About Metal Crafts in India
Both the literature and the metal images excavated
by archaeologists establish the fact that the art of metal
casting has been continuously practised in India for more
than five millennia. The Indian metal smith is known for
various methods of metal-working and has created forms with
vision, conception and sensitivity of a sculptor. Copper
and tin were the earliest non-ferrous metals to be used
by man. Later, these were mixed to form an alloy called
bronze.
Metal has remained one of the most important
utility objects in North-West India from time immemorial.
Metal is used in various forms: for making religious images;
items for performing rituals; objects of utility and arms
and weapons. Making of religious images is an ancient craft.
The craftsman is required not only to know the methods and
technique applied in casting but also to have the complete
knowledge of the characteristics, symbolism, iconographic
paraphernalia attached to it.
Nowadays there is an extensive use of brass,
bronze, copper, iron and bell metal in India. Ornaments, utensils,
icons and figures are made out of different metals. These
objects are further embellished through punching, engraving,
inlaying and enamelling. Copper vessels of Kashmir with floral
designs and calligraphy show excellent artisanship. Uttar
Pradesh and Gujarat present wide range of brass items. In
South India, metal icons, especially of bronze, are extremely
popular. Tamil Nadu is one of the famous bronze producing
regions where the artisans or stapathis produce stylistic
images conforming to Pallava, Chola, Pandyan and Nayaka periods.
The images of Trimurthi and Durga are the most common. Kerala
produces distinct bronze statues of Shiva's tandava dance,
described as the gaja tandava. Karkal in Karnataka is an ancient
centre that specializes in rare Jain icons.
Orissa is known for its Dhocra casting and
silver filigree work. Cigar boxes, jewellery, baskets and
decorative trays are the popular items made in the silver
filigree. Hyderabad is famous for silver objects like paandaan
(betel-leaves box), ugaldaan (spittoon), itardaan (perfume-box),
silver models of Charminar and bronze statues. In North India,
copper and brass lamps are made in a variety of shapes and
styles. The pahaldar lamps and Jaipuri lamps are the examples.
The tribal society of Bastar is famous for
their excellence in making exotic bell -metal items with a
variety of designs and shapes. The Bastar tribals are famous
in making bell metal arts, which are crafted by hand through
the vanishing vax technique. These handicrafts include items
like elephant, deer , horses etc of different sizes. Bastar
also supports Wrought Iron craft made by black smiths .
The bidri work in which silver inlay work is done against dark
metal backgrounds is practised in Bidar in Karnataka. Silver
and brass are inlaid upon an alloy of zinc and copper, which
is blackened by dipping the object into a solution of copper
sulphate. It is the contrast between the black surface and the
shiny inlay that makes the object look dramatic. It is done
in various styles like tarkashi (inlay of wire), tainishan (inlay
of sheet), zarnishan (low relief), zarbuland (high relief) and
aftabi (cut-out designs on overlaid metal sheet).
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Metal Crafts
