I like to ride so I ride. I went on a day trip to Islampur Bazar in Jamalpur district. Islam is famous for its bronze industry. The main occupation of the flood-hit area is agriculture, the people of the area are living a simple life. Today I will discuss about the bronze industry of Islampur:
There are very few people who use bronze dishes and bronze bowls even in this age. Those who use it are not of this generation. The shiny bronze utensils are disappearing like this day by day. But by virtue of aristocracy these are no less. Compared to melamine or ceramic, bronze is much more aesthetic, tasteful. Aversion to traditional art of oneâs own country is a disorder of our society. We can fight for the preservation of our countryâs heritage without waiting for government patronage.
The bronze artisans of Fakirpara village in Islampur on the banks of the Brahmaputra river still retain the practice of this ancient art. During the British rule, a handicraft exhibition was organized in Birmingham, London in 1942. The utensils of Islampur took part in that exhibition. The late Jagat Chandra Karmakar took part here. In that exhibition, the bronze industry of Islampur won the gold medal as the greatest industry. Since then, the bronze industry has been known all over the world.
People of Hindu community were more involved in this industry. During the war of independence many people involved in this industry left the country and went to neighboring India. After independence, many returned to the country after the Pak-Hanadar forces set fire to the houses of those involved in the bronze industry, leaving behind their ancestral occupations and now engaged in other occupations.
Moreover, due to the change in the type of daily necessities in the modern era, the industry has collapsed. In the last 15 years, the price of bronze and brass has increased 10 times. This industry is not able to survive in the competitive market due to high prices. However, in order to maintain the patriarchal profession, about 20/25 families in Islampur are still involved in the bronze industry.
How to get there: You can easily reach Islampur Bazar station by train from Dhaka. If you go to a non-AC cabin, the rent will be 300 tk per person, 426 tk for a soft chair and 225 tk for a chair. Departs Teesta from Dhaka every day except Monday at 7.30 am and Brahmaputra at 6.15 pm. A local train leaves Bhawal Express at 7.30 pm and Dewanganj commuter train leaves at 5.40 am. You can also go directly to Islampur by taking a bus named Rajib from Mohakhali. The fare will be 350 tk. The fare from Islampur Bazar to Kansapalli will be 10 tk per person per car.
Where to stay: There is no hotel in Islampur Bazar, there is a government post bungalow, you can stay there with the permission of the Upazila/zila Administrator.
There are hotels in the food and you can eat in many rural areas.
Wherever you go, donât pollute the environment.