The unique melodic tones that emanate from Kachchh’s metal bells give voice to a centuries-old craft tradition that the Muslim Lohar community brought to Kachchh from Sindh, Pakistan.  These metal bells, burnished in copper and brass, have long adorned the necks of cattle, camels, sheep, and goats which graze in Kachchh’s arid plains.  The bells signify each animal’s status and position in the herd.

There are 14 standard sizes which range in length from 2 cm to over 30 cm; size 0 is the smallest and size 13 the largest.  Only the head of the herd is worthy of wearing the heavy tehra number bell.  Today, the use of Kachchh’s traditional bells has expanded; they hang in entranceways, are combined to make wind chimes, and are used as other forms of festive decoration.  Finely tuned bells are used as musical instruments. Kachchh’s traditional metal bells are handcrafted by Lohar artisans working in 28 bell making units in Nirona, Bhuj, Nakhatrana, and Ratadia.

Metal bell craft requires highly refined skills and combined family inputs. Artisans dexterously hand set each bell’s unique tone (vaajji) with a tool called an ekalavai, a skill these Kachchh bell makers have mastered over the years.  The quality of a bell’s tone is a reflection of the artisan’s skill and three factors: the size and shape of the bell’s body; the size and shape of the ringer and the shape and curvature of the bell’s lower rim.

Metal bell craft requires highly refined skills and combined family inputs.

For more information about Kachchh craft traditions, livelihoods,challenges and opportunities, read about KHAMIR's impact or hear craft stories from Kachchh artisans.