The Blacksmith’s Tale: A Legacy of Tradition and
Craftsmanship
While walking
along the main road in Ranchi, I came across a small, humble blacksmith shop.
The blacksmith was using a traditional Bhati—an old-fashioned,
hand-operated air blower. The sight took me back to my childhood when I would
visit a local blacksmith to fix the spindle of my wooden top (lattoo), ensuring
it spun perfectly.
Watching the
rhythmic clang of his hammer and the dance of flames from his forge, I was
reminded of how blacksmiths turn raw metal into both functional and decorative
pieces. Generally the village artisan, with long black hair and a sun-tanned
face, seemed to breathe life into every piece of metal he touched.
The Bhati,
a traditional air blower that works like a harmonium, has largely been replaced
by electric blowers over time. However, for blacksmiths like Ajay
Vishwakarma—who has been continuing his family’s legacy for over 25 years—this
old apparatus is still in use. Ajay creates and repairs small agricultural tools
such as axes, sickles, shovels, and rakes, which he sells in local markets at
affordable prices.
The work of a
blacksmith is a blend of tradition and skill, shaping and joining metals like
steel, iron, copper, and brass to create everyday essentials—nails, bolts,
hammers, swords, and even farming tools. Their craft is vital, especially in
farming communities, where blacksmiths once shoed horses and made essential
equipment for daily life.
His shop, a
family business running since 1932, is a testament to the resilience and
dedication of blacksmiths. In Uttar Pradesh, blacksmiths (Lohars) are a vast
community, often referred to by names like Vishwakarma, Sharma, Panchal, or
Karmkars within Hindu tradition.
The life of a
blacksmith is one of hard work and simple joys. Each morning, they start anew,
pouring heart and sweat into their craft, and rest peacefully at night, knowing
they have earned their day’s calm.
In the picture:
Blacksmith Ajay Vishwakarma working diligently in his shop.
In another
picture a small and dingy blacksmith shop at main road in Ranchi.
Text &
Photo by: Ashok Karan
ashokkaran.blogspot.com
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