Kaushik Mandal, hailing from Burdwan in West Bengal, is emblematic of the thriving community of craftsmen finding their livelihoods in Saraf Bazar, the gold and silver hub of Nashik, Maharashtra.
Situated in Panchavati, one of Nashik’s oldest precincts bordering the Godavari riverbank, this vibrant enclave hosts a mosaic of migrant artisans coveted for their artisanal prowess.
“The craftsmen predominantly hail from West Bengal’s Midnapore district, with a significant presence from Tarakeswar in Hooghly and others, like myself, from Burdwan,” Mandal explained.
Beyond Nashik, these craftsmen from Bengal are also sought after in Ghoti, Igatpuri, Jalgaon, Pipalgaon, Rahata, Sangamner, Mumbai, and Pune.
Elaborating on their trade, Mandal elucidated, “A gold jewelry craftsman typically processes 20-25 grams of gold daily, with a permissible ‘loss’ of one gram per 100 grams. Thus, a craftsman, if employed daily, could expect around 250 milligrams of gold, yielding approximately Rs 1,346 based on current rates. Additionally, the average monthly earnings hover around Rs 15,000. A skilled artisan can earn anywhere from Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 daily. However, escalating living costs constrain monthly incomes to around Rs 15,000.”
The intricate process begins with a customer’s chosen design reaching the craftsman, who then breathes life into the envisioned piece. Whether utilizing personal gold stocks or sourcing raw materials from trusted suppliers, the craftsman meticulously crafts the jewelry, ensuring hallmark certification, a prerequisite in today’s market.
Bengal’s craftsmen have garnered a sterling reputation for their commitment and enthusiasm. Many reside in ‘wadas,’ cramped quarters shared by multiple artisans, adapting to a frugal lifestyle, including self-cooked meals rather than communal kitchens. Families have joined them, with educated women ensuring their children’s education in local schools.
“While the distance from home and missed celebrations weigh heavy, the satisfaction of supporting our families and sustaining a respectable lifestyle in distant lands alleviates the pain,” expressed one craftsman.
To foster camaraderie and address collective issues, Nashik’s goldsmiths have formed the Bangali Suvarnakar Karigar Association. Nonetheless, dwindling interest in the craft persists, with alternative sectors such as hospitality and online delivery services gaining traction.
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