The Journey of a Kansa Thali: From Artisanʼs Workshop to Your Dining Table

Introduction

A Kansa Thali is more than just tableware; it is a legacy shaped by tradition, skill, and cultural reverence. At Zishta, we bring authentic Kansa thalis crafted by master artisans from the culturally rich clusters of Gujarat and Odisha, each with methods and heritage stretching back centuries.

The Craft: Distinct Processes of Gujarat and Odisha

Gujarat: Hammering Pure Kansa Sheets

The Kansa artisans in Gujarat, especially from renowned workshops like Kansawala, utilize high-quality bronze sheets. The process is defined by skilled hand beating techniques:

• Sheet Selection: Artisans meticulously choose Kansa sheets for strength and purity.
• Hand Hammering: Artisans use precise hammering, not casting, to shape thalis. This technique requires years of experience to achieve the right thickness and shape.
• Heat Treatment: Shaped utensils undergo controlled heating and rapid cooling, which strengthens the metal and makes it more durable.
• Finishing Touches: The final product is polished symmetrically, producing a smooth, radiant surface, which distinguishes a Gujarat Kansa Thali.

Odisha: Bell Metal Ingots and Collaborative Craft

Odisha's artisans follow an equally laborious, but distinct, process:

• Alloy Creation: Copper and Tin are melted together at high temperatures to from bronze ingots.
• Moulding and Shaping: The metal is poured into moulds for initial shaping, then heaved out and subject to repeated, intricate hammering.
• Team Crafting: Odisha's process involves specialists for each step-garha (artificer), kora (hammer-man), pasia (scraper), bhatia (polisher), and engrave (engraver), highlighting a deeply collaborative approach.
• Traditional Polishing and Engraving: Once shaped and smoothed, utensils may carry fine decorative motifs, a hallmark of Odisha's bell metal ware.

The History: Heritage of Kansa Craft in Gujarat and Odisha

Gujarat: A Legacy Rooted in Antiquity

The art of Kansa work in Gujarat is believed to date back at least to the fifth century, as seen in ancient Jain artefacts discovered near Baroda. The Kansara community ( traditional bronzesmiths ), has been honing their crafts for generations, its roots stretching back to blessings from Lord Vishwakarma and settlements along the Narmada river. Today, this craft is recognized for its intricate handiwork and is sought after for its durability and beauty.

Odisha: The Bell Metal Heritage

Odisha's tradition of Kansa ware originated around the eleventh century during the Eastern Ganga dynasty, with significant expansion under the Gajapati rulers in the fifteenth century. Artisans were first invited to Kantilo to produce sacred objects for the Nilamadav temple, later evolving their repertoire to include household thalis and ritual objects. The community, known locally as Kansari, Thattari, Khadura, Kansa-karigar, or Kansya-kara, has preserved techniques and customs integral to Odisha's identity and ritual life.

Cultural and Contemporary Significance

Both regions' thalis are deeply linked to traditions, often featuring in temple rituals and gifted at weddings. Despite changing times, the crafts have adapted, blending heritage with contemporary designs, ensuring their relevance and continued survival.

At Zishta, Kansa Thali thus carries the memory of skillful hands, generations of legacy, and the quiet dignity of living traditions, bridging artisan's workshops of  Gujarat and Odisha with homes across India.

For those seeking more than mere utensils, a Kansa Thali from Zishta is a piece of living history, waiting to enrich every meal.

Also, Read our Blog: Bronze Dining Legacy: Exploring the Timeless Traditions of Eating in Kansa Utensils