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, a small town in . But as you take a stroll in the comforting natural surroundings of this town, breaking through the many layers of silence, the sound of clinking of metals, welding and grinding machines reaches your ears probably piquing your interest. And as you move towards the source of the sound you will be stupefied by the gleam and sheen of bell metal products in the many alas or forges that have existed here for centuries.
in district has the unique distinction of and nurturing a tradition and a craft which
dates back to several centuries. Nearly 300 families in this town have carried
on the tradition of bell metal products making in .Bell metal is a harmonious blend of tin and copper. Typified by its sonorous
quality when struck, bell metal provides a fine medium for the craftsmen to
cast both religious artifacts especially magnificent lamps in various shapes
and sizes as well as domestic utensils. has an
assortment of traditional alas or forges as well as semi-modern
factories which have come up in recent years engaged in the craft of bell metal
products. The artisans of these alas produce an array of glistening
bell metal products. These elegant artifices over the years have crossed the
(traditional vessel usually used
for preparing or ),
placed in an antique shop in
Krishna who in his ala has specialized in the making
of iron boxes. With Government’s support the family tradition of making bell
metal products has acquired the status of a cottage industry.The
has acquired over the years has been etched for permanence in some
extraordinary artifices. They include the world's biggest temple lamp at temple; the
world's biggest temple bell at Mohan temple in
Shimla; the world's biggest church bell at the
.