Khushi Sharma
Bidri or Bidriware is a metal handicraft from the city of Bidar in Karnataka, India. It was developed in the 14th century C.E. during the rule of the Bahmani Sultans.
The Bidri art form is a kind of damascene work known as “koftagiri” – a system of ornamentation consisting of encrusting gold or silver on iron objects. In ‘Bidri’ or ‘Bidari’, the metals silver, gold or brass are overlaid or inlaid in the designs to decorate objects made out of an alloy of zinc and copper.
History
The art flourished during the Bahmani (1347-1527 A.D) and Baridi (1489-1619 A.D) Sultanate rule in the Deccan region. Bidar was part of these Sultanates at different times where the art flourished.
Bidriware techniques and styles are influenced by Persian art. In Persia during the Abbasid period (750-1258 A.D), copper-inlaid objects were used in the royal Sultans’ palaces and merchants’ homes.
Technique and design
The technique became very popular over time to include gold and silver inlay work and was practised in Central Islamic lands – mainly Herat, Mosul, Cairo and Aleppo. It is thus highly possible that craftsmen migrated to the Deccan areas under the Bahmanis and Baridis from Persia during their rule, because it is known that they encouraged art and learning; who invited talented people to come and settle in their kingdoms. The craftsmen took it forward to make it one of India’s iconic metalcrafts.
The Crafting Process
The basic material from which the objects are crafted are an alloy of zinc, copper and lead. The mixture of zinc and copper is in the ratio of 16:1. Copper is added to make zinc take the polish better. The process involved in the production of a Bidri item of art involves casting, polishing, engraving, inlaying and blackening the alloy.