ShodhKosh: Journal of Visual and Performing ArtsISSN (Online): 2582-7472
Assessment of the Issues and Opportunities of the Traditional Brass and Bell Metal Crafts of Birbhum District, West Bengal Ashish Ghosh 1 1 Research
Scholar (Assistant Professor), Silpa–Sadana (Department of Design), Visva
Bharati University Sriniketan, India 2 Assistant Professor, Silpa –Sadana (Department of Design), Visva Bharati University, Sriniketan, India
1. INTRODUCTION The
traditional brass and bell metal crafts of Birbhum District, located in the
culturally rich state of West Bengal, have long been celebrated for their
artistry and cultural significance. This time-honored craft has not only
contributed to the region's cultural heritage but has also played a pivotal
role in the economic sustenance of numerous artisans and craftsmen. In recent
years, however, these crafts have faced an array of challenges, ranging from
limited market access to shifting consumer preferences, which have threatened
their viability. Since
antiquity, varied brass/ bronze objects such as coins, inscriptions, utensils,
traditional and aesthetic artifacts have been used. According to Indian
artistic-cultural tradition, design and fabrication were never separated.
Everyone was considered an artist, including artisans. This
present research aims to explore the intricacies of this craft and its current
situation. By examining the difficulties faced by artisans and identifying
opportunities this study aims to provide insights, on how to sustain and revive
these cherished traditions. The
present paper concentrates on the metal craftsmen, known as karmakars in
this artist community, who work with metal. This caste-based community is
traditionally engaged in brass and bell metal works. They have adopted the
method of making shapes by beating and hammering kansa alloy (Ratio-
Copper: tin and zinc-7.3). Through ages, kangsakars have mastered the
craft and associated traditional knowledge systems. The group of kangsakars used
to make bronze or brass casts following the simple methods of die-casting. The
present paper forwards a discussion on the issues and opportunities associated
with the traditional process and practice of bell metal along with the mixed
material work of Birbhum district of West Bengal. 1.1. Makers of Bell metal craft: The Karmakars According
to the Vedic scriptures, there are four strata in the society, namely, Bramhins,
Kshatriyas, Vaishyas,and Shudras. People in the society were divided
into four clusters based on their work and livelihood generation process. For
example, the people of the Bramhin Community used to be priests, people
of Kshatriya community were involved in warfare and defense. The people
of the Shudra community were basically the laborers and craftsmen
grouped according to their work,namelyKarmakar, Kumvakar, Tanti, Kumor,
Muchi, Chutar, Dom, Bagdi, Bayen, etc. Figure 1
People
who traditionally work with metals are called Karmakar. The Karmakars
are also divided into some categories depending on which metal they are
working on, e.g., Iron Karmakar, Brass Karmakar, gold Karmakar(goldsmith),
and GhungurKarmakar. ·
Loha (Iron)Karmakar (Blacksmith): Iron Karmakars
only work with iron metal. They traditionally made different types of products
from iron using hand tools. ·
PitalKarmakar (BrassKarmakar): Those who work
with brass and bell metal and make different types of household products are
called PitalKarmakar. ·
Swarnakar (Goldsmith): Those who work
with gold metal and make ornaments are called Swarnakar. Figure 2
The bell metal merchants generally
caries the following surnames in the society such as; Mehatari, Kabiraj,
Karmakar, Dey, etc. However, all of them belong to the same Pital Karmakar's
community. Though extremely labour-intensive (refer to Figure 2), the rugged metal forms unique and beautiful shapes in the
efficient hands of these skilled craftsmen. However, the artisans engaged in
this craft have been facing different issues and challenges for a long time,
and the contemporary market has worsened the scenario. 2. Literature Review The brass and bell metal crafts of
Birbhum district in West Bengal, India, have a long-standing cultural and
historical significance. This literature review aims to explore previous
studies and research papers to identify and assess the issues and opportunities
associated with these crafts. The findings from this review will contribute to
understanding the current challenges faced by artisans and the potential
avenues for the growth and revitalization of these traditional crafts. Kumar and Sarkar (2020) conducted a comprehensive case study on the challenges and
