Get your hands dirty – quite literally! Dive into the world of blacksmithing hands-on experience in traditional blacksmithing techniques while infusing elements of cultural preservation and modern innovation. Through this program, interns will learn the artistry of blacksmithing, gain practical skills in crafting tools and decorative pieces, and explore the historical and cultural significance of blacksmithing in Himachal Pradesh. There is also opportunity to create unique documentation or traditional ‘Shaastra‘ (शास्त्र) of this unique undying skill of Rural India. Our internship is an immersive experience in crafting tools that break stones, sickles, hammers, and more, contributing to both cultural preservation and contemporary craftsmanship.Participants will learn traditional blacksmithing skills, contribute to cultural preservation efforts, and explore opportunities for modern applications in the field.This internship will provide a raw experience of blacksmithing.
About work of Blacksmith in Himachal Pradesh
In the small villages nestled amidst the majestic Himalayas, blacksmiths are revered for their ability to create tools, implements, and decorative items using age-old techniques passed down through generations. From crafting agricultural tools essential for farming in the rugged terrain to fashioning ornate household items, blacksmiths are integral to the daily lives of the local communities. Beyond their practical contributions, blacksmiths in Himachal Pradesh hold a significant cultural significance. They are often the custodians of traditional knowledge, embodying the spirit of craftsmanship that defines the region’s identity.
Through their work, they preserve ancient techniques and artistic styles that reflect the unique cultural heritage of Himachal Pradesh. Furthermore, blacksmithing in Himachal Pradesh serves as a focal point for community gatherings and celebrations. Blacksmiths are not only artisans but also storytellers, sharing anecdotes and folklore as they work, thus fostering a sense of camaraderie and cultural exchange among villagers. Overall, the work of blacksmiths in Himachal Pradesh goes beyond mere craftsmanship; it is a cornerstone of cultural preservation.
By continuing to practise their age-old craft and passing on their skills to future generations, blacksmiths contribute to the enduring legacy of Himachal Pradesh’s rich cultural heritage. The stonemasons and farmers are critically integrated with the Blacksmiths for tools such as chisels, hammers and stone work tools.
They have been tied in a ‘jajmani’ system which has enabled mutual interdependence for them. See video in Reference sesction to know more about jajmani system of Craftspersons in India.
Products by blacksmiths in Himachal Pradesh:
- Handheld Farming Implements – Ploughs, sickles, hoes (हल, कुदाल, कुदाली)
- Household items – Cooking pots, utensils, fireplace accessories (खाने के पात्र, बर्तन, अंगीठी के सामान)
- Stone Masonry – Chisels, Hammers
About Master Craftsman
Devi Ram, hailing from Dadinaal village, is a highly respected blacksmith in Pangana. He has dedicated the majority of his life to the craft of blacksmithing, honing his skills and expertise in the process. Renowned for his deep knowledge and exceptional abilities in blacksmithing, Devi Ram is widely regarded as a master of his craft within the community.
Internship Role
Handson participation to develop blacksmithing skills, creating aesthetically pleasing utility tools for farmers, that contribute to the preservation of age-old techniques. Learn traditional blacksmithing techniques including forging, shaping, welding, and finishing under the guidance of master blacksmiths. (Under guidance of master rural craftspersons). Learn how Farmers, Masons and Blacksmits Interact in Rural Social Relations (Jajmaani Social System).
Design and Documentation – Undertake design using latest digital techniques to study and document the craft of Blacksmithry in Himachal Pradesh. Interns shall have the unique opportunity to co-author an online publication with Gram Disha Trust. Determine outline and structure of the Shaastra document and content to include aspects such as –
- Socio-Economic Capital Exchange and Enhancements including aspects of community (especially Farming Community) Harmony
- Technical aspects of Himalayan Mountain Blacksmithery and practicality
- Low Carbon Footprint of Himalayan Blacksmiths through Recycling and reuse of Natural Materials
- Socio-Cultural aspects and Traditional Knowledge Systems Domain of Himalayan Blacksmiths
- Political Aspects on Community based Craft in the Himalayas
The medium of instruction will be Hindi, while documentation will be in English. Applicants should be bilingual.
Collaborate with artisans to conceptualise and design custom pieces that blend traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics.
Community Engagement & Cultural Preservation
Interact with the local community to understand their needs and incorporate cultural elements into your designs. Your work will not only enrich the landscape but also become an integral part of the community’s identity. Become a guardian of heritage. Your role goes beyond design; and document the cultural heritage of blacksmithing, their interdependence with other communities, understanding knowledge transfer mechanisms and contribute to educational outreach programs aimed at preserving traditional knowledge.
Benefits for Interns
- Hands-on training in traditional blacksmithing techniques.
- Mentorship from experienced blacksmiths and artisans.
- Exposure to cultural preservation initiatives and community engagement projects.
- Opportunities for creative expression, documentation and experimentation.
- Networking opportunities within the blacksmithing community.
- Documentation to creat a unique – Lauhaar Shaastra – A Knowldge Repository – based on discovery of socio-cultural Idiom of craft exchange between communities.
Internship Duration and Completion Modalities
Total Duration 3 Months – Residential Component 10 Days in Himachal Pradesh – rest may be undertaken remotely. Interns shall also have the choice of longer residential in Himachal Pradesh, on case to case basis.
