Keeping alive a slice of rural India

Grinding stones, which were once an integral part of kitchens are on the verge of extinction with the invasion of electrical grinding machines.

Jagadish and family, from Shimoga, has been making grinding stones over the past three generations, thus keeping alive a slice of rural India.

Speaking to Deccan Herald, Jagadish said the grinding stones (biso-kallu and oralu kallu) have vanished. The present generation is not able to identify them and have no knowledge of it.

Jagadish is continuing with the profession and takes it to religious and spiritual fairs and also to various places. He has been receiving good response. Many are fond of the stones and wish to have one at their home as they may not be able to get one in future, Jagadish says.

The stones, which belong to ‘Inboli kallu’ variety, are brought from a village three km from Honnali taluk, and sculpted into grinding stones. Each grinding stone takes a minimum of three to four days for completion and is sold at Rs 400-500.

Business

Once he finishes making 100 stones, Jagadish sells them at Shimoga, Davangere, Mysore and Kodagu. The business is only between January and April, he adds.

As the stones are used in religious ceremonies at Shimoga, Chitradurga and Davangere, it is in great demand there. The appearance of the mill variety of grinding stone (biso-kallu) has changed now. The thickness has reduced to only two inches from five to six inches earlier.