Odisha Deputy CM K.V. Singh Deo unveils book on state’s bell metal heritage

Groundbreaking publication celebrates master artisans and preserves ancient craft traditions

By Ankita Moharana

Bhubaneswar, Sept. 6: The MGM Foundation, in collaboration with Bhubaneswar Experimental Art and Design Studio (BEADS), on Saturday unveiled ‘Kansa: Forging Traditions, Shaping Futures,” a landmark publication documenting Odisha’s rich bell metal craft heritage.

Deputy Chief Minister Shri Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo released the book at a special ceremony attended by Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, Chairman and Managing Director of MGM Group, Tathagata Satpathy, former MP, along with artists, scholars, and craft enthusiasts.

The publication is the result of five months of intensive field research across 18 craft villages, aiming to preserve a fading cultural tradition and draw attention to the urgent need to safeguard bell metal craftsmanship, a centuries-old art form now at risk of extinction.

Speaking at the event, Deputy CM Shri Singh Deo said, “Through this book, the MGM Group has made sincere efforts to save this dying art and its legacy for future generations.”

Shri Pankaj Lochan Mohanty, CMD of MGM Group, added, “This publication represents a significant step in reviving and safeguarding the bell metal craft, ensuring that its rich heritage continues to inspire generations to come.”

Highlighting the practical challenges facing the craft, he noted, “When existing bell metal utensils or other items are damaged, people often replace them with aluminium alternatives. I always advise against this because once these crafts become antique pieces, they gain immense value.”

The book captures not only the techniques and practices of master artisans but also their personal stories, underscoring the importance of passing these skills to younger generations. Experts at the launch expressed hope that the book would encourage both public interest and policy support to keep these heritage arts alive.

The publication also reflects the intensive research conducted under the Odisha Craft Odyssey (OCO) Fellowship Programme 2024-25. Available in both English and Odia, the book chronicles the living traditions of Kansa craft across 18 villages, offering a comprehensive record of Odisha’s bell metal artistry.