Dreams cool amid heat of traditional blacksmithing
Summary
Traditional blacksmiths in Sudurpaschim say the khalo system and caste discrimination have left them earning grain instead of fair wages, pushing many young people to migrate for work. As modern farm equipment reduces demand for handmade tools, rural workshops are closing and artisans fear for the future of the profession.
Key Points
- Blacksmiths in Sudurpaschim say they still work under the traditional khalo system, receiving grain instead of cash wages.
- Artisans say rising costs, declining demand for handmade tools and caste discrimination are making blacksmithing unsustainable.
- Many young people from blacksmith families have left for India or other jobs, leaving rural workshops in decline.
- Local residents say the government has not introduced any programme to modernize or support the profession.
