Murshidabad is very rich in the Cottage Industries. This district is very famous for the Silk, Ivory works, Bell metals from a long time. Cottage Industries give the employment a large number of persons. There are so many cottage industries in this district, all of which are impossible to mention in one web site. Here the oldest industries which are well renowned are mentioned: - 

IVORY WORKS:
The ivory works of this district once touched the highest peak of the glory of art. During the regime of Nawabs near about 100 families were engaged in this industry on their patronage. They generally made the idols, toys, ornaments, decorated butts, hair- pins, smoking pipes, ships, animals- specially elephants, chariots etc. from ivory. But after the ban on importing the tusks from Africa and other places by the Govt., this industry has been thrown into dark. Now-a-days only 15 - 20 "Bhaskar" families are in the stream. They try to survive by doing the jobs on camels - bone and wood instead of ivories.
Resource person : Ramprasad Bhaskar.

THERMOCOL WORKS:
The "Malakar" families of this district are famous for preparing the thermocol ornaments, flowers, crown specially for the goddess idols named "Daker Saaj" and also for the brides and grooms. Previously they fetched the raw materials from the forests. But now the production rate is too low that the price has gone up. They are now using the chemical thermocols to meet the demands. This has become very popular instead of ivory works among the ordinary customers.
Resource person: Sri Asit Kumar Bagchi..

SERICULTURE INDUSTRY:
In production of silken cloth this district has been playing an important role for a long period. In ancient period trade of silk from China to India inspired the weavers. After wards to compete the muslin of Dacca the Nawabs and rich men patronised the weavers of this district. They started the Mulberry plantation, produce the cocoons, reeled the threads and weaved the cloths which were exported and bagged several awards from European countries. Since 1670 A.D. several production centres (Kuthee) were established in Cossimbazar, Farasdanga, Baluchar and Jangipur. Now it has spread at Chok Islumpur, Gankar, Mirzapur, Nagar, Dangapara and other places. Near about 20,000 families are at present engaged in this industry. and around 65000 kilograms of silk are produced per year. The famous Baluchari, Korial, Tasar etc. are the different varieties of silk sarees. At Berhampore the regional office and research centre of central sericulture are located. And a textile college which was previously Silk Weaving and Dying Institute established in 1927, is also here. 
Resource Person : Puspendu Bikash Sinha.    

BELL METAL INDUSTRY:
The history of this small scale industry in this district is very old. The gold, silver and bell metal utensils were used by Nawabs. Near about 500 families were engaged with this industry in and around Berhampore town which is now confined among 200 families. By mixing 78% copper and 22% tin this metal is prepared. The utensils, images of Gods and other traditional domestic elements made from this metal are very attractive. They own several prizes in International Trade Fair. The production of this metal is about 12000 kilograms per year.
Resource person: Sri Rabindranath Paul.