Did you know that the famous Bidri products were traditionally made with clay from a 15th century fort? Now scientists at IIT-Madras have come up with a chemical alternative to help artisans sustain the craft while preserving the monument.
For centuries, the secret behind the shiny black finish on the metal artefacts from Bidri has been a special clay. The clay was traditionally sourced by craftspersons from the premises of the Bidar Fort, a 15th century monument in Karnataka. However, after the historical fort became a protected building, the clay became inaccessible to the artisans, resulting in the decline of the craft.
The situation may change soon. Scientists at IIT-Madras have come up with a chemical substitute for the clay, helping the craftspeople sustain the traditional craft and their livelihood, while also preserving the monument.
Any handicraft collection or fair in India would be incomplete without the exquisite black and silver Bidri metal work from Karnataka. The craft derives its name from the Bidar district in the state, which borders Maharashtra and Telangana.
Bidri craft developed in the 14th century during the rule of the Bahmani Sultans. It shows Persian, Turkish and Arabic influences, given the trade and cultural exchanges that took place then. While the artisans initially used to create utilitarian items, it gradually took the form of a celebrated artwork. Now a wide range of products are available, including souvenirs and customised items such as key chains, cufflinks and name plates.
Bidri metal products are made of an alloy of zinc and copper in the ratio of 16:1. The artisans engrave designs on this alloy. The engraving is done mostly with pure silver and sometimes with gold.
Making the famed Bidri pieces involves an 8-step process – right from designing a mould in the shape of the article to the inlay work in silver or gold. The final step involves making the item’s surface black by applying a paste which makes the inlay stand out. The paste does not affect the inlay. When it is rinsed off, the silver shines against the black surface of the craft items. Finally, oil is rubbed on the craft items to deepen the matte black coating, giving the products the unique finish.
Other than zinc and copper, Bidri craft needs soil taken from the Bidar Fort, which was built by Ahmed Shah. This soil is found in the interiors of the fort and has not been exposed to natural elements like sunlight or rain. Artisans mix this specific soil with ammonium chloride and water. This special paste is rubbed onto the heated items.
However artisans have not been allowed to collect this clay from inside the fort ever since it was made a monument of historical significance. It is now protected by the Archaeological Survey of India.
Scientists at IIT Madras, in coordination with the Development Commissioner of Handicrafts, and Sahayog, an NGO, have found a substitute medium for the traditional clay sourced from the Bidar Fort.
Artisans can achieve the essential black shade by making a mixture of ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) and potassium nitrate (KNO3) in de-ionised water. The chemical alternative eliminates the artisans’ need to source the clay from Bidar Fort, at the same time preserving the quality of the famed craft. This ensures that they achieve the same results without compromising on quality and authenticity of Bidriware, which has a geographical indication (GI) tag. While the artisans are able to continue making the traditional products, they are also able to make a living without disturbing the archaeologically important Bidar Fort.
The lead image on top shows artefacts made by Bidri craftspersons. (Screengrab from a YouTube video of Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Govt. of India)
