TODAY -
Korung Marings of Phunal excel in blacksmithing
Source: Hueiyen News Service / Nomita Khongbantabam
Imphal, June 11 2013:
Since the time of Ancient Kings of Manipur, certain section of people was there who excelled in blacksmithing with specialization in making knives and swords.
Like the Thangjams among the Meiteis who are well known as "sword-makers", the Korung Marings of Phunal Village are also exceptional blacksmiths among the Maring tribes.
A 55-year-old blacksmith from Phunal Village, Thangja Korung Maring said that they are still following the age-old tradition of making knives and swords as their main occupation.
They earn their livelihood as blacksmiths.
He said that he has been in this occupation for about 30 years.
He could earn more than Rs.1000 daily some years back, but now he is earning only about Rs.500 due to rising price of iron.
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Thangja noted that the work of blacksmithing is quite labourious.
More time is taken in making heavy swords and machetes.
The blacksmiths only require hammer and some charcoal to make the swords.
He said, "I used to collect iron from different places to make knives and swords, but now I only take order from people who bring the raw material" .
Blacksmithing is a traditional occupation of Korung Marings and he has quite excelled in this occupation with a good prospect of earning the livelihood of his whole family, Thangja contended.
Dwelling on the art of sword-making, this blacksmith said that the spring of heavy vehicle is the best metal suited for knives and swords, but it is very hard to find such metal.
The blacksmiths do not require selling their products in the market.
People always come to their place and make order for knives and swords of their choice, Thangja Maring added.
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