Udhar ka kaam/ Metal Repoussé of Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi is known for its metal Udhar ka kaam where malleable metal sheets are ornamented and shaped by hammering it from the reverse side to impress on the design that appears in low relief. The item to be made is first molded into the required shape the repoussé engraving is done on all manner of articles with the the engraver tracing the design with a chisel, filling up the open ground with dots and spots produced by punching with the final product being burnished to a high gloss.

Used if utensils, decorative artifacts table tops and other items it is also used as door claddings an example of which can be seen  in the arch and doors of the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, at Kaal Bhairow Temple. Images of the deities, the mukut/crown, singhasans/thrones, kundal/utensils and other items used for ritual purposes are also crafted using this technique

In Varanasi repoussé workshops can be located at Kadamtale, Nichibagh, BhutaiImli – Gol Ghar, Kashipura, Ramghat, Thatheri Bazar, Dashashwamedh, Chhattatale-Govindpura, Piyari, Jalpadevi and Sonarpura.

Repousse is done on all types of articles. The objects are first moulded into the required shape and burnished; the engraver then traces the design with a chisel, filling up the open ground with dots and spots produced by punching. The work is very light, often little more than an outline drawing. Formerly much more skill was displayed by the Benares engravers, and the decay of their art may be attributed partly to the influence of western ideas. The metal repousse process is entirely done by hand, using the traditional tool. It is a home-based activity, one in which the artisans have been working since generations.