Indian arts and crafts mirror the country's rich cultural diversity. During the ancient past, the traditional mining method was done to make fire over the iron brick rocks and to shatter the heated iron by pouring water over it. The earlier ironmongers forged iron instruments and traded them with people in exchange for the latter's livestock. As time passed, iron was being used heavily for making weapons and armory. The arms were impressive, showing a collection of ironmongers, which included helmets, swords, buckler and much more. Today, the traditional look of ironwork makes it suitable for use all around the home. The role of the traditional Indian blacksmith has changed little in the 21st century, even with the advent of computers and state-of-the-art technology. Indian blacksmiths still have a family run business, serving the community and carrying on the time honored traditional skills. They continuously strive to produce all types of quality decorative ironwork and forging to both private and industrial buyers. Over the years, the buyers have come to appreciate the skills, techniques and adaptability those traditional craftsmen posses and use on a daily basis, whether producing nails, latches, hinges or so on. Each individual blacksmith has his own way of adding character and style to what are little more than functional items. Whether a restoration or mere extension to a historic or rural building, the blacksmiths strive to recreate the original ironmongery in its extracting splendor and detail. The range of traditionally forged ironmongery is always expanding. The forged products for the internal application are given a quality finish that not only protects the iron, but also enhances the natural splendor of the forged product.