Karmali: An Artisan Tribe of Jharkhand

Jharkhand State is the habitation of different tribal groups. Karmali is one of them, chiefly scattered in 22 districts of the State. Out of thirty two tribal groups Karmali, Mahli, Chik Baraik and Lohra are known as artisan tribes. Among these the traditional occupation of Karmali and Lohra is Blacksmithy, whereas Mahli are engaged in bamboo work and Chik Baraik is a traditionally weaver. The present study is on the ‘Karmali’ an artisan tribe of Jharkhand. Their traditional occupation is Blacksmithy merely on hand skills. The handcrafted agricultural implements and household appliances are still important in the village. The Karmalis are also associated with the Jajmani system, which is a main basis of their livelihood. Presently they are losing their traditional knowledge and occupation. Youths are not intrested to take over their traditional occupation. The art of making iron tools of the Karmali tribes has been inherited from their ancestors and traditionally been passed down from generation to generation. The present study is an attempt to show the traditional occupation and socio-cultural characterisics of the Karmali.