believed to be the earlier form of Lord Padmakshetra. Siddheswar Siva Temple is Jagannath of Puri stands on a hillock close to the located nearby, within the temple premises. It is a river Mahanadi. In the same compound of the scenic spot for worth seeing 23. Nilamadhava temple, which is a miniature of the Jagannath temple of Puri, Siva is also worshipped. The principal deity of Nilamadhava He is popularly known as Lord Siddheswar. Most temple is Madhava or Lord Nilamadhava. It is a of the festivals of Lord Jagannath at Puri are being deity who is universally designated as the former observed here of which the Bhauma Ekadasi is form or incarnation of Lord Vishnu with discuss celebrated on grand scale. On this occasion in hand. Lord Nilamadhava is said to be thousands of people congregate to witness the worshipped by the Savara chief Viswavasu. festival. The magnificent natural scenery of the However, several Madhava images are enshrined place is worth seeing. in the Madhava temples of divergent parts of Odisha like Niali, Gandharadi, etc.24. There is a Revenue Rest shed, Government Dispensary, Middle English School, Issue of Identity Card to the Artisans Dhrmasala, Homoeopathic Charitable Dispensary (Karigara Parichaya Patra Anumodana):- The and a daily market at the place. Central Government has undertaken initiatives for the issue of Identity Card (Karigara Parichaya The population of the village in 1971 was Patra) to the artisans of divergent communities, 7, 3, 3920. like people engaged in pottery, brass and bell- Kantilo is one of the prominent pilgrimage metal industry, weaving, , jhoti, wall- places else popular picnic spot in the entire Sstate painting, etc. for the upliftment of their socio- as well. However, it is 80 kms. far from the State economic condition in the country since 2007.

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However, the Government has provided about 9. Nrusinha Charan Behuria, Orissa District 1,500 Artisans Identity Card to the people Gazetteers Balasore District, 1992, P.P.-286-287. engaged in brass-metal work in the district of 10. Orissa District Gazetteers, Sundargarh, 1975, P- Nayagarh. These people comprehend to the 176. divergent villages like Kantilo, Khalisahi, 11. Nilamani Senapati, Orissa District Gazetteers, Mayurbhanj, 1969, P-243. Kainphulia, Khalisahi, Itamati, Ranpur. 12. Nilamani Senapati, Orissa District Gazetteers, Belpada(Gania), Bhapur, etc. So far as Kantilo Sambalpur, 1971, P.P.-206-207. is concerned about 1000 Artisan Identity Cards 13. Nilamani Senapati, Orissa District Gazetteers, (Karigara Parichaya Patra) have been issued. But , P-207. a few days before the Central Government has 14. Orissa District Gazetters, Keonjhar District, 1986, enunciated a law for the linkage of Aadhaar Card BBSR, P-145. Number, Pan Card Number, with the Artisan 15. Nrusinha Charan Behuria, Orissa District Identity Card (Karigara Parichaya Patra) so that, Gazetteers, Ganjam, 1995, Bhubaneswar, P-347. novice Artisan Identity Cards were to be 16. Ibid promulgated by the Central Government. As a 17. Ibid matter of fact, Novice Artisan Identity Cards were 18. Ibid mandatory on the part of the artisans. Hence, 19. The Author, Manas Chandra Behera, A Critical some people have applied, whereas some others Survey regarding the production of Brass and are yet to apply and receive the novice Artisan Bell-metal commodities of Odisha. Identity Card (Nuatan Karigara Parichaya Patra). 20. Cambridge History of India, Vol.-I, P.P-638-9. The artisans are to apply these cards through the 21. Jayadev Behera, Kantilo, the Second Srikshetra, District Industrial Centre (DIC) in their respective Dhenkanal, 1995-96, P-3. regions. So far as Kantilo is concerned the artisans 22. Nihar Ranjan Pattnaik, Glimpses of Orissa Culture, Cuttack-10, 2004, p-528. rush to the district headquarters Nayagarh where 23. Nityananda Mishra, Short Encyclopeadia, Orissa, the District Industrial Centre (DIC) issues the History and Culture, Dhenkanal, 2003, P-61. 25 Identity Cards . 24. Interview with Pandit Basudev Mishra, Chief References : Priest of Nilamadhava Temple, Kantilo on 15th August, 2013. 1. Handicrafts of Orissa, P-1 25. An article extracted from the English Newspaper 2. Ibid, P-34. Daily, entitled as “The Indian Post”, the Article 3. Op.cit, P-2. was perpetrated by Mr. Jaydev Behera on 22nd 4. Nrusinha Charan Behuria, Orissa District April, 2007, P-3. Gazetteers, Cuttack District, 1967-68, P-348. 5. Nilamani Senapati, Orissa District Gazetteers Boudh-Khondmal Districts, P-130. 6. Nilamani Senapati, Orissa District Gazetteers, Puri, 1977, P-237. 7. Settlement Report of Nayagarh State, 1932-33, P-9 Manas Chandra Behera, Lecturer in History, 8. Nilamani Senapati, Orissa District Gazetteers, Neelamadhava Mahavidyalaya, Kantilo, Nayagarh- Dhenkanal, 1972, P-199. 752078, Email:[email protected]

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