1. Introduction
Sarthebari, located in the Barpeta district of Assam, is famous for its bell metal craft, known as kaah silpa in Assamese.
This handicraft industry is the second largest in Assam, after bamboo craft.
Around 2,000 artisans are engaged in this traditional craft in Sarthebari.
2. Raw Materials and Composition
Bell metal is an alloy consisting of 78% copper and 22% tin.
Raw materials are sourced from Kolkata, Bangladesh, and Pakistan.
Old bell metal objects are often recycled as raw materials.
Charcoal is an essential component in the manufacturing process.
Scrap metals are re-rolled in mills in Guwahati and Sarthebari.
3. History
The bell metal craft of Sarthebari dates back to the Varman dynasty (5th century AD).
Historical records mention King Kumar Bhaskar Barma of Kamrupa gifting bell metal objects from Sarthebari to King Harshavardhan of Kanauj in the 7th century AD.
The craft has flourished since the 7th century, remaining popular among both commoners and royalty.
4. Manufacturing Process
The manufacturing process is traditional, passed down through generations.
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Jui-xaal (Foundry) | Bell metal is produced by mixing copper, tin, and iron. |
| Gor-xaal or Kohar Ghar (Workshop) | Artisans, known as Kohars, shape the final products. |
| Melting & Molding | Scrap metal is melted in a crucible called “Muhi”, then poured into molds (“Aak”) to form thick lumps (“Guti” or “Pitha”). |
| Rolling & Shaping | The lumps are re-rolled into sheets of the required thickness and shaped through cold forming. |
| Polishing & Finishing | The products are manually polished without machinery. |
5. Roles of Artisans
Each artisan in a bell metal workshop (Gor-xaal) has a specific role:
| Artisan Type | Role |
| Ojha Kohar | Heads the unit. |
| Maydhnar | Polishes the products. |
| Kaytnar | Carves and removes black spots. |
| Gureila | Cleans the kaan (curve of the utensil). |
| Kamorua Kohar | Melts and shapes the metal in the jui-xaal (foundry). |
| Mathani | Provides the final touch after shaping. |
| Dhonukaar | Hammers designs and motifs onto the vessel. |
The skills are inherited from elders, and the industry follows a hereditary system.
6. Products
Sarthebari’s bell metal craft includes utensils and utility items:
| Category | Examples |
| Utensils | “Kanhi” (dish), “Bati” (bowl), “Ban Bati” (bowl with stand), “Ghoti”, “Koloh” (water vessel) |
| Utility Items | Religious items, decorative pieces, and household tools |
Bell metal products hold cultural significance and are used in Assamese rituals and traditions.
7. Challenges
The bell metal craft of Sarthebari faces multiple challenges:
Competition from machine-made products.
High cost of raw materials.
Lack of modern tools and technology.
Dependence on middlemen for raw material supply.
Cheaper alternatives made from aluminum and plastic affecting demand.
8. GI Tag Information
| Parameter | Details |
| Product Name | Sarthebari Metal Craft |
| Product Type | Handicraft |
| GI Certificate Awarded | 2024 |
| Significance | Recognized for its cultural and historical importance |
9. Current Status
Sarthebari has approximately 330 production units.
The industry supports around 2,500 craftsmen.
Each unit produces up to 15 kg of bell-metal utensils per day.
The small-scale nature of the industry makes large-scale production difficult without government support.
10. Conclusion
Sarthebari Metal Craft is an essential part of Assam’s cultural and economic identity.
Despite challenges, the GI tag and government initiatives help sustain and promote this traditional craft.
Modernization and support are needed to ensure the survival of this historical art form.