Syllabus: GS III & V– MSMEs, Cottage Industries, Inclusive Growth

Why in the News?

The Assam Government has announced a four-year revival roadmap for the historic Sarthebari Bell Metal Industry. The plan includes infrastructure development, financial assistance, better marketing facilities, skill development and promotion of GI-tagged bell metal products to revive one of Assam’s oldest traditional industries.

Why is the Sarthebari Bell Metal Industry Important?

• The Sarthebari Bell Metal Industry, centred in Barpeta district, is one of India’s oldest surviving metal handicraft traditions. 
• For centuries, skilled artisans have handcrafted utensils, religious articles and decorative items using an alloy of copper and tin, popularly known as bell metal (Kansa).
• Beyond being an economic activity, the craft represents Assam’s cultural identity, traditional craftsmanship and indigenous knowledge passed down through generations.
• Today, however, the industry is struggling due to rising production costs, changing consumer preferences and competition from machine-made products.

What did the Government Announce?

The Assam Government has proposed a comprehensive revival strategy aimed at making the industry economically viable and globally competitive.

The major initiatives include:

• The government will redevelop the Bell Metal Development Centre at Sarthebari.
• A craft village will be established to promote traditional manufacturing as well as cultural tourism.
• Better road connectivity and a dedicated marketing and sales centre will be developed to improve market access.
• The government will encourage greater registration of artisans under the GI framework.
• Financial assistance and institutional support will be expanded under the Prime Minister Vishwakarma Scheme.
• Eligible artisans will also receive assistance under the Mukhya Mantri Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan.
• Specialised training in packaging, branding and product development will be provided to improve competitiveness in domestic and export markets.

Historical Background of Assam’s Bell Metal Industry

• The history of bell metal craftsmanship in Assam dates back to around the 7th century CE, during the reign of King Bhaskar Varman of the Varman Dynasty.
  • Historical records indicate that Kumar Bhaskar Barma presented articles made from bell metal from Sarthebari to Harshabardhan of Kanauj in present day Uttar Pradesh.
• The industry flourished under the Ahom Kingdom, particularly during the reign of Swargadeo Siva Singha, when artisans enjoyed royal patronage.
• Traditional bell metal products such as Xorai, Bota, Banbati, Kahi, Lota, Sarai, temple utensils and ceremonial objects became an inseparable part of Assamese culture.
• Even today, Sarthebari remains one of India’s most important clusters of handmade bell metal products.

What is Bell Metal?

• Bell metal is one of the most ancient techniques of metal casting.
• It is a hard, sonorous alloy primarily made of copper (78%) and tin (22%).
• It is known for its strength, durability and distinctive ringing sound.
• The craftsmen of this industry are called ‘Kahar’ or ‘Orja’ as bell metal is called ‘kaah’ in Assamese.
• The objects are mostly used for domestic and religious purposes.
• The GI tag was awarded to the Sarthebari Bell Metal Industry in 2024 with the support of NABARD for protecting the livelihood of the craftsmen who have kept this tradition alive.

Current Challenges Facing the Industry

Although culturally significant, the industry faces multiple structural problems.

• Raw Material Constraints: Prices of copper and tin have increased sharply.

• Many artisans depend on recycled scrap metal, reducing product quality.

• Financial Problems: Most artisans lack adequate working capital.
  • Access to formal institutional credit remains limited.
  • Dependence on local moneylenders increases production costs.
• Marketing Challenges: Traditional products face stiff competition from stainless steel, aluminium, plastic and imported machine-made goods.
  • Counterfeit products sold as Sarthebari bell metal reduce consumer trust.
  • Limited branding and weak digital marketing restrict wider market access.

• Technology Gap: Production continues to rely on traditional techniques with very little technological upgradation.

• Common processing facilities and modern equipment are largely absent.
• Health and Occupational Issues: Continuous exposure to smoke, heat and dust causes respiratory illnesses and eye problems among artisans.
• Declining Interest among Youth: Low earnings and uncertain livelihoods discourage younger generations from entering the profession.

Why is the GI Tag Important?

The GI tag legally recognises products whose quality and reputation are linked to a specific geographical region. The GI tag will help by:

• protecting authentic Sarthebari products from imitation,
• increasing consumer confidence,
• improving market value,
• promoting exports,
• preserving traditional knowledge,
• ensuring better income for genuine artisans.

However, only a limited number of artisans have registered under the GI system, making wider registration an immediate priority.

Government Schemes Supporting Artisans

• • Prime Minister Vishwakarma Scheme: The scheme supports traditional artisans by providing: skill development, modern toolkits, collateral-free loans, digital transaction incentives, branding and marketing support.

• Mukhya Mantri Atmanirbhar Asom Abhijan: The scheme promotes entrepreneurship by providing financial assistance and business support to eligible youth and artisans across Assam.

• Scheme of Fund for Regeneration of Traditional Industries (SFURTI): Implemented by the ministry of MSME , this scheme develops traditional industry clusters through: common facility centres, improved infrastructure, design support, market promotion, technology upgradation.

What More Needs to be Done?

The long-term revival of the industry requires a comprehensive approach.

• The government should establish a Common Facility Centre with testing, polishing, designing and finishing facilities.
• Affordable and uninterrupted supply of quality raw materials should be ensured.
• Digital marketing and e-commerce platforms should be promoted to reach national and international consumers.
• Health insurance and social security coverage should be extended to artisans.
• Tourism should be integrated with the proposed Sarthebari Craft Village to create additional livelihood opportunities.
• Skill development programmes should encourage youth participation while preserving traditional craftsmanship.
• Branding should focus on sustainability, handmade craftsmanship and Assam’s cultural identity.

Conclusion

The revival of the Sarthebari Bell Metal Industry is not merely an economic initiative but an effort to preserve Assam’s cultural heritage while creating sustainable livelihoods. Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, branding, infrastructure and financial support can transform this centuries-old craft into a globally competitive industry. A successful revival will strengthen rural employment, promote cultural tourism, preserve intangible heritage, and contribute to the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat.

Key Takeaway

Protecting traditional industries requires more than preserving heritage—it requires making artisans economically secure, technologically empowered and globally competitive.

Mains Practice Question

“Traditional industries can become engines of inclusive growth when supported by technology, branding and institutional reforms.” Discuss with reference to Assam’s Sarthebari Bell Metal Industry. (250 words)

One-line Wrap:

The revival of Assam’s Sarthebari Bell Metal Industry demonstrates how heritage conservation, artisan welfare and modern market integration can together create sustainable economic development.