Sang-Gar

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This article is an extract from

THE TRIBES and CASTES of BENGAL. By H.H. RISLEY, INDIAN CIVIL SERVICE, OFFICIER D'ACADÉMIE FRANÇAISE. Ethnographic Glossary. CALCUTTA: Printed at the Bengal Secretariat Press. 1891. .

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Sang-Gar

This is a Muhammadan trade distinct from the Sang-tarash, or stonecutter of Bihar, and the Caiqalgar of Bengal. He is a cutler who sharpens agricultural implements, knives, and hatchets.

Cutlers manufacture their own grindstones in the following way. A red sand, brought from the Assam and Cachar hills by Ganrar boatmen, being mixed with lac (Chapra), is thoroughly heated over a fire, and, while still plastic, fashioned into the form of a wheel, and allowed to cool. Water is never used in sharpening iron instruments, a little fine sand being placed in the trough to lessen the heat, while the cutler holds the point of the knife with a piece of bamboo. A pedal is not required, as a servant drives the wheel backwards and forwards.

Cutlers never work with a revolving wheel, and it is only when driven towards them that the edge of the instrument is applied. When the grindstone is worn out, it is sold to the village barbers, who manage with it to sharpen razors, and put an edge on spades, hoes, and "daos" for their fellow-villagers.