DEBASISH GHOSH | MAKING OF CHARCOAL

DEBASISH GHOSH | MAKING OF CHARCOAL

Charcoal production from coconut husks is a unique profession carried on for decades by the villagers of Kunigal, Karnataka, India. The coconut husks are burnt in pits till they become charcoal. The workers then enter the holes with a minimal amount of protection to take it out. This activity has serious health complications on them as they inhale copious amounts of dust and smoke. These images reveal the harsh reality of preparing this commodity for which the workers risk their health to earn a living.

This Coconut Shell Charcoal is efficient fuel used mostly by laundries, blacksmiths, and goldsmiths, where a high rate of heat is required. They are also used to produce activated carbon for many industrial and beauty applications.

On my way to Hassan, in Karnataka, India, to capture the architectural beauty of a few temples, I happened to notice thick smoke arising from a vast distant field. It immediately made me curious about turning my vehicle towards it. When I reached the location, I saw around fifty to sixty people were busy making charcoal out of coconut husks.

I found it most interesting and thought of making a small documentary of the entire process of making charcoal and the hardships of these people.
Initially, it was difficult for me to communicate with them as they were apprehensive about letting anyone take photographs. But I made a couple of visits, talked with them, which made them comfortable at the end. Later they even offered me coffee and breakfast and told me about this old tradition of making charcoal. I had to reach the location very early in the morning as the laborers would finish their work before the heat of the afternoon sun.
At the end of this photo essay, I was able to capture their emotions, dedication, and hardships these people face to keep an age-old tradition and their livelihood alive.

DEBASISH GHOSH

Debasish Ghosh is a documentary photographer currently based in Bangalore, India. He has been working since 2007 on various essential projects covering Tradition, cultures, Spot News, and Street photography for more than a decade.
He was awarded internationally for many of his projects, including the IPA- International Photography Awards -2016 – First Place in People Culture Category, Px3- Paris 2017 – Silver prize in Book / Documentary Category.
His much-noted work received international exposure on the worldwide press. It was featured on the National Geographic, the Guardian, City Lab, business insider Bangalore Mirror, Open Magazine Photo Book, and on Lens Magazine in several publications.

Read the Full Article on Art Market Magazine Issue #64