List of products by brand Iron Handicrafts - Anantram

Anantram is a metal craftsman from Chattisgarh who has taken forward the legacy of his great great grandfather. He crafts iron and wood into small artifacts. He is one of the three families in the village who have retained iron crafting skills since 1993. Though he could study only till class 5, his children have studied up to class 12,his eye got injured while working at his craft. He says he got exposure to market his products through Dastkar.

Products made by Anantram are metal wall hanging, candle holders, human and animal figures, basically home decor products made out of fine quality iron.

The raw material used for the craft is predominantly recycled iron scrap, taken from household or market. The main tools used are Dhukna Sar (furnace), Muthli (hammer), Chimtas (forceps), Sandasis (tongs) and Chenni (chisels). These tools are made locally by the lohars themselves. The process starts with scrap iron being beaten repeatedly when hot. It requires no casting and molding. Desired shape is given carefully by beating it at necessary spots. Then unnecessary portions are cut away and filed to remove sharp objects. On completion, a varnish coat is applied to enhance the luster. Both hollow and solid figures are made. For making a hollow figure, iron sheets are folded, cut and filed as per the need of the form. In a solid figure the main body parts are made first and then the detailing is done with the help of small chisels.

He was exposed to the market for his craft in larger metros like Delhi and smaller towns like Puri where though his products are in high demand, he was not able to initially make profits. But now he has learnt the art of business.