Indian
artisans knew the art of metalworking since 3000 B.C. The beautiful figurine of
the dancing girl belonging to the Indus valley civilization bears testimony of
this fact. This indicates the high level of workmanship attained by ancient
craftsmen. In India craftsmen use different metals like iron, copper, silver
and alloys like bronze, bell metal, white metal etc. to make a variety of items
such as pots, pans, utensils, photo frames, sculptures of deities, mythological
figures and animals etc. Items like doorknobs, taps, key chains, boxes etc. are
also made, using different metals.
A
variety of metalwork can be seen from different parts of the country. The
Ladakh region of Kashmir is known for traditional vessels made out of iron and
brass. The craftsmen of Kashmir are known for richly engraved traditional
household items like bowls, samovars, plates and trays. Moradabad in Uttar
Pradesh is world famous for its range of brass items. A wide range of household
items like pots, trays, bowls and decorative pieces are made here. Making of
bronze sculptures is common in Palitana in Gujarat. The sculptures made here
depict themes from Jain religion. In Rajasthan Jaipur is the main center for
brass engraving and lacquering. Items such as photo frames, bowls, plates,
boxes etc. Ethnic designs and floral patterns, hunting scenes etc are hammered
or embossed on the surface. Madhya Pradesh has its own traditional metal ware
tradition. Andhra Pradesh has a rich tradition of metal craft. Andhra Pradesh
is also famous for Bidri ware. Silver filigree work from Andhra and Orissa is
famous for its intricate designs made out thin silver wires. Brassware from
Tamil Nadu comprises of decorated traditional lamps, used in religious
functions, while Kerala is famous for its polished bronze mirrors.
Department
of Posts released a set of six commemorative stamps, Miniature Sheet and
Sheetlet on Indian Metal Crafts on 26th August 2016. Set of six stamps depicts
Iron Surahi (pitcher) and Bronze Nataraja (depiction of the God Shiva performing
divine dance), Copper Pandan (container used to store betel leaf, betel nut,
dry tobacco, lime etc.), Brass Incense Burner, Silver Spouted Lota (spherical
water vessel) and Gold Gajalakshmi Lamp (lamp with motif of Lakshmi, the deity
of wealth).