From my nostalgic perspective i remembered the stories from my grandmother who shared her life which was related with her village. How important to get a corelation with the work of village people of bygone eras? Before Independence of India, Monarch rules were elaborately continued at different provinces. Local rulers set their own work amongst different categories. Its a known fact that Nava sasan were there so also many artisans villages for giving services to Royal families.
Amongst such examples one royal family of Ganjam district Dharakota is very famous for their regal heritage and beneficiary work for common people of society.
Jagamohan is a very small village near to Dharakota just 2km distance from there. Around 200 artisan families are living there . They are renowned for their craftmanship work of bronze utensils. At any time of the day the sound echoes at each corner of the village.
Once present at the lane of the village its an exotic place to spend time with the locals. The size of each house is no doubt very small but no matter what the lenght and width of the house. Focus of each persons are there on their productive work.
The art of making bronze utensils are hereditary. Each members of every families are learning their forefathers art of making utensils. The basic raw materials are importing from Calcutta. Rest of final products are prepared by the locals through their own hand.No machinces are required to give shape for any designs of the utensils.
It is believed that the marriage of daughter of anyone is linked with this village -Jahamohan. The marriage season activate highly the work of the artisans. As bronze utensils are basically given to daughters at their marriage time .Not only utensils but also the idols of Gods and decorative materials are made at the village of Jagamohan.
The use of traditional bronze plates and other utensil are the sign of keeping our great traditions of families as well as its use are good for health.
The meeting with several artisans of local village gave me utter satisfaction and felt credit for their work. But,somehow the things are not same as like earlier. The demand of public are gradually diminishing because of transaction of peoples less requirement . The low business gradually compels the new generations to move their profession to other fields. Sometimes young generations believe on easy going way for income of money instead to follow their traditional work. Thats why they are shifting to other industrial location of India.Now,the use of steel and melamine dinnerware cause to effect on the work of the craftpersons of Jagamohan.
We should aware to generate motivation for the regular use of bronze utensils at our home. The demand of public will definitely generate interest among artisans. The flow of business will definitely bring a colors in the life of villagers.
Jagamohan is not only a earmarked village of bygone eras but a live example of art and craftmamship of Odia Culture which the villagers keep it alive till now through their hardwork and brilliant art .we must give credit to each people of Jagamohan for their contributions in the traditional hand work of bronze making utensils.Still it give impression to others for giving a new lease of life for generations to generations further. This is the importance of Jagamohan for which we must pay visit there to acquire an exclusive experience of our own.
Sapna Acharya
Travel Writer
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