Kansara Ni Pol

Situated in the old city of Ahmedabad, Kansara ni Pol is a community of copper vessel makers.

In the olden times, copper vessels were used for domestic purposes like storing water and cooking food. It was also used in auspicious occasions like marriages and during festive rituals. The tradition of using copper vessels in these auspicious occasions has been carried to the modern times, but its usage in domestic purposes has been replaced by other materials.

Kansara Ni Pol

Since the usage of copper vessels is limited to special occasions, need for their production decreased. This caused the community to move to other professions and places.

Mayaben’s workplace

Maya Paidapi cleans and polishes the raw freshly made copper vessels. She has been working since the last 5 years in Kansara ni Pol, before which she was a homemaker. She works along with her maternal aunt Bharti Ben. The unfinished copper vessels are washed with water and cleaned by rubbing a mixture of Amli (dried mango) and mud. This gives the surface a proper polish and shine.

Raw pots

Amli

DeepakBhai

Deepak Girishbhai Kansara’s family has been in the copper vessel making business for the past 60 to 70 years. His family is originally from Surendranagar, Sauratstra. Due to inadequate water facilities, they moved to Nadiad. For the past 10-12 years, Deepakbhai chose to continue working as a copper vessel maker i n Ahmedabad. He set up his workshop in Kansara ni Pol where he does the work of tipvanu, which is forming patterns on finished copper vessels using tools. This work is seasonal as it is confined to the months of March, April and May. Due to these reasons, he owns a small restaurant as a side business.

Deepakbhai’s workplace

This is Deepakbhai’s workshop where he works with 6-7 labourers. They work for 11 hours everyday and they each finish upto 8-9 Beda (pots) a day. His workshop is in Kansara ni Pol but he does not live there.

Tools used for making patters on pots

These are the tools (which are called aujar or kharbarto) used for making patterns on the Beda (pots). They are made from unused metal used for making railway tracks, this makes them resistant to wearing down over time. As the new generations are exposed to newer opportunities, they do not prefer to be a part of this craft. This is the reason for no innovations in the tools used.

While working, they have a specific posture. They sit on low stools and use their hands or a thick metal rod for supporting the Bedu (pots) while the process of Tipvanu. For resting the Bedu, they use their leg for support covered with a cloth.

Each of the vessel maker has their fixed dealer who sells the vessels. These vessels are sold in wholesale and their price is fixed in accordance to their weight.