A traditional family that makes attractive statues of bronze and brass idols

The Kanchigar family in Karnataka's Bagalkot district has been in the occupation of statue making for generations. People from different parts of the state, as well as other states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, come to them to have statues of their choice made.

Bagalkot (Karnataka): A family in the Hanagandi village of Rabkavi-Banhatti taluk of Bagalkot district have been making bronze and brass statues for centuries. The Kanchigar family who has been in this occupation for generations make a living by making and selling statues.

More than ten families in the Hanagandi village have been working on their bronze work. Various statues made by them can be found anywhere in the state. Devotees from different parts of the state, as well as other states like Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, come here to have statues of their choice made and make full payment after the idol is ready.

Making these statues is a very difficult task as Bronze alloys have the unusual and desirable property of expanding slightly as they change from liquid phase to solid phase. The remains or wastes of bronze and brass are burnt and brought to liquid form early in the morning and poured into a mould, thus filling the finest details of a mould. Then, as the bronze cools, it is separated from the mould. The structure is then polished and moulded into a statue. Their strength and ductility is an advantage when figures in action are to be created.

The statues are priced between Rs 1500 to Rs 2000. Also, the costs depend on the shape and art of statues. People from different areas come and place orders to make an idol of their own choice. The family members are educated up to PUC. But the family is keen to do the hereditary work without worrying about government employees.