ALAPPUZHA: Mannar in central Travancore, which boasts a 1,400 year- old legacy in making bronze and brass metal crafts as well as traditional utensils, is currently on a high following its official declaration as a Heritage Village, which the locals believe will result in businesses making a beeline for the region.
Finance Minister Dr T M Thomas Isaac had conferred the Heritage tag on Mannar in the Revised Budget and proposed a slew of projects for the preservation of the village’s rich tradition. Sujith Sreerengam, a leader of craftsmen, said the village’s Heritage tag is a shot in the arm to the traditional industry.
According to him, strong government backing was needed to bailout the industry even as he pointed out that the number of forges (alas) was about 50 a decade ago and it had come down to 12 now and the employees were down to a mere 120 from the 2,000 earlier. Chengannur, MLA, K K Ramachandran Nair, who had submitted an interim project proposal worth `5 crore to the Finance Minister in June last, said the project proposes the revival of the traditional industry which is losing its sheen due to the industrialisation of the brass and bronze manufacturing units across the country. Many of the traditional craftsmen in Mannar had left in search of the greener pastures.
“It is the only village exclusively engaged in the production of brass and bronze artifacts. However, rapid industrialisation of the sector has resulted in Mannar losing its past glory. The traditional craftsmen have abandoned the business. So we have put forward a project for the revival of the industry and the heritage of the village,” the MLA said.
Mannar craftsmen are known for their expertise across the country and even globally. And Mannar is second only to Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh, famous for its brass metal industry in India, in making crafts and artifacts.
The village has also several records under its belt-- the biggest biriyani chempu (pot for making biriyani) took shape at Mannar in 2014. And the world’s biggest varpu (wide cauldron) showcased at Delhi museum was also of Mannar- make.
The world’s biggest temple bell at Shimla Temple, biggest church bell at Cathedral Church in New Delhi, biggest church lamp at Koothattukulam Town Church and the biggest temple lamp at Chettikulangara Temple are fine examples of Mannar artisans’ exquisite craftsmanship. Similarly, Mannar was at one point of time famous for its silver jewellery, which had many takers. And over 200 people, including women were engaged in jewellery making. But now, though, their number has shrunk to just 20.
Heritage of Mannar
It was the migration of smiths from Sankarankovil and Thanchavoor in Tamil Nadu several hundred years ago which laid the foundation for Mannar’s emergence as a bronze and brass metal crafts powerhouse.
Legend has it that the Viswakarma community migrated to Mannar for the construction of the Thirukuruthy Mahadeva Temple which is believed to be 1,400-years-old. Following the construction of the temple, the community chose to settle down in Mannar. The Pampa and availability of good quality clay were two key factors that attracted the Viswakarmas to the area.
Setbacks
The younger generation’s near total lack of interest in following in the footsteps of the elders from the community on account of the tedious nature of the job has been the biggest hurdle faced by the sector. Also, the traditional way of manufacturing pushes up the costs and this puts Mannar products at a major disadvantage in the market. Shortage of clay has also hit the sector. Earlier, the smiths used to collect the clay from the banks of the Pampa. But with the government now banning clay mining, they are forced to source it from the other states.