In the world of blacksmithing, setting dates for work isn’t as simple as marking a day on the calendar. It involves careful consideration of factors like the India traditional calendar, known as the Panchang, (Panchang refers to the Indian traditional calendar system, which includes auspicious and inauspicious times for various activities based on celestial positions and lunar cycles. ) and principles of vastu shastra (Vastu Shastra is an ancient Indian architectural science that focuses on harmonizing the environment with natural elements to promote well-being and prosperity.)
Preparation begins by aligning with auspicious days, or “muhurat,” (Shubh Muhurat refers to auspicious timings determined by astrology for starting important events or activities, believed to bring positive results and blessings.)
and ensuring the foundational aspects like “lipai” (measurement) and “Bhadar ki neev” (the foundation stone) adhere to vastu guidelines. These decisions are made in consultation with the blacksmith, typically finalizing dates.
Master Devi Ram and Kishori lal finalised dates between June 1st and June 7th for internships.
Interns are expected to arrive one to two days prior to the start date to settle in and be ready to dive into work on June 1st.
The total Duration of Internship is expected to be no more than 3 months out of which 10 Days are Residential in Himachal Pradesh, and rest are remote. This includes the travel above. The rest of the time the Interns are expected to spend time in Developing the ‘Shaastra‘ through the duration.
Certificate of Internship completion and documentation citation shall be presented to only those interns who shall actively particiapte in this duration and complete the documentation output to the satisfaction of the Trusteees of Gram Disha Trust.
Inside Look of Internship Planning
18 March 24:Gram Disha Trust Members in Talks with local farmers and Blacksmiths for Internship Planning. Full Swing Preparations Underway: Finalizing Dates, Coordination in Progress, and Future Plans Taking Shape.
4 May 2024: We begin our internship program today at GDT via google meet. In our online meeting with interns and trustee we delved into the objectives of the program. We also discussed the meeting agendas, including the overview of the internship program goals, the significance of the Shaastra document, and the exploration of the Documentation Lead role, which involves organizing how things are written, like chapters, pictures, and videos. Overall, the meeting marked the beginning of our internship journey and set clear goals for the upcoming month.
11 May 2024: Today, we had our second online meeting for our internship program. Our main topic was discussing the outline of the Shaastra outline. We talked about who would volunteer lead this project. Interns tentatively outlined the chapters, and then added their ideas. The different ideas were recorded on the Jamboard. During our discussion, we focused on how the Shaastra will come together with the different skills sets of the interns. We had a good conversation about each person’s contributions.
Location
Village Baag, Sub-Tehsil Pangna, Himachal Pradesh – Quaint, simple and rural accommodation for an authentic experience, living and breathing the vibrant local culture.
How to Reach - Baag, Pangna, Himachal Pradesh
Option A: 1. The nearest railway stations are New Delhi, Kalka, or Chandigarh.
2. Take an HRTC bus from Kalka, New Delhi, or Chandigarh to Shimla or Churag. / Karsog.
3. Pro tip: There’s a direct bus from New Delhi to Karsog. (Interns should leave the bus at Churag station.) near by pangna
4. From Shimla, there are 3-4 buses to Karsog in day .
5. From Churag, you can take local buses to reach “Baag, Pangana.”
Option B: 1. Take a night HRTC bus route from New Delhi ISBT to Manali.
2. Get off at the Sundarnagar station. The bus arrives in Sundarnagar in the early morning hours. (New Delhi to Sundarnagar distance is approximately 400 km)
3.From Sundarnagar, take a bus to Pangna. It will take around 2 hours to reach Pangna from Sundarnagar.
(Sundarnagar to Pangna distance is 60 km)
For bus timings, you can check the HRTC website through this link: [HRTC Website](https://www.hrtchp.com/)
Travel plans need careful consideration due to limited bus services from New Delhi and Chandigarh. Check schedules ahead of time and allow for possible delays or changes.
Fees:
The Lauhaar Shastra program is promoted by Gram Disha Trust – training costs are supported through a fund-raising effort.
Participants are expected to pay –
- Course Fee – 1000 INR/-
- Rural Accomodation – Upto INR 250/- per day
- Food Expenses – Upto 150/- per day
Boarding and Lodging is paid to the farmers and craftspersons.
Participants are expected to support with Fund Raising effort for this and future courses on voluntary basis.
Interns who actively participate and complete the documentation inputs shall recieve a Certificate from Gram Disha Trust for this course. The course is open to Resident Indians only.
Conclusion
In conclusion Gram Disha Trust internship program exhibits several strengths that contribute to a positive learning experience for interns. The work of blacksmiths in Himachal Pradesh goes beyond mere metalworking; it embodies the preservation of cultural traditions, craftsmanship, and community heritage. Through their skilled artistry and dedication, blacksmiths play a vital role in maintaining the cultural identity and richness of Himachal Pradesh’s heritage. Join us in shaping the future while honouring the past. Our creations will not only be aesthetically pleasing but will also contribute to the preservation of age-old techniques.
Join us for an immersive design experience, cultural preservation, and an unforgettable rural interaction.
NCERT Chapter on Craft and Jajmaani System in India Reference site – https://ncert.nic.in/textbook/pdf/lehc101.pdf