Creation of Employment through the Bell Metal Industry of Sarthebari, Assam

The bell metal industry of Sarthebari in Assam is an important traditional handicraft industry that contributes to employment generation and provides livelihood opportunities to a large number of people. The industry supports employment not only through direct involvement in the production of bell metal articles but also through cooperative institutions and marketing networks. The present study examines the employment-generating capacity of the bell metal industry of Sarthebari by analysing the involvement of workers in production, cooperative activities, and marketing. The data indicate that a total of 2,248 workers are associated with the industry, of whom 2,164 (96.26%) are directly involved in production and marketing-related activities, while 84 (3.74%) are indirectly involved through the marketing network. Among the directly involved workers, 2,086 (92.79%) are artisans engaged in production, demonstrating the central role of traditional craftsmanship in sustaining employment. The study also highlights the contribution of Mahajans or Arabdaris, who function as visiting traders and connect Sarthebari's products with markets within and outside Assam, including international Buddhist markets. The findings suggest that the bell metal industry serves as an important source of employment, income generation, preservation of traditional skills, and expansion of local products into wider markets.