iron ores, thus forming iron smith communities in the tribe. Their skill evolved with time as well as experimentation with material and technique. Gond tribe worships ‘Budha dev’ as God, which was believed to reside in saja tree, also known as Indian laurel. But slowly when Gonds understood the strength of iron, they started believing that their God is in iron too.

The term ‘Gond’ has its origin from Telugu word ‘Kond’ which means a mountain. It is believed that after the downfall of their dynasties, ‘Gonds’ took shelters in the mountains. Mr. Tiju Ram Vishwakarma belongs to the same Gond community, who are iron smiths too.

Wrought Iron Craft

Lohshilp (Wrought Iron Craft) is one of the most unique and the oldest craft form Bastar. It has an artistic and elegant appeal regardless of its simplistic form. The art originated from the Iron Smith Community that used to make farming and hunting implements for tribes. Over the years, the craft has beautifully evolved into an artistic form and so has its worldwide demand. Wrought Iron Work is mainly concentrated in Bastar district of Chattisgarh with Kondagaon, Umargaon and Gunagaon being the main centers. Wrought iron products include Deepak, which is made of many shallow bowls like lamps (diya), bird and animal figures, small diamond shaped leaf like structures and vertical and horizontal rods. These deepaks are the specialty of the iron smiths in this area. These are available in the forms of Laman Diya (hanging diya) and Khut diya (stand diya). Many new forms like masks, hangers, innovative lamps, wall hangings and showpieces are also available. The horse of Raodev is most popular and is made with just two legs. The new forms in the craft reflect the realities of the changing times and the artisan’s response to it.

Bastar Iron Craft

Bastar Iron Craft (also known as “Wrought Iron Craft of Baster”) is a traditional Indian iron craft that is manufactured in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh state, India. The Iron Craft skill is passed through generation to generation in Bastar region. Some tribal communities are experts in iron craft work and many of them became iron-smiths. Among many communities Gondi and Maria are notable for the traditional iron-crafting.

Bastar Iron Craft has been Conferred with the Geographical Indication (GI) status by the Government of India in 2008 with GI Number 68.

Inspired by the folk life of the local tribes the Bastar Iron Craft is one of the most aesthetically appealing craft of the region.

Application of vegetable oil to prevent this Iron Craft from rusting before the final process of finishing is unique to the craft attracting connoisseurs from all over the world.

Production Process:

The raw material used for the Bastar Iron Craft is predominantly recycled iron scrap, taken from household or market. The main tools used are Dhukna Sar (furnace), Muthli (hammer), Chimtas (forceps), Sandasis (tongs) and Chenni (chisels). These tools are made locally by the lohars themselves. The process starts with scrap iron being repeatedly beaten when it is hot. It requires no casting and molding. The desired shape to this Iron Craft is given carefully by beating it at necessary spots. Then unnecessary portions are cut away and filed to remove sharp objects. On completion, a varnish coat is applied to enhance the luster. Both hollow and solid figures are made. For making a hollow figure, iron sheets are folded, cut and filed as per the need of the form. In a solid figure the main body parts are made first and then the detailing is done with the help of small chisels.

Present:

The Iron Craft that started from catering to farming, hunting, and ritualistic needs is now a beautiful work of art in demand. Wrought Iron Handicrafts include Deepak, which is made of many shallow bowls like lamps (Diya), bird and animal figures, small diamond-shaped leaf-like structures and vertical and horizontal rods. These deepaks are the specialty of the iron smiths in this area. These are available in the forms of Laman Diya (hanging diya) and Khut diya (stand diya). Many new forms like masks, iron hangers, innovative lamps, wrought iron wall hangings, and showpieces are also available.

Uniqueness of Bastar Iron Craft:

• Traditional Indian iron craft that is manufactured in the Bastar district of Chhattisgarh.
• One of the most unique and the oldest craft from.
• Inspired by the folk life of the local tribes of Bastar.
• Bastar Iron Craft has an artistic and elegant appeal regardless of its simplistic form.
• Application of vegetable oil to prevent the Iron from rusting.
• Made up of recycled Iron Scrap, Charcoal & Red Soil.

The Evolution of Iron from a hunting tool to Utilities is a narrative best captured in the Iron Craft of Bastar.

Buy Bastar Wrought Iron Craft Online with Free Shipping across India | No hidden Charges | No Vendor Mechanism | 100% Secure & Safe Checkout