opportunities for the traditional handicraft sector in India, with a specific
focus on brass and bell metal crafts. Their research provides a broader
perspective on the sector and offers insights into strategies for sustaining
and promoting these crafts. Likewise, Chattopadhyay and Gupta (2021) examined the socio-economic conditions of metal craftsmen
in Birbhum district. Their study sheds light on the livelihoods and economic
well-being of artisans engaged in brass and bell metal crafts, which is crucial
in understanding the challenges they face and identifying potential
opportunities for improvement. Mukhopadhyay (2018) analyzed
the challenges faced by artisans and highlights potential opportunities for
growth and development in the sector. Additionally, Roy and Banerjee (2017) provide a nuanced understanding of the industry and offers insights into strategies for addressing the challenges and harnessing the potential of the crafts. Sengupta and Chatterjee (2019) conducted a study on the sustainable development of brass and bell metal crafts in Birbhum district. Their research emphasizes the importance of sustainability in preserving these crafts and explores ways to ensure their long-term viability. Singh and Roy (2018) examined the socio-economic challenges and emphasized the need for interventions to support their livelihoods. Höjer et al. (2011) Nandi and Dutta (2022) examined the market potential, provides valuable insights into the market dynamics, and suggested for design variation to contest other readily available materials such as plastics, to ensure capturing market opportunities. Bhattacharya and Chakraborty (2019) conducted a study on craft cluster development and marketing intervention, specifically focusing on the brass and bell metal crafts of Bengal. Their research provides valuable insights into the challenges faced by artisans in terms of marketing and proposes design interventions to address these issues. Srivastava and Gangopadhyay (2021) In conclusion, the literature review highlights the issues and opportunities associated with the brass and bell metal crafts of Birbhum district. The challenges of limited market access, declining demand, and technological advancements pose significant hurdles for artisans. However, the growing interest in traditional crafts, tourism development, and government support offer potential avenues for the growth and revitalization of these crafts. Understanding these issues and opportunities is essential for formulating effective strategies to sustain and promote the brass and bell metal crafts of Birbhum district. Mohsini (2011). 3. Methodology The current paper investigates the
real-life scenarios of the traditional brass and bell metal
crafts of Birbhum district in detail. Initially, background study has been done
to establish the context and the need of the study (Refer to Figure 3). Literature review has been done to identify the gap areas
and therefore establish the objective of the present research. Engagement surveys have been done to
gather information from the actual scenario as the present research strives to
identify and evaluate the problems and potential related to the brass and bell
metal crafts of Birbhum district of West Bengal. The methodology involves
library research, discussions with artisans, information gathering from
governmental organizations like MSME and NGOs working in this field, deep
engagement surveys, collection and statistical analysis of data, etc. Figure
3
4. Data Collection and Interpretation To identify the problems and
opportunities associated with the brass and bell metal crafts of Birbhum
district, the scores provided by the participants on the Likert scale have been
analyzed. 4.1. Data Collection A set of data have been collected
through deep engagement surveys. The data has been collected in 5-point likert
scale. A group of 55 responses have been collected. A glimpse of the data set
has been provided in Table 1. The possible
reasons for the sharp decline in the demand graph for brass and bell metal
utensils along with the possible opportunities assoiated were investigated and
the respondents ranked the following reasons in a 5 point likert scale.
Figure 4
In this set of data, the Likert scale ranges
from 1 to 5, with 1 indicating strong disagreement and 5 indicating strong
agreement. The participants (identified by Participant ID) are asked to rate
their perceptions of the different factors associated with the brass and bell
metal crafts using the Likert scale. The factors include limited market access,
declining demand, technological advancements, lack of awareness, growing
interest in traditional crafts, tourism development, and government support.
