Bidriware

About Bidriware:

• It is a form of metal handicraft which has been made for centuries by artisans from Karnataka’s Bidar district.
• It is renowned for its intricate, handcrafted designs.
• Origin:
  • The origin of Bidriware as a craft is attributed mostly to the Bahamani Sultans who ruled the region during the 14th and 15th centuries.
  • It was first brought to India by the noted Sufi Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti in the form of utensils.
  • The art form developed in the kingdom was a mix of Turkish, Persian and Arabic influences, which were intermingled with the local styles, and thus a unique style of its own was born.
• It has obtained a Geographical Indications (GI) tag.
• How is Bidriware made? 
  • It is made primarily from a zinc-copper alloy, while silver is used for intricate inlay work.
  • The craftsman uses small chisels to engrave the design over the freehand etching. Craftsmen engrave delicate floral and geometric patterns on the surface and inlay silver into them.
  • Fine wire or flattened strips of pure silver are then carefully hammered into these grooves. 
  • The characteristic deep-black lustre is produced using soil sourced from the historic Bidar Fort.
  • The soil is added to a chemical solution during the final stage of the process, giving the metal its distinctive black finish.
  • The product then undergoes a process called buffing to smoothen the surface.