The Assam bell metal industry is one of the state’s most important traditional cottage industries, with deep roots in its culture, religious practices and rural economy. Centred mainly in Sarthebari in Barpeta district and Hajo in Kamrup district, the industry is known for its traditional craftsmanship and distinctive bell metal products.
On 9 July 2026, Assam Industries and Commerce Minister Bimal Borah informed the Legislative Assembly that the state government had finalised a four-year roadmap to revive the bell metal industry.
The proposed revival plan focuses on improving infrastructure, creating better market opportunities, protecting genuine products through the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, developing a craft village and improving access to raw materials.
What Is Assam’s Bell Metal Industry?
The Assam bell metal industry is traditionally based on the production of household utensils, ceremonial objects and religious items using an alloy known locally as Kaah.
Bell metal is generally made from approximately 78% copper and 22% tin. Skilled artisans heat the metal in traditional furnaces and shape it using hammers, anvils and other simple tools.
Sarthebari is regarded as the epicentre of bell metal craftsmanship in Assam. Hajo is another major traditional production centre.
Other smaller areas associated with bell metal craftsmanship include:
- Raha
- Hojai
- Dhekiajuli
- Titabor
The craft is largely hereditary, with skills traditionally passed from one generation to another.
What Products Are Made From Bell Metal?
Assamese artisans create a wide range of household, cultural and religious products from bell metal.
Common Bell Metal Utensils
- Kahi – traditional plate or dish
- Bati – bowl
- Ban-bati – bowl with a stand
- Ghoti – water vessel
- Koloh – traditional water container
- Lota – small vessel
Traditional and Ceremonial Products
- Bota – used for offering betel nut and prasad
- Xorai/Sorai – traditional Assamese ceremonial stand and an important symbol of hospitality
- Tema – container used for storing ornaments and betel nut
- Taal – traditional cymbals
These products are commonly associated with Assamese social, religious and cultural traditions.
A Craft With More Than 1,300 Years of History
The history of the Assam bell metal industry is believed to extend back more than 1,300 years.
Historical accounts cited by the Assam Commissionerate of Industries and Commerce associate the craft with the period of King Bhaskar Varman of Kamrupa in the 7th century AD.
According to historical references, bell metal articles from Sarthebari were presented to King Harshavardhana of Kanauj as a gesture of goodwill.
There is also a popular historical tradition that when the Chinese traveller Hiuen Tsang visited Assam in the 7th century, King Bhaskar Varman presented him with bell metal utensils and other articles.
The craft continued to develop over the centuries and became particularly prominent in Sarthebari.
The 19th century artisan Pushparam Kohar is also remembered for his craftsmanship. His famous creation, Jati Kahi, is preserved in a museum in London.
Why Is Sarthebari Important?
Sarthebari, in Barpeta district, is widely recognised as the primary hub of traditional bell metal craftsmanship in Assam.
The craft provides livelihoods to artisans in Sarthebari as well as nearby villages such as:
- Lasima
- Boniyakuchi
- Namxala
- Karakuchi
For generations, families in these areas have depended on bell metal production as an important source of income.
The industry is also considered one of Assam’s major traditional cottage industries, ranking among the most significant after bamboo-based handicrafts.
Why Is Assam’s Bell Metal Industry Declining?
Despite its historical importance, the Assam bell metal industry has been facing several challenges.
1. Rising Raw Material Costs
Copper and tin are expensive, and artisans often depend on raw materials sourced from outside Assam. This increases production costs and reduces profit margins.
2. Competition From Machine-Made Products
Traditional bell metal products compete with cheaper steel, aluminium and machine-made alternatives.
Mass-produced products can be manufactured faster and sold at lower prices, making it difficult for handmade products to compete.
3. Declining Number of Skilled Artisans
Bell metal craftsmanship requires years of training and practical experience.
However, many younger people are increasingly moving towards other professions, creating concerns about the future transfer of traditional skills.
4. Poor Infrastructure
A development centre planned for the industry decades ago reportedly remained neglected for years.
Lack of adequate infrastructure has affected production, marketing and the overall development of the craft cluster.
5. Counterfeit Products
Genuine handmade bell metal products can face competition from imitation products that are marketed using the name or reputation of traditional Sarthebari products.
This can affect both artisan incomes and consumer confidence.
6. Limited GI Registration
Although Sarthebari bell metal products received a GI tag in 2024, only around 240 artisans had registered under the GI framework by the time of the 2026 Assembly discussion.
