Bidriware
Other Metal Crafts
History
Bidriware is a decorative metal craft from Bidar, Karnataka, dating back to the 14th–15th century Bahamani Sultans. Made from a high-zinc alloy with copper, the items are etched to develop a rich black patina and inlaid with silver to create striking patterns. Rooted in Bidar’s cultural heritage, Bidriware reflects the region’s artistic legacy and continues to be celebrated for its intricate craftsmanship and historical significance.
Raw Materials and Tools
The primary materials for copper casting are wax, clay, and metal alloys. Sheet metal cladding and silver repousse use brass, silver, dammar resin, cement, and concrete. Bidri work requires a high-zinc alloy, pure silver wire, and nitrate paste for patination. Tools include molds, hammers, embossing blocks, engraving tools, and rolling machines. Silver repousse uses stamps and blocks for embossing, while Bidri uses engraving tools and a furnace for surface treatment.
Process
Copper casting starts with shaping a clay core, layering it with wax, then replacing the wax with molten metal to form a hollow piece. Sheet metal cladding uses ductile metals like brass or silver, hammered onto a dammar resin base and detailed with embossing and engraving. Silver repousse involves hammering and embossing metal sheets for raised designs. Bidri work casts a high-zinc alloy, engraves it, inlays silver wire, and applies nitrate paste for contrast.
Design and Color
The techniques involved in the making of Bidriware include tarkashi (sheet inlay) and zabuland (high relief). Bidriware was traditionally used to make hookahs, paan-holders, vases, pitchers, and trays, featuring floral and geometric designs as well as patterns of Islamic calligraphy.
Product Range
Popular images in Karnataka’s metalcraft include the dancing elephant-headed deity Ganesha and Viswakarma, the divine architect, revered by artisan communities. Karkala, a historic Jaina center, still hosts workshops for casting Jaina images. Nagamangala is famed for silver repousse work, where soft metal is hammered from the back to create raised patterns—silver kavachas often adorn key parts of deities. Bidriware, influenced by Persian, Turkish, and Arab styles, began under Sultan Ahmed Shah Bahamani.
Additional Information
