The Agaria Tribe is an indigenous community existing mainly in Dindori, Balaghat and Mandla districts in the state of Madhya Pradesh. Traditionally, the Agarias practiced iron smelting and blacksmithing because they were named from the word 'Ag' meaning fire. Their ironworking skills have proven to be of great importance, as they used to supply tools as well as weapons for local communities (Sharma, 2015). The Agaria construct simple mud and thatched houses that suit the climatic conditions of the area. These houses are built from natural materials such as bamboo, clay, and dried grass, hence making them quite eco-friendly and cost-effective (Verma, 2018). The house generally has one or two rooms and an open space in front, which is used for blacksmith-related activities and other daily chores.
The hearth (chulha) is the heart of the house, since fire plays an essential role in their work of iron forging and cooking (Tiwari, 2020). Modernization has reduced iron-smelting practices, forcing many Agarias to take up agriculture and labor work. Some families still continue to keep their heritage alive by following the ancestral work some families practicing iron smelting have also taken up agriculture and labor work (Patel, 2017). Socio-economically, the Agaria community is deprived in terms of education and health facilities. Government policies are aimed at promoting and supporting the lives of the Agaria people along with the preservation of their rich cultural traditions (Singh, 2019). The Agaria Tribe represents a unique amalgamation of skill, tradition, and invincibility. Their traditional iron craftsmanship and yet simple living make them inseparable from Madhya Pradesh's tribal heritage.