Rupa Tarakasi:
Cuttack’s centuries-old Rupa Tarakasi,silver filigree industry is getting impacted by the soaring prices and fresh import curbs push on silver
- Rupa Tarakasi is one of the most exquisite silver crafts.
- This centuries-old, sophisticated craft is practiced in the silver city of Cuttack, Odisha.
- While the exact origin of the filigree art in Cuttack is not clear, it is known to have existed as far back as the 12th century.
- The art form received considerable patronage under the Mughals.
- Over the years, as Cuttack transitioned through the hands of different rulers, the silver filigree took on a new form with each.
- As part of Rupa tarakasi, silver bricks are transformed into thin fine wires or foils and used to create jewellery, artefacts or showpieces.
- While different grades of silver are used in the main metal alloy, the craftsmen also use other metals like copper, zinc, cadmium, and tin.
- The artists involved with this filigree work are called “Rupa Banias” or “Roupyakaras” (in Odia).
- This craftsmanship extends to creating various items, including jewellery worn by Odissi dancers, decorative artifacts, accessories, and religious and cultural pieces.
- The famed handicraft work received a geographical indication (GI) tag in 2024.
