The story
Bidriware blossomed in Bidar, capital of the Bahmani kingdom, in the 15th century, drawing on Persian metal-inlay traditions. Artisans cast a zinc-copper alloy, engrave it, inlay silver wire and then blacken the base with a paste of soil from the Bidar fort area. The craft is mostly passed down within families in Bidar's Bidri colony. Bidriware carries a GI tag.
In numbers
Bidar has around 150 registered Bidri artisans.
Exploring Bidriware, India's black magic (Gulf News) · 2022
GI tag
- BidriwareApplication no. GI application no. 20Registration details of Geographical Indications (IP India GI Registry)
Ways in for a newcomer
- Sell Bidri gifts and jewellery online and to corporate buyers
- Create modern designs such as pens, cufflinks and wall art
- Supply silver wire and alloy to artisans
- Craft tourism tie-ups with Bidar fort visits
Problems the cluster faces
- Falling exports and buyer interest
- Rising silver prices
- Few young people learning the craft
- Cheap imitations
Businesses to start here
Metal Handicraft Unit →Handicraft Jewellery Unit →Brass (Metal) Jewellery Making →