The Community of Gadiya Lohars
A story of Gadiya Lohars, a group of traveling metal artisans from Rajasthan
Dastkari Haat Samiti
Dastkari Haat Samiti
In independent India, the government encouraged them to settle. However, even now, the community is visible in both rural and urban areas leading a semi-settled life. With the advance in technology and availability of many competing materials, their traditional occupation is often not sustainable and many craftsmen have taken to alternative work.
In Pachewar village, the Gadiya Lohar families lead a settled life, although still keeping their distinctive carts. Their production caters to seasonal demands: agricultural tools and implements during the agricultural season, and cook ware and other tools the rest of the year. Gadiya Lohars with their carts and temporary homes are not an uncommon sight in villages and towns in North India.
Metal Craft: Artisan family with their cart (2017-08)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The artisan's family has special relationship with their cart. The vehicle is reminiscent of the nomadic life and is an important part of their lives.
Metal Craft: The blacksmith's cart (2017-08)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The cart remains an important part of the home, even in circumstances where artisans are shifting towards a settled life.
Metal Craft: Metal artisan with her cart (2017-08)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The cart also serves as a mobile home.
Metal Craft: Metal artisan with her cart (2017-08)Dastkari Haat Samiti
A metal artisan, in her colourful attire, poses in front of her cart.
Metal Craft: Details on the blacksmith's cart (2017-09)Dastkari Haat Samiti
A treasured possession, the cart is personalized by its owners through embellishments and decorations.
Metal Craft: The blacksmith's cart (2017-08)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Even when blacksmiths start living a more settled life, the cart remains a important part of their home.
Metal Craft: A blacksmiths' settlement (2017-08)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Some metal artisans sell milk to supplement incomes.
Metal Craft: The blacksmith's cart (2017-08)Dastkari Haat Samiti
The cart often becomes a part of the interiors of the artisan's home. Here, the cart is shown in its own garage, hosting various elements of its owners' everyday lives.
Metal Craft: An artisan's new home (2017-08)Dastkari Haat Samiti
Many artisans have transitioned to permanent dwellings, in place of a nomadic life.
Metal Craft: The blacksmith's cart (2017-08)Dastkari Haat Samiti
When the artisans and their families move to a different life style, the gadi, traveling cart, may even get a garage of its own.
Metal Craft: Handcrafted metal insect (Contemporary) by HanumanDastkari Haat Samiti
Read more about metal artisans from Rajasthan here:
- Miniature Metal Craft
- Original Craft of Ironsmiths
Text: Aloka Hiremath, Jaya Jaitly
Photography: Suleiman Merchant and Charu Verma
Artisans: Hanuman Lohar and Hazari Lal
Ground Facilitator: Charu Verma and Aloka Hiremath
Curation: Ruchira Verma
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