A 42-year-old artisan from the humble village of Sathebari in Barpeta district recently opened up about his remarkable life journey and the persistent struggles faced by craftsmen in the traditional metal industry.
Haridas Das, who was born and raised in poverty, had to juggle education and work from an early age. Despite completing only his primary education, his determination and creative spirit carved out a future that has now gained recognition nationally and internationally.
“I used to go to school during the day and work in the evening,” the Assam Gaurav Awardee recalled. “We didn’t have much, but I always loved making things with my hands,” said Haridas in an interview with Business North East (BNE).
From a young age, Haridas displayed an artistic streak. He would draw portraits of national leaders, a skill that hinted at his future as a craftsman. Working from home, he gradually began experimenting with metal, particularly bell metal and brass, which are culturally significant in Assam.
While bell metal has long been used in traditional Assamese households, Haridas brought innovation to the craft by merging it with modern designs and new-age aesthetics. “I wanted to make things that connect our culture to today’s world,” said Haridas, whose creations are primarily made of brass and are entirely handmade, often taking hours of meticulous work.
In 2006, Haridas stunned his community by designing a miniature moving train crafted from brass, complete with a model of the iconic Saraighat Bridge. His other works include brass ships, temple pots, and detailed idols of gods and revered personalities. He has even mastered photo statues based on pictures sent by clients, offering people the chance to immortalise loved ones in metal.
“Send me a photo of your parents, and I can turn it into a brass statue,” he said confidently. On average, Haridas works 10 hours daily and earns around Rs. 2,000 daily—a significant improvement from his early days. “My income has increased, but so have the challenges,” he remarked.
Despite being honoured with the prestigious Assam Gaurav award, which came with a cash reward, Haridas said he is yet to receive substantial support from the state government. “With the award money, I’m planning to buy raw materials,” he said. His past recognition also includes a Rs. 20,000 grant from the District Industries and Commerce Centre (DICC).
Currently, Haridas produces one or two new designs each month. Just this month, he was honoured by a delegation from Arunachal Pradesh, and he previously received appreciation from German visitors who came to his village. “People now come to me directly to place orders,” he said, explaining that his reach extends beyond Assam to cities like Mumbai and Gujarat and even overseas to the USA and UK.
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However, running his business is no easy feat. The industry heavily relies on raw materials, which are becoming increasingly expensive and difficult to procure. “I usually get materials from Muradabad and Kolkata. There used to be a mill in Guwahati, but it shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said the artist.
In addition to sourcing difficulties, Haridas pointed out that the Goods and Services Tax (GST) has significantly increased production costs. Shipping charges have also risen, adding to the burden. According to him, mechanising production would require Rs. 10 crore, with individual machines costing upwards of Rs. 50 lakh, an investment far beyond his current reach.
Despite these setbacks, Haridas is committed to his craft. “Problems are innumerable, the cost of production keeps rising, and customers are discouraged by high prices. But this is my life’s work. I will continue as long as I can,” said Haridas.
With his dedication and talent, Haridas stands as a symbol of resilience and innovation in Assam’s traditional arts sector, an artist whose legacy is forged in metal and rooted in passion.
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