In our house, among the treasured pieces of Odisha handicrafts, aside from the magnificent Pattachitra paintings, dokra pieces, resides a 30-inch brass metal fish that captivates the eye with its exquisite design. As a child, I recall playfully experimenting with its malleability, testing its limits by bending it left and right, fascinated by the graceful sway it took. I am pleased to share that it withstood my relentless tests and has now found a new home at Svanir, after my mother grew weary of its presence.
Our exploratory journey led us to Belaghunta, a village that has solidified its place on Odisha’s map due to its exceptional craft of Flexible Brass Metal Fish. Beyond the incredible artwork that has remained unchanged for more than a century, what truly fascinated us was the enchanting story that unfolded alongside it. Belaghunta, our destination, is just a 2.5-hour drive from Gopalpur or Chilika lake (Barkul/Rambha). Upon arrival at the bustling town, we paused near the central bus stand, reaching out to our local contact for guidance through the labyrinthine lanes to the homes where this extraordinary artistry still thrived.
Mr. Maharana, a prominent figure associated with the creation of brass metal fish, graciously offered us insight into the unchanged process that had been passed down from his father. “Every piece is still meticulously crafted by hand. All the instruments you see here have been fashioned by my own hands,” Mr. Maharana shared proudly. He expressed the group’s aspiration for an art center to be established, enabling the artists to collaboratively divide the work and enhance their productivity. “We sometimes receive large orders that we are unable to fulfill due to the time-consuming nature of our process,” he added.
As Mr. Maharana recounted, the late Bhikari Maharana emerged as a pioneering metal artist in the resplendent court of the Bhanja King. The ruler, recognizing his unparalleled talent, bestowed upon him the title of ‘Bindhani Ratna’ and presented him with a copper certificate, affirming his status as a highly skilled artisan within the kingdom. Intoxicated by the remarkable craftsmanship and the mesmerizing flexibility ingrained in this art form, the British colonizers yearned to possess such expertise for themselves. Resorting to coercion, they sought to learn from Shri Gangadhar Maharana, Bhikari’s grandson, envisioning how this innovative technique could render their battle armor remarkably flexible and significantly lighter, echoing the first glimmers of Lycra’s ingenuity. However, the fiercely patriotic Gangadhar Maharana could not bring himself to offer the foreign intruders a weapon that could potentially be employed against his fellow Indian soldiers. Weighed down by this moral quandary, he contemplated the unthinkable – sacrificing his own life.
Tragically, with Gangadhar’s untimely demise, the elegant swimming technique, reminiscent of the fluid motions of a fish, plunged into obscurity. Legend has it that Gangadhar had refined the technique to such an extent that he could create a fish capable of floating effortlessly through water, propelled by a spring mechanism.
Still awestruck by this captivating history, Maharana guided us to a makeshift studio, where he revealed the intricate process behind crafting these extraordinary fish. The fish, as we learned, is divided into four distinct parts: the head, middle stomach, lower stomach, and tail. The manufacturing begins with collecting brass sheets and fashioning the head section. The body size of the fish is determined based on the size of its head, and the body is further divided into multiple pieces to grant it that essential flexibility. These separate parts are then meticulously stitched together to achieve the fish’s seamless movement.
As demand wanes, shifting toward steel and plastic alternatives, the future of brass metal fish hangs in the balance. Traditionally considered auspicious, brass metal fish were often included in a Odia bride’s trousseau as emblems of good luck. I can’t help draw parallels to a Bengali wedding ritual called Gaye Holud where the groom’s family presents a large Rohu fish to the bride. The fish is elaborately decorated to resemble a bride, complete with a silk saree, jewelry, and sindoor. This symbolic gift signifies good luck and prosperity for the bride as she begins her new life.
Maharana reveals, “Now, we also craft flexible brass snakes, lobsters, and various other forms, in addition to the beloved fish.” The need for product diversification becomes increasingly apparent, prompting us to share a few creative ideas with Maharana.
After leaving the artist’s lane , we paused at an unassuming temple, nestled near an ironsmith’s shop, adorned with captivating carvings. As we drove away from the village , our thoughts centered on the prospect that innovation may breathe new life into this beautiful art form, ushering in a revival that would reignite its magnificence.
No Comments