Ever since the 20th century, Jharkhand has been famous as a hub of heavy mineral industries such as the Iron and steel manufacturing plants in Jamshedpur, Bokaro, and so on. But the art of smelting iron and other metals from the mineral-rich soil of the state is not a recent 20th-century phenomenon. Why? Because some tribes of Jharkhand have been using their traditional knowledge and primitive tools for smelting iron and copper articles as early as the Harappan civilization! Some of these tribes have continued their way of life in the 21st century, as they still work as blacksmiths in the state.
Asurs:
One of these tribes is the Asurs, who have been described in the Rig Veda as great builders. These tribesmen have been known to possess the art of mineral smelting since time immemorial. According to Vedic literature, Asurs made copper and iron tools and articles which were traded with the Aryans and later exported to the ancient civilizations of Rome and Athens. The Asurs have mastered the craft of making metal articles using no power tools, but only ancient techniques of metal smelting. It is not only labor-intensive but also requires high skill and patience. Some accounts say that Asurs knew the art of making rust-proof iron in the ancient age. They used charcoal from the bark of the Sal tree.
The Asurs have chosen to stick to their ancient craft of metal smelting, mainly because of the poor employment opportunities in the state. The modern industries in the state have also hampered the demand for the iron products made by the Asurs. Nonetheless, the tribesmen have continued their ancient trade form. The asurs do not mainly rely on agriculture to sustain themselves as they are primarily blacksmiths. The Vedic literature holds Asurs in great regard. Some also believe that the Asurs are the direct descendants of the mythological Asuras.
Loharas:
The Loharas is yet another tribe that has been practicing the art of metal smelting. Using the traditional methods and techniques of metal smelting they make important tools such as axe, hoe, sickle, iron head of a spear, parts of a plough, etc. Since the Loharas deal with metal works, they don’t have exclusive villages but live in communities in other villages as their craft is needed in all the villages. They engage themselves mostly in metal works and are not primarily based on agriculture and cattle raising for sustenance.
Loharas credit: jharkhandculture.com
There are other tribes such as the Kol, Cheeroo, and Kharia that are also known to be metal smelters.
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