Betul's Anil Soni Revitalizes Tribal Jewelry, Attracting Global Admiration

• Anil Soni from Betul, Madhya Pradesh, is preserving and modernizing the ancestral craft of tribal jewelry making.
• He creates handmade ornaments from gillet metal, including armbands, heavy bangles, coin necklaces (hamel), khangwari necklaces, and waistbands.
• His jewelry is popular among tribal women, women from all communities, and increasingly, men who wear armbands.
• Foreign women, particularly in tourist hubs like Khajuraho, are significant buyers of his unique tribal pieces.
• Anil's son also assists in the business, ensuring the continuation of this traditional skill and providing a good livelihood for the family.

Why It Matters: Anil Soni successfully blends ancestral skill with modern appeal, giving tribal jewelry a global platform.