Diminishing Demand Forces Aging Manikganj Blacksmith to Confront Economic Hardship
Photo Collected
At 67, Shribas Das remains a fixture in the village of Baro Sorundi, Manikganj, where he continues to labor over an anvil much as he has for the past 45 years. Despite the toll of age and the dwindling demand for traditional metalwork, Das maintains his small, tin-roofed workshop, continuing a trade that once served as the backbone of local agriculture.
The seasoned blacksmith began his career as a youth, operating at various prominent locations throughout Manikganj, including a two-decade stint near the Water Development Board offices. Five years ago, seeking to simplify his daily commute, he established his current workshop near his home. He recalls a time before electrification, when he relied on manual bellows to stoke coal fires, working tirelessly to keep pace with long lines of farmers waiting for custom-made sickles, billhooks, and hoes.
Today, the industrial landscape has shifted, and the convenience of mass-produced tools has diminished the relevance of his craft. Das notes that while he still charges between 1,000 and 1,200 taka for a handmade billhook and approximately 300 taka for a sickle, the frequency of orders has dropped significantly. On many days, he earns little more than 300 to 400 taka, a figure that struggle to keep pace with rising inflation and the cost of daily necessities.
His wife, Anjali Das, who has supported him throughout his career, reflects on the difficulty of their current circumstances. While they successfully raised three children through the proceeds of the forge, their children now struggle to support their own families, leaving the elderly couple to rely on a trade that is increasingly sidelined by modern retail alternatives.
Despite the economic hardships, some locals still recognize the superiority of his work. Khorshed Ali, a neighboring farmer, continues to visit the workshop, noting that tools forged by hand hold their edge far longer than the cheaper, factory-made versions sold in markets.
Though his workload has lessened, Das maintains his routine with steadfast discipline. Each morning, he opens his workshop and ignites the forge, driven not just by financial necessity but by an enduring commitment to his craft. For Shribas Das, the rhythm of the hammer against glowing iron remains the defining work of his life, a profession he is not yet prepared to abandon.
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