The Blacksmith’s Tale

 

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The Bhati, a traditional air blower that works like a harmonium, has largely been replaced by electric blowers over time.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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