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Karnataka

The enchanting metalcraft of Karnataka’s Bidar: Bidriware

Like a silver moonlight on a bed of deep dark night

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The crown of Karnataka

Central to the Deccan plateau, resting like a crown on the state of Karnataka is the district of Bidar. Often referred to as the city with whispering monuments, the many forts that stand sentinel here tell tales of the ancient empires that had once been. Bidar has been the nucleus of some important dynasties in its glorious past. The soil of Bidar has its stories, but the most important among those is the one that starts with the soil of Bidar itself. It is the story of Bidriware – the metalcraft work known for its black body inlaid with gleaming silver designs.

From the patronage of Nizams

Bidriware, a craft exclusive to Bidar, the 16th-century capital of the Bhamani Sultanate, is a mesmerizing art form. Named after the city of Bidar, it is a distinctive form of metalcraft which utilises the technique of damascening that refers to producing metal ornamentations in inlay works. The art form especially flourished under the reign of Sultan Ahmed Shah Bahamani (1422-1436 AD), who was a noted patron of arts and literature. Such was the Sultan’s interest in Bidriware, that he even established a training centre to nurture the artisans and the craft. The Nizams who followed extended the same patronage to this beautiful craft.

Today, around 500 talented artisans craft enchanting pieces of Bidriware. Bidriware’s charm lies in the mesmerising contrast between the black oxidised metal base and the shimmering silver inlay with traditionally featured motifs inspired by the Bidar Fort’s design.


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Karnataka

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A dance of darkness and light

Bidriware is a captivating dance between darkness and light. The black base is formed through an alloy of zinc and copper as they tango together in a furnace. This alloy is then cast into the desired shape. With a chisel's touch, delicate and supremely intricate designs are etched onto the black canvas, creating grooves for the silver to flow into. A pure silver wire is inlayed in this grooved portion. This is the process of damascening in silver. The entire surface is meticulously buffed using a sandpaper of a buffing machine. The next step is the reason behind the exclusivity of Bidriware to Bidar. A special earth, found only near Bidar Fort, brews a magical solution and the Bidriware takes a dip in it –the zinc surrenders to its darkness, leaving the silver to gleam. A touch of shine is added as groundnut oil polishes the masterpiece, enhancing the silver's brilliance and the depth of the black.

The stunningly beautiful Bidriware pieces come in form of a range of products chiefly featuring Tarkashi, Aftabi, Teh Nashin and Zar Buland/Zar Nashin work. Teh Nashin refers to thick floral inlay work of silver in deep engravings on the base metal surface. The Aftabi also known as Mehatabi work refers to pieces that portray a reversal – the silver seems to form the base while the designs seems to be in black. Tarkashi is simply plain wire work and thus appears to be more intricate with fine lines. The most famous of Tarkashi designs is Phooljhadi (fountain). Finally the Zar Buland/ Zar Nashin breaks the patterns of even surfaces and presents works with a difference in high and low relief of motifs and base.

A must-experience for tourists

Boxes, flower vases, figurines, trays and simple sheets – Bidriware crafts seem to appear in all forms, shapes and sizes. In 2006, Bidriware was granted the Geographical Indications status by the Government of India. These beautiful metalcrafts make for wonderful souvenirs with the potential of being treasured heirlooms. Watching this art come to life is a delight, hence witnessing their creation in workshops is a memorable experience in itself. At the annual Bidar Utsav celebration, Bidriware artefacts are showcased allowing visitors to appreciate them further. Amidst history and handicrafts, Bidar is an exciting place to travel and create memories for a lifetime.