The soft tinkle of goats rang through the streets. A camel sauntered home. Cows grazed on the sides of the road. Dusk had fallen. It was time for them to head home. I sat and watched. Closed my eyes and listened to the sounds. The Maldharis used to come to us. And we, the bell makers used to sit with them and make bells that matched the sounds they wanted. They would tell us how the animals reacted to many sounds. Goat herders would often ask for a mellow sweet tone. Whereas cows and buffalos needed a resonating loud sound. Bell making had through the years remained the same. The techniques and products passed down through generations. Unlike the other crafts there has not been much innovation with bells. Over the recent years however, there has been a shift amongst the bell makers. The quest to create new designs and sounds has seen itself evolve.
Now as I see my children take after me, I often tell them, it’s very satisfying to work for yourself, instead of working as an employee somewhere, even if it means earning less money. Never work for someone who decides your pay and work hours.