Each participant provided their ratings for each factor, and therefore, limited
market access became the major hindrance for the craft, and gradually growing
interest towards traditional craft came out as the major point of
consideration. Table 2
Following the understanding of the
reasons behind the sharp decline and the probable opportunities associated with
the craft, the research proceeds to investigate the assistance required by the artisans
for the sustainability of the craft. Figure 5
Table
2 shows a
synaptic view of the data collected through engagement surveys. In surveys,
government support for workshop establishment received the highest importance,
followed by the development of tourism connecting the clusters and abridging
the gap between the artisans and the markets, as is presented in Figure 5. 4.2. Analyzing the data set and identifying the patterns The synaptic view of the data presented
in Table 1 and Table
2 forward the following insights about the issues associated
with the craft as, Limited Market Access: The average rating for
limited market access is 3.2, indicating that participants perceive this as a
moderate problem. It suggests that there is room for improvement in terms of
expanding the market reach for the brass and bell metal crafts in the Birbhum
district. Declining Demand: The average rating for declining demand is 2.8, suggesting
that participants perceive this as a relatively moderate problem. It highlights
the need to address the changing consumer preferences and find strategies to
generate increased demand for traditional brass and bell metal products. Table 3
Technological Advancements: The average rating for technological advancements is 2.1,
indicating that participants see this as a relatively minor problem. It
suggests that while participants recognize the influence of technology on the
craft sector, they do not perceive it as a significant obstacle to the brass
and bell metal crafts in Birbhum district. Lack of Awareness: The average rating for lack of awareness is 3.2, suggesting
that participants consider this as a moderate problem. It indicates the
importance of creating awareness among consumers about the cultural and
artistic value of the brass and bell metal crafts to increase their demand and
appreciation. 4.3. Analyzing the opportunities Along with the identification of the issues associated
with the craft, the possible interventions have also been identified from the
data set presented in Table 3, mentioned as
follows, Growing Interest in
Traditional Crafts: The average rating for
growing interest in traditional crafts is 4.3, indicating that participants
recognize this as a significant opportunity. It suggests that there is a
favorable trend in the market, with increasing interest among consumers in
authentic and handmade crafts, which can be leveraged to promote the brass and
bell metal crafts of the Birbhum district. Tourism Development: The average rating for tourism development is 3.8,
highlighting that participants perceive this as a valuable opportunity. It
suggests that integrating the brass and bell metal crafts into tourism
activities can provide a platform for artisans to showcase their skills and
generate income by catering to tourists interested in cultural experiences and
purchasing traditional crafts as souvenirs. Government Support: The average rating for
government support is 3.8, indicating that participants recognize the
importance of government initiatives in supporting the brass and bell metal
crafts. It suggests that policies providing financial assistance, skill
development programs, and market linkages can play a crucial role in fostering
the growth and sustainability of these crafts. Based on the analysis of the data set,
the problems associated with the brass and bell metal crafts of Birbhum
district include limited market access, declining demand, and lack of
awareness. On the other hand, the opportunities lie in the growing interest in
traditional crafts, tourism development, and government support. Understanding
and addressing these problems while capitalizing on the available opportunities
can contribute to the growth and revitalization of the brass and bell metal
crafts in Birbhum district. 5. Major considerations from the engagement surveys Along with the data collection, deep
engagement surveys have also been done to understand the unquantifiable
scenarios. Engagement surveys with artisans forward the following insights: ·
Competition from cheaper
alternatives affects the demand for traditional crafts. ·
Opportunities lie in the
increasing interest in traditional and handmade products. Hence, creating awareness,
collaborating with designers, and innovative marketing strategies can help
revive the craft (2011) along with financial support, skill development programs (2011), and marketing assistance from the government can be proven
to be beneficial for the sustainability of the craft. Interviews with artisans
added the need to adapt designs and techniques to meet modern demands that can
attract new buyers and added that the lack of technological advancements in the
craft affects customer preferences. The above-stated points reflect the
shared challenges of limited market access and declining demand for brass and
bell metal crafts. The interviews also highlight opportunities to raise
awareness, adapt to modern preferences, and receive financial and technical
