BIDRI

Originating in the town of Bidar in Karnataka, in the 14th century, Bidri handicraft is an art of Inlaying Alloys. Soil at Bidar fort, magically imparts black color to the primary metals & has been accorded prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) Status. A new mould must be prepared to make a cast in which molten metal, an alloy of zinc & copper is poured. Motifs are sketched on them to be etched with a chisel and hammer. The engravings are inlaid with silver wire. It is this contrast of shining silver to the black metal that is unique to Bidri art.