As machines replace manual labour in most sectors, the traditional craft of blacksmithing is rapidly disappearing. But for few artisans in Dagana, the age-old profession remains a vital source of income and pride.
For 70-year-old Janga Lal Biswa, the small hut located below his house has been a place where he earns his living.
Today, he is crafting a sickle for his neighbor manually. Despite having a machine to ease his workload, he prefers doing it manually for a better finish.
His helper assists him in heating the metal using a traditional furnace as he readies to forge the tool.
It takes him at least an hour to complete the task.
Janga learned the art from his father.
Over the years, he has mastered in making various household tools including knives, sickles, and even aluminum pots among others.
With a steady customer base in Dagana and neighboring districts, he says demand is not a problem.
“If I can start work from 9 in the morning until 5 PM, I can earn between 4,000 and 5,000 ngultrum in a day. After deducting expenses for charcoal, electricity, and labour charges for helpers, I get around 2,000 ngultrum per day.”
However, his age and lack of dedicated helpers are now making it difficult for him to continue the art.
A few years ago, he had a group of villagers learning the craft while also assisting him. But today all of them left for other professions.
He says, young people these days are reluctant to take up the profession due social stigma.
“They told me they want to work as drivers in other districts. After that, only a few elderly blacksmiths are left in the district. Today, I have one helper but he is also old now so we are not able to work a lot.”
The concern extends beyond Janga. Some other blacksmiths in the district share the same worry of losing the art.
Tek Bdr. Biswa from Tsendagang Gewog said,“I encouraged many youths to take up the skill but none of them were interested. I told them the art would help them earn an income, support neighbours and serve the country in the long run. But they are not interested at all.”
Although blacksmithing continues to provide a decent livelihood for artisans like Janga and Tek, they fear the craft may vanish without successors to carry it forward.
Pema Tshewang, Dagana
