Aligarh Tala
Other Metal Crafts
History
Aligarh locks are primarily made from brass (60% copper, 40% zinc). The craft began in the 18th century during the Mughal era, introduced by the skilled Miranpuri artisan community. Their traditional metalworking techniques led to the production of durable, high-quality locks. As demand grew, Aligarh became renowned for its craftsmanship, eventually earning the title “City of Locks.” The industry continues to thrive, blending heritage with functionality in secure locking mechanisms.
Raw Materials and Tools
Aligarh’s renowned lock industry primarily uses brass (60% copper, 40% zinc) as the key raw material, with recycled metal scraps enhancing sustainability. The manufacturing process involves furnaces for melting, molds for casting, lathes for precision shaping, and hand tools like hammers, chisels, and files for assembly and finishing. These tools and techniques allow artisans to create a wide range of locks, from classic padlocks to intricate puzzle designs, blending durability with traditional craftsmanship.
Process
Locks are crafted using brass molds for the sand casting process, one of the oldest and most cost-effective metalworking methods. Artisans manually insert handmade triple-lock mechanisms and levers into the locks, using tools like hammers. The finished locks are then carefully filed, buffed, and polished to achieve the desired finish. In Aligarh, even the keys are meticulously handcrafted.
Design and Color
Aligarh locks are known for their intricate craftsmanship and diverse designs, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage. Artisans produce puzzle locks, multi-key locks, handcuff locks (hathkadi), and locks with false holes for added security. These locks often feature artistic engravings and ornamental patterns, blending utility with elegance. This fusion of function and design makes Aligarh locks not only secure mechanisms but also decorative collectibles, appealing to both practical users and art enthusiasts.
Product Range
The locks serve various functions and are available in multiple styles, such as padlocks and door locks. Generally, they are produced on an assembly line, with each worker focusing on a specific stage of the manufacturing process. A skilled lock maker can produce as many as forty locks in a typical workday.