MAHARAJA’S TECHNological INSTITUTE
THRISSUR 680020
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING
VISIT REPORT
COMMUNITY SKILL IN INDIAN KNOWLEDGE SYSTEM
COURSE CODE: 4001
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INSTITUTION VISION
To be a premier institute in the field of engineering to serve society by moulding
technically competent professionals.
MISSION
Providing value-based quality education through state of the art technologies and
eco-friendly environments.
Ensuring a continuously improving teaching learning process to meet the current
trends in the industry.
Involving development of society through inculating leadership qualities and
entrepreneurial skills among students.
CIVIL ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT VISION
To create a knowledge pool of diploma civil engineering profesionals by providing
quality education that includes entrepreneurial skills
MISSION
To mould the students into responsible citizens & Competent Professionals by
imparting technical skills and social ethics.
To build a domain knowledge base at the department level by fostering practical
development activities and entrepreneurial skills there by contributing towards the
development of civil engineering field.
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ABSTRACT
Bell metal is an alloy of copper and tin and utensils made from it are used for
domestic and religious purposes. Bell metal as a craft has survived for ages, yet
there seems to be very little transition in the method of preparing bell metal items
The molten metal solidifies forming small round, bell metal ingots. These metal
ingots are then again burnt in a fire vent, so as to soften them and are then
hammered continuously to give them the required shape. After the rough shape is
formed, the bowl is beaten with a small hammer to give it a final [Link] metal
is an alloy of copper and tin and utensils made from it are used for domestic and
religious purposes. Bell metal as a craft has survived for ages, yet there seems to
be very little transition in the method of preparing bell metal items so far as bell
wicks is concerned. As Kansa is wear and tearresistant, scratch and wrinkle-
resistant, it can be used daily. With proper care, you will find that they are as good
as new even after a decade or so. Moreover, it holds value even after maximum
damage, as almost 90% of all bell metal alloys can be recycled .
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CONTENTS
SI NO. TITLE Page No.
1. INTRODUCTION TO BELL METAL PRODUCTION 6-7
1.1. Aim of the visit
1.2. Location map
1.3. Distance from the institution
2. HISTORY OF TRADITIONAL BELL METAL 7-9
PRODUCTIONS
2.1. Traditional knowledge in bell metal production
2.2. Traditional skills used in bell metal production
2.3. Traditional practices followed in bell metal
2.4. Traditional process of bell metal production
3. BELL METAL PRODUCTION CENTRE 9-14
3.1. Establishment details
3.2. Product details
3.3. Work study
4
3.4. Time study & production details
3.5. Advantages
3.6. Limitations
4. IMPROVEMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS 14-15
4.1. Productivity Enhancement Method & Innovative solutions
5. QUESTIONNAIRE 15-16
6. CONCLUSION 17
7. REFERENCE 17
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1. INTRODUCTION TO BELL METAL PRODUCTION CENTRE
Nadavaramba Krishna Bell-Metal Workers Handicraft Industrial Coop Society is a 51 years 5
months old Co-Operative Society incorporated on 07-Oct-1972, having its registered office
located at 485486487399, Bellwics, Velookkara, Vellangalloor, Nadavaramba, Irinjalakuda,
Kerala.
The major activity of Nadavaramba Krishna Bell-Metal Workers Handicraft Industrial Coop
Society is Manufacturing, Sub-classified into Manufacture of basic metals and is primarily
engaged in the Manufacture of other nonferrous metals n e c.
1.1. Aim of the visit
The aim of the visit is to identify, know, study and understand the traditional skill and practices
followed around the locality of our institution. The bell metal production is famous in the local
area. The purpose and objectives were to observe the skills practiced by the artisans who
worked there and the socializing between them. Our next objective was to connect the
traditional knowledge, process, and tools to our basic technical knowledge.
1.2. Location map.
The location map of bell metal production centre from our institution is shown in figure 2.
Bellwics – Bell Metal Products
0480 282 5147
[Link]
Fig. 2. Location map of bell metal Production Centre from the Institution
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1.3. Distance from the institution
The bell metal Production Centre is located 26 KM from our institution and is the
largest cluster of traditional metal works in the Thrissur district.
2. HISTORY OF TRADITIONAL BELL METAL PRODUCTION
• Bell metal industry is unique as it is originated during the rule of Ahom kings in Assam
and the skill of producing bell metal products is hereditary. It passes on from one
generation to
another. Moreover, maximum artisans belong to Sarthebari area have the skill of
manufacturing bell metal products.
