Pattamundai: Blacksmiths of Pattamundai are struggling to keep their age-old trade alive amidst rapid industrialisation and the changing lifestyle of people.
The once thriving blacksmith community is now struggling to make ends meet, with many in search of alternative livelihoods. An age-old professional skill passed down for generations is now on the verge of extinction.
The blacksmiths, who were once known for their skillful metal works including farming tools, weapons and household items, have now been relegated to obscurity.
According to local sources, the number of blacksmiths has declined drastically over the years in the area with most youngsters opting for other professions.
Dinabandhu Ojha, a local blacksmith, said decline of the community is due to various reasons. Among them are the unavailability of cheap, mass-produced items, lack of government support, and inability to compete with modern machinery. He also pointed out that the younger generation is not interested in learning the trade, as they see it as a low-paying job with little scope for growth.
Speaking about the challenges they are facing, another blacksmith Sushant Kumar Ojha from Nilakanthapur said, “We are struggling to make ends meet. Our products are not in demand and we are facing severe financial constraints due to the skyrocketing prices of raw materials like wood and coal used in this craft. We need government support to revive the industry and preserve our traditional skill and knowledge. High prices of raw materials are not only affecting the blacksmiths but also other traditional industries in the region. Many craftsmen are finding it challenging to sustain their businesses due to the high cost of materials.”
Local intellectual Bidyadhar Das pointed out the blacksmith industry is dying due to the increased use of modern agricultural equipment such as tractors and power tillers. These machines have replaced many traditional tools that were once crafted by blacksmiths, such as ploughs, hoes and other farming equipment. As a result, demand for blacksmiths has decreased a lot.
Overall, the increased use of modern equipment has had a significant impact on this cottage industry as it struggles to survive in the face of changing market dynamics.
Another blacksmith said, “Our trade has been passed down from generation to generation and it is disheartening to see it dying. Also, we need to promote the use of traditional equipment and create markets for our products.”
The decline of the blacksmith industry has raised concerns about the loss of traditional knowledge and skills. It has also affected the village economy, as the blacksmiths were an integral part of the community, providing employment and contributing to the overall development of the locality.
PNN