Indian Metal Crafts

Introduction

The metal craft of India is one of the oldest and most refined forms of artistic expression, tracing its origins to the Harappan civilization. The discovery of the famous bronze figurine of the dancing girl from the Indus Valley bears testimony to the high level of technical and aesthetic excellence achieved by ancient Indian craftsmen as early as 3000 B.C..

Over the centuries, India’s metal artisans perfected their skills in working with iron, copper, silver, gold, and various alloys like bronze and brass, giving rise to a tradition that blends functionality, creativity, and devotion. Iconic works such as the Iron Pillar of Mehrauli and the Chola bronze sculptures stand as enduring symbols of India’s glorious metallurgical heritage.

The Craftsmanship and Techniques

Indian metalworkers employ a wide range of techniques and processes to create both utilitarian and artistic objects. Everyday items like pots, pans, utensils, photo frames, and decorative pieces share the same lineage as religious idols, mythological sculptures, and ceremonial artifacts.

The lost-wax technique (cire perdue) is one of the most ancient and admired methods of metal casting. The process begins with a wax model coated in clay. When molten metal is poured into the mould, the wax melts away, leaving a perfect cavity filled by the liquid metal. After cooling, the clay mould is broken to reveal the finished piece, which is then polished to perfection.

Other techniques include casting, soldering, enamelling, etching, and damascening—all employed to enhance the aesthetic appeal and intricate detailing of metal objects.

Regional Styles and Specialities

Kashmir

Kashmiri craftsmen are known for their engraved and embossed copper and silverware—bowls, samovars, plates, and trays adorned with floral and calligraphic motifs. The oxidized finish highlights the fine detailing, a craft locally known as Naquashi.

Uttar Pradesh

Moradabad, famously called the “Brass City of India”, produces an extensive range of brassware including pots, trays, bowls, lamps, and decorative artifacts with intricate etching and electroplated designs.
Varanasi excels in creating cast sculptures of deities and household utensils made of brass and copper, reflecting deep-rooted religious and cultural significance.

Gujarat and Rajasthan

Palitana in Gujarat is well-known for its bronze sculptures, while Jaipur in Rajasthan is celebrated for brass engraving, lacquering, and bronze casting. Traditional motifs such as hunting scenes, floral patterns, and ethnic designs are embossed or hammered into the surface. Jaipur and Alwar are also centers for the intricate art of Koftagari, or damascening, in which gold or silver wire is inlaid into steel or iron.

Madhya Pradesh

The state showcases remarkable variety — from ornate metal boxes of Bundelkhand to lamps of Sarguja and animal figurines of Raigarh and Bastar. These handcrafted creations reflect the imaginative artistry of tribal and folk metalworkers.

Andhra Pradesh and Odisha

Andhra Pradesh is renowned for Pembarti brass sheet metal work, where plaques, vases, and containers are embellished with embossed motifs. Bidriware, originating from Andhra and later flourishing in Bidar, is another exquisite form—created using an alloy of zinc and copper, engraved with silver inlay and oxidized to a striking black finish.

The Dokra metal craft—practiced by tribal artisans of Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Madhya Pradesh—is admired for its rustic, handmade appearance. Using the lost-wax method, artisans create unique figurines of animals, deities, and tribal musicians, no two of which are ever identical.

Silver filigree work from Cuttack and parts of Andhra Pradesh showcases delicate artistry through twisted silver wires, forming patterns of birds, animals, and lattice-like motifs on decorative objects and jewelry.

Southern India

In Tamil Nadu, beautifully decorated brass and bronze lamps hold an essential place in temples and religious ceremonies. Kerala is celebrated for its highly polished bronze mirrors (Aranmula Kannadi)—crafted using a secret alloy composition that produces a flawless reflective surface.

Masterpieces in Metal

To celebrate India’s vast and diverse tradition of metal artistry, the Department of Posts has issued a set of six stamps, each portraying a distinct masterpiece of Indian metal craft:

1. Surahi (Iron) – A traditional water vessel crafted through casting and beating, combining strength and elegance.
2. Nataraja (Bronze) – A splendid Chola-era sculpture of Lord Shiva in his cosmic dance, created using the lost-wax technique.
3. Pandan (Copper) – A beautifully engraved container used for storing betel leaves and spices.
4. Incense Burner (Brass) – Symbolic of devotion, showcasing intricate carving and engraving.
5. Spouted Lota (Silver) – A vessel crafted with fine chasing and damascening techniques.
6. Gajalakshmi Lamp (Gold) – Depicting Goddess Lakshmi with elephants, cut from thin gold sheet, framed with silver, and set over glass — a magnificent example of craftsmanship and devotion.

Each artifact reflects the skill, creativity, and imagination of India’s master metalworkers, whose artistry continues to inspire admiration across generations.

Artistry and Legacy

From the iron Surahi to the gold Gajalakshmi Lamp, every piece demonstrates the fusion of aesthetic beauty and functional purpose. Through techniques such as enamelling, damascening, and silver inlay work, these creations transcend mere utility and enter the realm of fine art.

The Bidri Huqqa base, featuring scenes from Padmavat — the 16th-century epic by Malik Muhammad Jayasi — stands as a rare and exquisite example of narrative metalwork, merging literature and art.

Conclusion

The metal craft of India reflects the timeless genius of its anonymous artisans, whose works have adorned temples, palaces, and homes for millennia. These intricate creations, born of earth and fire, tell stories of faith, devotion, and artistic mastery.

Through its commemorative issue on Indian Metal Craft, the Department of Posts pays homage to the unbroken legacy of India’s metallurgical excellence—a brilliant fusion of tradition, skill, and creativity that continues to shine through the ages.