Bell Making - Bhuj
Bhuj a city in Gujarat derives its name from the Bhujiyo Dungar, a hill, overlooking the present day Bhuj town. Bhuj is the most important town in the Kutch area and was the capital of the former native state of Kutch and now it is the headquarters of the Kutch district.
Bell metal - the unique melodic tone spread out from the metal crown to the bells cylindrical body. Metal bells give voice to centuries old craft tradition that the Muslim lohar community brought to Bhuj from Sindh. These metal bells are used to decorate the necks of cattle, camel, sheep and goat.
Bells chimed their way into Kutch from Sindh centuries ago, tied to the necks of migrating cattle. The herdsmen could tell his flock from the distinctive sound of the bell. In due course the lohar followed the nomadic herds-men. The bells signify the seven musical notes. The sound of each bell is set with an instrument called Ekalavai.
Metal bell making which was once home based craft has now become one of the leading crafts of India. Bell making kilns require specially made coal to properly fire the bells.
The traditional bells were used to decorate domestic animals but now these are used to make the wind chimes and hung in entranceway/doorway which gives the pleasant sound and are used as other forms of festival decoration.
