Bhutan is a small country with high probability of culture taking depth root but as when modernization flushes out, not all vibrant art is constant from fading. The vivacity of blacksmithing is at the verge of diminishing.
History of Blacksmithing
The art of
blacksmithing or in other language is called Gar-Zo. The exact time of history
is unknown and unrecorded but majority of people consider that it probably began
in late 14th century. A man who introduced blacksmith in Bhutan was
a great Tibetan master popularly known as Drupthob Thangtong Gyelpo. He was a
very accomplished and highly realized saint from Tibet. His presence in Bhutan
was a blessing as he was not only a master to be revered but also a very
skilled person in casting iron chains and erecting them as bridges in gorges.
It is believed that under the engineering skills of great saint, he had built
eight iron bridges in Bhutan.
Why art is slowly diminishing?
The fear of
blacksmithing diminishing slowly is a sad story but it is realistic as well. In
depth, blacksmithing is an art that is passed down from father to children. The
skills has to be imparted to their son but as many children are educated, they
prefer to do a better job. Unlike in the past, all the children are studying
and they do not show interest in the art of blacksmithing. Back in the village,
it is only the old father who does the art of blacksmithing. As it requires
continuous energies not even they could continue forever.
Another reason
is the competition from the Indian products. Bhutan is sharing borders with the
India and blacksmith products are easily available from the neighboring country.
The Indian products are available at cheaper rate. Thus, many people go for the
products with less price that directly affects the Bhutanese blacksmith.
Time is also
another factor that led to diminish the Bhutanese blacksmith. For instance, if
we place a demand of knife in Bhutan, it will take around two days or even
more. Whereas in India the products are readily available which makes people purchase
more of Indian products.
Efforts put in to retain the diminishing
art
It is not that
Bhutan government will let it diminish. The government on its side is doing
every possible ways to retain and keep hold of it. Medias are also covering the
stories and making the people aware. More than anything else, His Majesty the
King commanded for training Centre to set up and review the art at earliest.
The Centre is established and imparting the skills and knowledge.
Conclusion
Although
blacksmithing is almost a diminishing art, still we can see lots of people
trying to keep it alive and practicing. If you ever come across Radi, don’t
forget to halt a minute and visit the last man to continue the art of
blacksmithing. There are 8 of them practicing the unbroken skills but they will
soon retire and pack their tools forever. Not a single son of them is into
blacksmithing. Only time will tell what lies ahead of us and what will be the
fate of blacksmithing in Radi. Never the less hope is revitalized by
establishing a Centre where indigenous knowledge and skills are imparted
through the command of of His Majesty the King.