• Bell metal is an alloy of copper and tin with much utilitarian and aesthetic value in
Assam. If you visit any household in Assam you will come across a form of bell metal
utensil in their home. Every Assamese takes great pride in serving their guests in bell
metal utensils. People of Assam use bell metal for various ceremonious occasions and
domestic purposes.
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Fig.3. Traditional bell metal making
[Link] knownledge in bell metal
Bell metal crafts are one such product known for their centuries-old craftsmanship and
heritage. This metal is a unique blend of tin and copper. Decor items, religious artefacts,
sculptures are made with this age-old crafting technique
[Link] skill used in bell metal production
• The main raw material clay is mixed in cow dung and beewax
• Made by using bare hand of human
• After making procedure the mould were dried in sunlight
Bell metal casting process involves casting, removal of the mould and finally, the finishing
and cleaning of the final piece. After cooling, the clay core and the investment are broken
open using a hammer, revealing the metal object.
[Link] practices followed in bell metal
The craftsman shows the molten metal inside the mould during the casting process. Dried
coconut husk is used as a fuel during the casting process. Bell metal casting process involves
casting, removal of the mould and finally, the finishing and cleaning of the final piece.
[Link] process of bell metal production
Processing the raw material
The raw material is often imported from Kolkata and even countries like Pakistan and
Bangladesh. After hammering the raw material into small pieces these are put inside an
iron vessel and placed in the fire vent also known as Kah Galuwa Apor in the local
language. The fire vent is occasionally pumped with machines to ignite the flames
Solidifying the molten metal
Once the raw metal takes a complete molten form, the iron vessel is taken out and the
piping hot liquid metal is poured over the flat round surface of the earthen crucibles
which is previously dabbed with mustard oil. The molten metal solidifies forming small
round, bell metal ingots.
Filing of the rough edges
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Once the bell metal bowls are formed, the rough edges of the bowl are filed off manually
using a strong and flat iron filer, called the Reti or Ou.
Scraping off the burnt layer
To scrap off the darkened burnt layer from the bell metal bowl, a long iron rod with sharp
edges called the Khonta by the local craftsmen. This is basically done to bring the shine
and glaze to the bell metalware.
3. BELL METAL PRODUCTION CENTRE
[Link] details
This institution is established in 07-Oct-1972
3.2. Product details
• Bell metal’s popularity in applications such as musical instruments and art casting has
remained steady throughout the ages. It is still commonly used today for its amazing sound
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qualities. Here at Belmont Metals, we offer 78% Copper and 22% Tin bell metals to
manufacturers and sculptures. If you are looking for high purity bell metal or a specific
composition of bell metal for a unique application, contact our team today for more
information.
Fig.4: Products for marketing
When looking at ancient bells, many are no longer used due to the cracks and deformations
along the bell’s surface. These problems could be caused by inferior casting and melting
techniques during those times as well as obtaining metal materials of lower grade that
contained sulphur and phosphorus. As the centuries passed, bell metal casting improved to
remove more of the impurities. In addition, purer copper and tin alloys were used.
Today, bells are less likely to experience cracking and fatigue caused by being repeatedly struck by
the clapper. Improvements to bell metal alloys also allow it to resist oxidation and damage caused
when being exposed to outdoor elements.
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[Link] Study
3.4.1. Raw material
Bell metal as a craft has survived for ages yet there seems to be a very little transition in the method
of preparing bell metal items. The main raw materials used in this industry are clay, wax, castor oil,
firewood, coconut shells, coconut husks, cow dung and metals.
Fig 6 The mould
• The place where the unique products were made. Its an extra focus work. Fresh
mind and patience to be needed
Bhor Mara or carving rings on the bowl
• In order to give final touches to the bell metal bowl, a sharp tool made of iron is
used. The craftsman uses a small instrument called the Dhonukar as it is shaped like
the traditional bow.
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• One end of the sharp tool is put inside a small metallic cup placed in the palm of the
craftsman for applying pressure while the other end is used to carve motifs and
patterns on it.
• 3.4.4 Bell metal casting process involves casting, removal of the mould and finally,
the finishing and cleaning of the final piece. After cooling, the clay core and the
investment are broken open using a hammer, revealing the metal object.
• Carving imprints on the bell metalware
• Once the basic bell metal bowl is made, its base is heated in another fire vent called
the Kunda Apor and then sealing wax is used to fix the base of the bowl to a rolling
bamboo tool called the Kunda Saal.