Greater registration could help more artisans benefit from GI protection and market recognition.
Assam Government’s Four-Year Revival Roadmap
The government’s four-year plan aims to address these long-standing problems through infrastructure development, market support, GI protection and cluster-based development.
1. Strengthening GI Protection
One of the major components of the plan is better utilisation of the Geographical Indication tag.
The GI tag can help:
- Protect genuine Sarthebari products
- Discourage counterfeit products
- Improve consumer trust
- Create better market recognition
- Help artisans obtain premium prices
- Strengthen the traditional identity of the craft
The government also needs to encourage more artisans to complete GI registration so that the benefits reach a larger section of the artisan community.
2. Redevelopment of the Bell Metal Development Centre
A major focus of the roadmap is the redevelopment of the existing Bell Metal Development Centre at Sarthebari.
Around 60 bighas of land had been earmarked for the centre in 1989, but the facility reportedly suffered from prolonged neglect.
The proposed redevelopment is expected to include:
- Improved infrastructure
- Better road connectivity
- A dedicated marketing centre
- Sales facilities
- Better support for artisans
A stronger development centre could provide artisans with an institutional base for production, training and marketing.
3. Proposed Craft Village at Sarthebari
Another important proposal is the establishment of a dedicated craft village in the Sarthebari area.
The idea is to combine traditional craftsmanship with tourism.
A well-developed craft village could allow visitors to:
- Watch artisans at work
- Learn about the history of bell metal
- Purchase authentic products
- Experience traditional Assamese craftsmanship
- Support local artisan communities directly
This could turn Sarthebari into an important heritage and craft tourism destination in Assam.
4. Revival of Hajo’s Raw Material Bank
The government is also working to revive a defunct raw material bank in Hajo.
The objective is to make essential raw materials more accessible and affordable for artisans. This could reduce dependence on outside suppliers and help address one of the industry’s biggest challenges — the increasing cost of raw materials.
A Common Facility Centre (CFC) has also been established in Hajo, while a Cluster Management Committee has been formed to support the artisan cluster.
Government Schemes Supporting Bell Metal Artisans
The revival of the Assam bell metal industry is also supported through various central and state government programmes.
Some of the reported assistance includes:
Bank Loan Support
Around 254 beneficiaries who received bank loans during 2019–20 were provided financial assistance amounting to approximately ₹4.27 crore.
PM Vishwakarma
Around 32 artisans have received identity cards under the PM Vishwakarma Scheme, which aims to support traditional artisans and craftspeople.
Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana
Around 315 artisans in Sarthebari received approximately ₹49.15 lakh under this scheme.
Common Facility Centre at Hajo
A Model Common Facility Centre for the Bell Metal Cluster at Hajo was approved with financial assistance of approximately ₹160.61 lakh under MSME cluster development initiatives.
Of this amount, around ₹81.66 lakh had already been released.
Assam State Support
The state government also released approximately ₹157.34 lakh under its State Priority Scheme for Bell Metal Industries.
Central support is also available through programmes such as the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme and MSE-Cluster Development Programme (MSE-CDP).
Why the GI Tag Matters
The GI tag is particularly important for traditional craft industries. A Geographical Indication identifies products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation or characteristics associated with that location.
For Sarthebari bell metal, GI recognition can help establish the authenticity of products. For consumers, it can make it easier to distinguish genuine traditional products from imitations. For artisans, stronger GI implementation could provide better market recognition and potentially improve earnings.
However, the effectiveness of GI protection depends heavily on registration, enforcement, consumer awareness and proper market branding.
Cultural Importance of Bell Metal in Assam
The Assam bell metal industry is far more than an economic activity.
Bell metal products are deeply connected with Assamese culture and everyday traditions.
The xorai, for example, is one of the most recognisable symbols of Assamese hospitality. It is traditionally presented to guests and dignitaries and is widely used during important cultural occasions.
Bell metal utensils and objects are also associated with:
- Bihu celebrations
- Namghars
- Satras
- Religious ceremonies
- Traditional Assamese households
- Marriage ceremonies
- Community events
- Hospitality and honouring guests
The survival of the craft therefore means preserving not only an occupation but also an important part of Assam’s cultural identity.
Bell Metal Industry and Tourism in Assam
The proposed craft village could provide a significant opportunity for heritage tourism in Assam.
Craft tourism allows visitors to experience a destination through its traditional skills, local communities and cultural practices.