support from the government. These insights from the artisans' perspectives
provide valuable input for formulating strategies and policies to address the
issues and leverage the opportunities for the sustainable growth of the craft
in the Birbhum district. 6. Policies and Recommendations Based on the data set and the
identified issues and opportunities according to the artisans of Birbhum
district, the following policies can be recommended to promote the
sustainability of the craft, Development of Artisan
Clusters: Establishing artisan clusters or craft villages where
artisans specializing in brass and bell metal crafts can work together (refer
to Table 3). These clusters can provide a conducive environment for
knowledge sharing, collaboration, and collective marketing efforts. Skill Development Programs: Implementing skill development programs to enhance the
craftsmanship and technical skills of artisans. These programs can include
training in traditional techniques, design innovation, and product
diversification to ensure the craft remains relevant and appealing to
contemporary markets. Financial Support and
Subsidies: Providing financial support and
subsidies to artisans for procuring raw materials, tools, and equipment. This
can help reduce their production costs and improve their overall profitability. Marketing and Market
Access: Facilitating market access for
artisans by organizing craft fairs, exhibitions, and trade shows both at the
regional and national levels. Additionally, digital platforms and e-commerce
initiatives can be developed to promote the crafts and enable artisans to reach
a wider customer base. Awareness and Promotion: Launching awareness
campaigns to educate the general public about the cultural and artistic
significance of the brass and bell metal crafts. Promote the craft through
tourism initiatives, such as craft tours, workshops, and cultural festivals, to
attract visitors and increase demand for the products. Design Protection and
Intellectual Property Rights: Strengthening the legal framework for protecting the
designs and intellectual property associated with the brass and bell metal
crafts. This can help prevent unauthorized copying and ensure artisans receive
fair recognition and financial benefits for their unique creations, as seen in Figure 6. Figure 6
Collaboration with
Educational Institutions: Fostering collaboration between government agencies, NGOs,
and educational institutions to integrate the craft into the curriculum. This
will help preserve traditional knowledge and provide educational and research
support to artisans, ensuring the continuity of the craft. Sustainability Practices: Encouraging the use of eco-friendly and sustainable
practices in the production process, such as the use of recycled materials and
adopting energy-efficient techniques and materials (refer to Figure 5). This will help to minimize the environmental impact and
align the craft with the principles of sustainability. Figure 7
Access to Finance and
Credit:
Facilitating easy access to finance and credit for artisans by establishing
special schemes or microfinance programs tailored to their needs. This can help
them invest in infrastructure, upgrade their workshops, and scale up their
businesses. Monitoring and Evaluation: Establish a monitoring and evaluation mechanism to assess
the effectiveness of the policies and interventions implemented. This will
ensure that the initiatives are on track and can be modified or improved based
on the evolving needs of the artisans and the craft sector. These policy recommendations aim to
ensure the sustainability of the brass and bell metal crafts in Birbhum
district by addressing the issues and leveraging the opportunities present.
However, it is important to consider the local context, stakeholder involvement,
and consultation with artisans and craft communities during the policy
formulation and implementation process to ensure their active participation and
ownership. 7. Conclusion In summary, it can be concluded that the
key issues affecting the brass and bell metal crafts of Birbhum district
include limited market access, declining demand, and lack of awareness.
However, the data set also revealed the probable opportunities to ensure the
sustainability of the craft, such as the growing interest in traditional
crafts, tourism development, and government support. As the outcome of the research, several
policies have been recommended, including the development of artisan clusters,
skill development programs, financial support, marketing initiatives, awareness
campaigns, design protection, collaboration with educational institutions,
sustainability practices, access to finance, and monitoring and evaluation
mechanisms. The findings underscore the importance of integrating traditional
craftsmanship with contemporary market demands to revitalize the brass and bell
metal crafts of Birbhum district. The study also highlights the potential for
economic growth that can be achieved by supporting and promoting these
traditional crafts through the planned development of a tourism network. Overall, the conclusion emphasizes the
need for a comprehensive and collaborative approach to ensure the
sustainability and growth of the brass and bell metal crafts in the Birbhum
district, promoting economic opportunities for the artisans and the community.
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