Metal Craft in India

India is a home to many exquisite arts and crafts. Metal crafts also started way back in 3000 B.C in India. There are some archaeological evidences to prove the dexterity of Indian craftsmen during Indus Valley Civilization. The primitive craftsmen were highly proficient in making exclusive pieces of metals. Almost every metal was and is been given a beautiful form and rendered an aesthetic quality.

Indian Metal Crafts

The artist of India were extremely talented. This was fact that was known to the mighty monarchs also. They greatly patronized these arts. The performing and non performing arts were immensely appreciated by them. Conventionally every metal and it alloy like

- Silver
- Copper
- Iron
- Gold
- Bronze
- Bell Metal
- Black Metal
- White Metal

was used by the craftsmen to make beautiful metal pieces. History bears some evidences to prove the artistry of Indian artisans since ages. If you are a traveler to Delhi, then do visit the iron pillar at Mehrauli which belongs to the Mauryan era. The amazing pillar is proof to the extraordinary talent of Indian artisans. Even the reign of Chola empire flourished the art. It was on its peak during the times of Chola empire. The bronze sculptures of Chola kingdom still have their essence intact to them.


Process of Making Metal Crafts

The metal crafts are generally a result of wax technique in which the artisan first makes a wax model of the item to be made of metal. Once this is done, clay is used to cover the model and some clay is pierced. At last, the metal is taken out by a hole at the top which causes wax to melt. The hot metal fills up the gap. Then the metal is kept for cooling and once the desired product is achieved, it is taken out of the clay and polished to beautify it.

Metal Craft in Indian States

The Indian states are the nurturers and preservers of metal crafts in India. Each state has its own unique style of making the metal items more elegant. You will find a variety of itmes including:

1.Pans
2.Utensils
3.Pots
4.Sculptures
5.Photo Frames
6.Mythological images
7.Animals' sculptures
8.Ash trays
9.Vases
10.Ornamental pieces
11.Bowls
12.Boxes
13.Jewelry cases

Almost every Indian is a fine producer of metal wares. The naqasi done on these metal wares are simply superb. Some of the states that make exclusive indigenous meal wares are

a) Uttar Pradesh (Moradabad, Lucknow)
b) Kashmir
c) Rajasthan (Jaipur)
c) Madhya Pradesh
d) Andhra Pradesh
e) Orissa
f) Tamil Nadu

Do not forget to but these superb articles next time you visit these regions in India.