Karnataka Bronzeware
Technical Data
| Stamp Set | Geographical Indication Registered Handicraft Products |
|---|---|
| Date of Issue | December 31, 2018 |
| Denomination | Rs. 5 |
| Quantity | 606,000 |
| Perforation | 14¼ x 14¼ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Hyderabad |
| Printing Process | Wet Offset |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Multicolor |
| Credit (Designed By) | Shri Kamleshwar Singh |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 3498 Stamp Number IN 3100 Yvert et Tellier IN 3186 Stanley Gibbons IN 3584 |
| Themes | Crafts | Elephants | Gods and goddesses | Metalworking | Textile |
The Timeless Glow of Sacred Art
The exquisite Karnataka Bronzeware stands as a shining example of India’s ancient metallurgical mastery and artistic devotion. Recognised as a Geographical Indication (GI) registered handicraft, this traditional art form from Karnataka beautifully reflects the spiritual and cultural depth of South Indian craftsmanship.
A Glorious Legacy of Bronze Casting
The tradition of bronze casting in Karnataka flourished during the reigns of the Chalukyas, Rashtrakutas, Hoysalas, and Vijayanagara dynasties. These royal patrons nurtured the art by commissioning magnificent metal icons and sculptures that adorned temples across the region. Under Hoysala King Vishnuvardhana, who followed the Vaishnava faith, bronze icon-making reached artistic perfection, leaving behind a rich legacy of sacred sculptures that continue to inspire awe.
The Art and Craftsmanship
Centred in Bangalore, the chief craft cluster for bronze casting, artisans use the ancient lost-wax technique to create detailed icons of deities. Each sculpture begins as a wax model, which is then encased in clay and filled with molten bronze. Once cooled, the mold is broken to reveal a unique, handcrafted masterpiece — no two pieces are ever identical.
These bronze icons, known for their lifelike expressions and divine grace, embody both technical brilliance and spiritual significance. They are revered not only in India but also in museums across Boston, New York, Birmingham, and Berlin, representing India’s timeless artistic excellence.
Karnataka Bronzeware Stamp
In recognition of this enduring tradition, the Department of Posts issued a commemorative stamp on Karnataka Bronzeware as part of the GI Registered Handicraft Products series. The Karnataka Bronzeware Stamp celebrates the ancient legacy of metal art that has illuminated temples, homes, and hearts for centuries.
An Eternal Craft of Devotion
Every bronze sculpture from Karnataka tells a story of faith, precision, and patience — a sacred bond between the artisan and the divine. The craft has not only preserved an ancient skill but also provided livelihoods to generations of artisans who continue to uphold the glorious tradition of Indian metal artistry.
The Karnataka Bronzeware Stamp thus stands as a symbol of India’s spiritual artistry, cultural continuity, and handcrafted heritage — gleaming eternally like the bronze it represents.