Review by apple_kim_uk

This is an insightful documentary which delves into the history and the cycle of poverty that entraps the Gadia Lohars who are named after bullock carts (Gadi) and their traditional occupation as blacksmiths (Lohar). The Gadias are one of the poorest communities in India and they have been excluded from official census records since the 1930s. Their way of life is reminiscent of their nomadic forefathers from centuries ago who were once highly respected craftsmen of fine armoury for Hindu kings but today they barely survive, facing impoverished living conditions despite their strenuous hard work and skills in iron work.

The film investigates the reasons behind the shocking living conditions of the Gadias who have no toilets or running water whilst they live in tents and carts. The availability of mass-produced tools, the lack of access to education due to their travelling lifestyle as well as lack of awareness of its importance, the cultural prestige attached to having large families and lots of children, and the lack of priority by the authorities towards the Gadias have made the cycle of deprivation almost impossible to escape from.

Despite the negative views of local villagers who warns of the criminal behaviour of the Gadias, throughout the film they are a peaceful and resilient community. This is a fascinating ethnographic film of a group of mostly forgotten people. Despite being less than an hour in length, it crams so much interesting facts whilst the visual scenes are colourful and cheerful, which like the booming economy of the rest of India, is in stark contrast to the poverty-stricken livelihood of this deprived community.