Black Smithy

Blacksmithing – the art of forging utility items from iron or metal – was an important profession in Dakshina Kannada. These artisans were highly skilled in making various items of everyday use. These skills are today imparted to trainees at Pilikula Nisarga Dhama. This unit is looked after by a Master Craftsman and an Assistant.

The blacksmithing unit manufactures the following implements:

• Sickles
• Axes
• Knife
• Vegetable cutter
• Coconut scraper
• Ploughs and other agriculture implements
• Rubber tapping knives

Training

So far 28 persons have been trained in the trade of blacksmithing under this project.

The training programme is of 4 months duration and it is organized with the help of Master Craftsmen and various agencies like NGOs and SSI units. There is great demand for the blacksmithing trainees. All the 28 persons trained so far have been gainfully employed and are earning between Rs. 150-180 per day.

The major training inputs provided are:

• Basic knowledge of metals / tools
• Hammering
• Filing
• Forging
• Shaping of implements
• Handle fixing

Differentiation between MS and Steel