•
• The Kunda Saal is made to spin with the use of a pulley tugged at one side and on
the other side a sharp edged instrument, twisted at the tip called the Luwaal is used
to carve rings into the spinning bowl.
[Link] study & production details
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Fig.9: explanation about the production
Bell metal is a hard alloy used for making bells and related instruments, such as cymbals. It
is a form of bronze with a higher tin content, usually in approximately a 4:1 ratio of copper
to tin
(typically, 78% copper, 22% tin by mass).
• Nilavilakku is usually made of bronze or brass. Usually cotton wicks doused in oil
or ghee are used for lighting the lamp. There are three ways of lighting the lamp. In
one, only one wick is lit and is directed towards the deity or sacred space and in
another there are two lit wicks in two directions.
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• Bell metal crafts are one such product known for their centuries-old craftsmanship
and heritage. This metal is a unique blend of tin and copper. Décor items, religious
artefacts,
sculptures are made with this age-old crafting technique.
[Link]
The potential efficacy of copper alloy based components improves indoor air quality.
It is suitable for daily use because it is wear and tear resistant, bright, scratch and wrinkle
resistant for decades.
scratch and wrinkle-resistant,
it holds value even after maximum damage, as almost 90% of all bell metal alloys can be
recycled.
Kansa, or bell metal, is known to be one of the best kinds of metal vessels to use as serve
ware, due to its purifying properties and amazing health benefits.
3.6 .Limitations
The raw material used for the production of these products is also not dependable.
lack of technology upgradation
shrinking market, lack of advance skill/tools
coal and other fuels, scarcity of raw material and lack of product diversification
4. IMPROVEMENTS AND SUGGESTIONS
One problem they face is scarcity of raw material and lack of product diversification. this
could be changed by importing raw materials . And finding the best unique designs for the
production of bell materials
[Link] Enhancement Method & Innovative solutions
Further the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) is implementing the
National Manufacturing
Competitiveness Programme, MSE- Cluster Development Programme and Credit Linked
Capital Subsidy Scheme for providingassistance towards modernization, Quality
Improvement, Energy Efficiency, Marketing and Design aspects of products etc of MSEs in
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the country. The benefits are also provided under North East Industrial Investment Promotion
Policy (NEIIP) and under state industrial policy to Bell metal industry
5. QUESTIONNAIRE
Worker: 1
1 How long do you have been working here?
30 years
2 What about wage settlement?
Rs: 4500-5000pm
3 How may products do you make in a day?
It’s depends upon the product details and upto 10 4
How much time do you take to make a product?
Its time consuming
5 Do you have any disease due to this job?
Yes neurological and shivernes and losing eye focus
6 Are you satisfied in the job?
Yes, it is my passion, but low salary.
7 Did you recommend youngster to join this job with this experience Yes 8 How
many working days do you have in a week?
6 days
9 Did you get any insurance in this job?
no
10 Any suggestion about this job field?
Give salary hike, Give insurance for us
11 Is there any quality checking technique?
Yes
12 How you transport your product?
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In van or their own vehicle or customers vehicles
13 Did you export the product to the other countries?
Yes
14 Did you take bulk order from merchants?
Yes
15 Did you sell any products in the production unit?
Yes
16 Did you tried to sell products to international market?
Yes, but not possible 17
Is this production unit profitable?
No
18 How was your experience for the last 35 years?
Good for my passion.
19 Is any change in the last 30 years of working in the production unit?
Yes many changes occurred in our production unit.
20 Are you satisfied in the wage settlement you get from this unit?
No
21 How many workers are there in this production unit?
15
22 How many working hour in a day?
7 hour
23 What is the next step of this production unit?
24 Why you are still doing this job?
I like my job, it is my passion.
6. CONCLUSION
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• Our visit to nadavaramb bell metal is so effective to know about our
traditional skills bell metal products is very unique in appearance and using.
CLASS & BRANCH : S4 CIVIL
GROUP NO : 6 GROUP
MEMBERS :
1. NANDAPRIYA
2. K R NANDANA C K
3. NIRANJANA RAMACHADRAN
4. NIVA R
5. RISWAN T M
6. SHIBIN P S
7. SURYA K S
8. SYAMJITH M
9. VASUDEV KRISHNA B
[Link] VIJAYAN
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7. REFERENCE
• [Link]
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