• Bidriware is a traditional metal handicraft of Bidar, Karnataka.
• Origin: Developed during the 14th century under the Bahmani Sultans.
• The art is strongly influenced by Persian art and combines Turkish, Persian, Arabic and local Indian styles.
• Main material: White brass (copper + zinc), traditionally blackened and decorated with silver inlay.
• GI Tag: Obtained on 3 January 2006.
• Major centre: Bidar, Karnataka.
• Traditional products: Hookahs, paan-holders and vases.
• Modern products: Bowls, trays, jewellery, earrings, ornament boxes and decorative showpieces.

Manufacturing Process

• Bidriware involves an 8-stage process:
  1. Moulding
  2. Filing/smoothening
  3. Designing with chisels
  4. Engraving
  5. Pure silver inlaying
  6. Further smoothening
  7. Buffing
  8. Oxidising/blackening
• White brass has a copper:zinc ratio of 1:16.
• Silver inlay is hammered into engraved grooves.
• Final blackening is done using soil traditionally obtained from the 15th-century Bidar Fort, mixed with ammonium chloride and water.
• The blackening process darkens the brass while keeping the silver inlay bright, producing the characteristic black-and-silver appearance.

Designs & Techniques

• Common motifs:
  • Floral designs
  • Geometrical patterns
  • Creepers and leaves
  • Human figures
  • Stylized poppy plants
• Major techniques include:
  • Tarkashi – inlay of sheets
  • Tainishan – inlay of sheets
  • Zarnishan – low relief
  • Zarbuland – high relief
  • Aftabi – cut-out design

Important Personalities

• Syed Tassaduq Hussain – first National Awardee in 1969.
• Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadari received:
  • Karnataka State Award – 1984
  • National Award – 1988
  • Rajyotsava Award – 2006
  • Shilp Guru Award – 2015
  • Padma Shri – 2023

⭐ Exam Quick Revision

• Bidriware → Bidar, Karnataka
• Origin → Bahmani Sultans
• Period → 14th century
• Main metal → White brass
• Decoration → Silver inlay
• Characteristic appearance → Black metal + brilliant silver
• GI Tag → 3 January 2006
• Special soil → Bidar Fort soil
• Traditional influence → Persian art
• Copper : Zinc → 1 : 16