Bidri

One of the celebrated craft works in the Deccan India, Bidri of Andhra Pradesh is one of the most popular too. The Bidriware has its origin at Bidar, more than three centuries ago. This exceptional of handicraft involves the works of silver threads on dark metals. Alloys are used in molds to create different shapes.

The metal craft of Bidri uses alloy of oxidized Zinc elaborately with silver threads. The complete process of manufacturing of a Bidri work involves four major stages of molding, engraving, embellishing and oxidizing. The artisan works meticulously for hours before producing a Bidri masterpiece.

The Bidri skill and technique came to India in the 14th century from Iran or Persia of that time. Sultan Ahmed Shah Wali was enchanted with beauty of this unique work and decided to bring the form to India. He persuaded the master artisan Abdullah Bin Kaiserand several other artisans to come to India. They carried on their mastery on the decorations of the royal places and Havelis. More impressed, the Sultan fell in love with the Bidri style and organized training centers to enable the local artisan to learn the art. Many talented craftsmen benefited from those training centers and they developed into masters of Bidriware, spreading the art to every corner of the region.

Till today, decorative show pieces, ash trays, bangles, pen stands, caskets, cuff links, paper cutters etc. made of Bidri are one of the most prized purchases of an art collector or shopping freak touring in Andhra Pradesh.

Last Updated on 19 May 2011