Sarthebari could potentially develop into a destination where tourists can see the complete process of bell metal production — from preparing the raw material to shaping, polishing and finishing the final product.
This would create additional opportunities for:
- Artisan income
- Local employment
- Handicraft sales
- Tourism businesses
- Cultural education
- Rural entrepreneurship
Such a model could also encourage younger generations to view traditional craftsmanship as a viable livelihood rather than an occupation with limited economic prospects.
Assam Bell Metal Industry: Key Facts for APSC and UPSC
The Assam bell metal industry is an important topic for students preparing for APSC, UPSC and other competitive examinations, particularly under Assam-specific current affairs.
| Topic | Key Fact |
| Major centre | Sarthebari, Barpeta |
| Another major centre | Hajo, Kamrup |
| Local name | Kaah |
| Main metals | Copper and tin |
| GI tag | 2024 |
| Revival plan | Four-year roadmap |
| Key minister | Bimal Borah |
| Assembly discussion | 9 July 2026 |
| Major proposal | Craft village |
| Infrastructure proposal | Redevelopment of Bell Metal Development Centre |
| Hajo initiative | Revival of raw material bank |
| Tourism potential | Heritage and craft tourism |
Assam Bell Metal Industry: Important Takeaways
The government’s 2026 roadmap represents an attempt to move the traditional craft beyond simple preservation and towards commercially sustainable development.
The key priorities are:
- Protect genuine products through GI registration.
- Redevelop the Bell Metal Development Centre at Sarthebari.
- Establish a dedicated craft village.
- Improve road and market infrastructure.
- Revive Hajo’s raw material bank.
- Strengthen Common Facility Centre-based support.
- Improve access to government schemes and finance.
- Create new domestic and tourism markets.
- Encourage younger generations to enter the craft sector.
- Protect Assam’s traditional cultural heritage.
Conclusion
The Assam bell metal industry stands at an important crossroads. For centuries, artisans in Sarthebari, Hajo and other parts of Assam have preserved a specialised craft that is closely connected with the state’s cultural identity.
The four-year revival roadmap announced in 2026 could provide the industry with a new direction by combining traditional craftsmanship with modern infrastructure, GI protection, organised marketing and tourism. The success of the plan, however, will ultimately depend on how effectively these measures reach individual artisans. Affordable raw materials, better market access, stronger GI
APSC Mains Practice Question
“The revival of Assam’s bell metal industry requires more than financial assistance; it needs an integrated approach to heritage conservation, GI protection, tourism and livelihood generation.” Discuss with reference to the government’s four-year roadmap for Sarthebari and Hajo.
(10 marks, 150 words)
APSC Prelims Practice Question
Consider the following statements about Assam’s bell metal industry:
- Sarthebari and Hajo are major centres of bell metal craftsmanship in Assam.
- Sarthebari bell metal products received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2024.
- Bell metal, locally known as Kaah, is primarily an alloy of copper and tin.
- The proposed revival plan includes the development of a craft village and revival of Hajo’s raw material bank.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
A. 1 and 2 only
B. 1, 2 and 3 only
C. 2, 3 and 4 only
D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Answer: D. 1, 2, 3 and 4
Also read – What is Mukhya Mantri Nijut Moina Scheme?
Sources – Present Handicraft Industries of Assam
Assam Bell Metal Industry
What is Assam bell metal industry known for?
It is a traditional cottage industry known for producing utensils, ceremonial objects and religious items from bell metal, locally called Kaah. Sarthebari and Hajo are its most important centres.
Where is bell metal made in Assam?
The two major centres are Sarthebari in Barpeta district and Hajo in Kamrup district. Smaller centres include Raha, Hojai, Dhekiajuli and Titabor.
When did Sarthebari bell metal receive a GI tag?
Sarthebari bell metal products received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2024.
What did Assam announce for the bell metal industry in 2026?
The state government announced a four-year revival roadmap focusing on infrastructure redevelopment, a craft village, GI protection, improved marketing and the revival of Hajo’s raw material bank.
Why is Sarthebari famous?
Sarthebari is one of Assam’s most important traditional bell metal craft clusters and has a long history of producing handmade utensils and ceremonial products.
What government schemes support bell metal artisans?
Support includes PM Vishwakarma, Baba Saheb Ambedkar Hastshilp Vikas Yojana, MSE-CDP, the National Manufacturing Competitiveness Programme and Assam’s State Priority Scheme for Bell Metal Industries.