Natagarh's Historic Lock Industry, Once Prized by Nawabs and Europe, Faces Extinction

• Natagarh, Sodepur, was internationally renowned for its brass lock and key industry, captivating markets in Bengal and Europe.
• The Karmakar community, particularly Banamali Karmakar, created intricate, durable locks, with Banamali even crafting a master key for 14 different locks.
• Natagarh locks, including the famous "rooster-brand," were exported to European countries like Germany and used in Nawabi courts and British administrative offices.
• Historical records like "Bengal District Gazetteers" and "Statistical Account of Bengal" document the industry's significance.
• The industry now faces extinction due to modern technology, cheap factory-made locks, and a lack of interest from younger generations, with only a few families continuing the tradition.