📖 Origin & Heritage
Bidriware is a 14th-century metal craft that flourished in Bidar, Karnataka, during the rule of the Bahmani Sultans. It is a unique combination of blackened alloy of zinc and copper inlaid with thin sheets of pure silver. The craft was influenced by Persian art brought to India, and blended beautifully with local designs, resulting in intricate motifs of flowers, creepers, geometric patterns, and Islamic calligraphy. Today, Bidriware holds a GI tag and is considered a prized symbol of Indian metal artistry.
💡 Did You Know?
The name comes from the town Bidar in Karnataka.
Craftsmen use a special soil from Bidar fort to blacken the alloy permanently.
The contrast of shiny silver on deep black metal makes Bidriware world-famous.
Items range from hookahs, vases, trays to modern jewellery & décor pieces.
✨ Craft Features & Styles
Blackened Metal
An alloy of zinc & copper treated with fort soil to achieve a jet-black finish.
An alloy of zinc & copper treated with fort soil to achieve a jet-black finish.
Silver Inlay
Fine silver wires or sheets hammered into intricate designs.
Fine silver wires or sheets hammered into intricate designs.
Persian Influence
Motifs of flowers, geometric borders, and Arabic calligraphy.
Motifs of flowers, geometric borders, and Arabic calligraphy.
Luxury Craft
Bidriware was once patronized by kings, now a heritage souvenir.
Bidriware was once patronized by kings, now a heritage souvenir.