The metal market in the city is undergoing a significant change with the entry designer products from the moulding centres of Uttar Pradesh (UP). A major portion the glittering products on display at the exclusive showrooms here are from Moradabad, UP.
All the 35 exclusive outlets at Palayam here have trade links with their agents in Moradabad. They purchase specially designed products, the moulding of which are different from those available in the State.
The most sought-after items include idols of deities, miniatures of traditional household utensils, hanging lamps, flower vases and gift items.
Metal dealers say they are compelled to depend on manufacturers outside the State as there is a shortage of skilled hands. According to them, bronze items from Moradabad are less expensive and are available on demand.
K. Abdul Salim, a bronze merchant here, says new trends and concepts in home decor and architecture have prompted many people to go in for bronze. “For example, people prefer the chime of bronze bells to electric bells,” he says.
There are but merchants who believe that the metal industry is yet to regain its old glory. John Fonseca, a 65-year-old merchant at Palayam, says cut-throat competition is dislocating several traditional traders. “It was the merchants from Goa who first popularised metal trade here. Now, only five families here are in the field,” he adds.
According to Mr. Fonseca, who is also the secretary of the Copper Merchants' Association in the city, no fewer than 30 metal traders from Goa had left Kozhikode.
There are people who believe that fancy metal items are being used to exploit people. “If one is not capable of distinguishing brass and bronze articles, it is sure that the dealers will try their luck on the person,” says M. Mohandas, unit manager, Kairali Arts and Crafts, which functions under the Handicrafts Development Corporation of Kerala, at Palayam.
