Bidriware:
It was observed that Bidriware, the centuries-old metal craft is facing fresh pressure from the rising prices of silver, copper, and zinc.
- Bidriware is a form of metal handicraft which has been made for centuries by artisans from Karnataka’s Bidar district.
- It is renowned for its intricate, handcrafted designs.
- The origin of Bidriware as a craft is attributed mostly to the Bahamani Sultans who ruled the region during the 14th and 15th centuries.
- It was first brought to India by the noted Sufi Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti in the form of utensils.
- The art form developed in the kingdom was a mix of Turkish, Persian and Arabic influences, which were intermingled with the local styles, and thus a unique style of its own was born.
- It has obtained a Geographical Indications (GI) tag.\
- It is made primarily from a zinc-copper alloy, while silver is used for intricate inlay work.
- The craftsman uses small chisels to engrave the design over the freehand etching. Craftsmen engrave delicate floral and geometric patterns on the surface and inlay silver into them.
- Fine wire or flattened strips of pure silver are then carefully hammered into these grooves.
- The characteristic deep-black lustre is produced using soil sourced from the historic Bidar Fort.
- The soil is added to a chemical solution during the final stage of the process, giving the metal its distinctive black finish.
- The product then undergoes a process called buffing to smoothen the surface.
