Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (MS)

Puttur, Nov 25: It is very rare to find a household without the traditional grinding stone. There is a village in the taluk which is famous for such traditional grinding stones. The grinding stones that are manufactured in this village are sent to everywhere in the state and also to other states. However, now due to the shortage of labourers, the industry is on the verge of extinction.

In the village of Kallarpe in the taluk, one can hear the sound of stone being carved. The grinding stone which is most sought after by housewives is produced here. Though mixer grinder has replaced the traditional grinding stone in most of the households, still there are people who prefer the traditional grinding stone.

There is also a belief that the masala that is ground in this type of traditional grinding stone has got more taste. That is why this grinding stone is exported as well. These are made from Somanatha stone which is available in plenty in this village. But in the present days, the shortage of both stone, as well as labourers, has made the survival of this industry difficult.

Only the elderly people are doing the work of cutting the stone and making it into a grinder. The young generation is not interested in this hard work. It will not be a surprise if the grinding stones of Kallarpe will be history in days to come.