Manish Kumar
Post News Network
Kantilo (Nayagarh), June 12: The sound of metal being beaten emanating from a number of houses had once marked Kantilo village in Nayagarh district. That was long ago. Now many families of the village have opted out of the traditional art of bell metal work for which Kantilo was known in Orissa.
“Earlier, there were many families from the village directly involved in bell metal work, but now many have opted out of the business as they feel that the future of this traditional work is bleak. I feel very sad seeing this tradition dying a premature death,” said Sudarshan Sahoo, a 64-year-old bell metal craftsman.
These views were echoed by many others who have devoted 15-20 years to the profession. Most say they are not getting enough profit. “Bell metal work is painstaking but we have been pursuing it as it has been the tradition and people associate Kantilo with the art form,” said Bydhar Sahoo, another veteran craftsman.
The craftsmen criticise the apathy of the government. “We have heard about the government supporting painters and weavers, but they seldom think about our welfare. Does not our work contribute to the glory of Orissa? Are we also not artists? Now only a few people are continuing with the business. It is really unfortunate,” said 58-year-old Laxuri Dutt.
“Most craftsmen get up at 3am and start working on brass. The whole process involves heating a hard mass of brass after which three to four people together beat it to flatten it. Later we mould it in the shape we want. Final touches are given to make it more attractive,” he said.
Now the artistes there produce metallic containers that are often used for religious purposes. However, they are also used in kitchens as cutlery.
The state tourism department said steps have been taken to help the art form flourish. “We have a dedicated bell metal craft display gallery near the village. Moreover, accommodation facilities have been arranged by the government near the village. The gallery is managed by the tehsildar of the area,” said an official on condition of anonymity.
However, a visit by Orissa POST belied the government’s claims. The bell metal craft display centre was locked and was reportedly often being used as the venue of wedding receptions.
“This gallery is often closed and is mostly used for marriage receptions. The gallery managers are making money out of the gallery by renting it out during marriages,” said a man who runs a shop near the gallery.
However, many experts said that, to be in demand, artists need to make their art form more acceptable to the public. “Artistes need to adapt and change according to the demands and tastes of the buyers, which often change with time. With minor changes and adaptations we can potentially make these products more attractive and appealing to the masses. A few of our teachers have already tried their hands with this. This makes it more diverse in use and also increases its prospects,” said KCS Ray, director of NIFT, Bhubaneswar said,
Experts said rural tourism has huge potential and sites like Kantilo could be a good spot. The government needs to make full use of these potential sites from Orissa to attract tourists.
“We are getting enormous response on rural tourism, with many people now keen to visit these traditional art villages to see and experience these things. We need to make it more organised to make it successful,” said Himanshu Das, vice-president of the Travel Agents Association of Orissa. Services should also be strengthened to widen its prospects, he said.
