Metal Craft of Maharashtra

Copper ware is a traditional craft of Maharashtra, although oxidised copper ware is a recent innovation. The craft is practised in Ambernath, Thana, Kalyan, and Nasik. Among the wide range of copper articles produced at the units here are perforated chandeliers and lamp stands, ashtrays, glass holders, paper cutters, pin cushions, and trays. Articles such as decorative door handles, key chains, cuff links, and moulded figures of Trimurti (the Hindu trinity of Shiva, Vishnu, and Brahma) are now being made, mostly for tourists and for export markets. Maharashtra, also makes brass and copper vessels in traditional shapes.

The art of bidri, silver inlay on a metal alloy, came to Maharashtra with artisans who migrated from Bidar, in Andhra Pradesh, to Aurangabad many years ago. The craft tradition continues with the major products being decorative wall plaques. In pilgrimage centres like Nasik, initially only ritual objects — idols of gods and kumkum boxes — were crafted in silver. With growing demand, other articles such as paandans, gulabdans, attardans, and bowls and trays have been added to the list. In Kolhapur as well there are a few units making silver ware products.