Bidriware బిద్రీ

Bidriware

Bidriware is a GI-tagged metalcraft that originated in Bidar (historical Bidar Sultanate) and flourished in the Hyderabad Nizam era. The craft involves carving intricate designs into a zinc-copper alloy, then inlaying silver wire or sheet.

The Technique

The base metal (an alloy of zinc, copper, lead, and tin) is cast, then the surface is treated with a salt solution to darken it. Silver is inlaid into hand-carved channels, and the piece is polished to reveal the silver against the matte black surface.

Hyderabad Connection

Bidriware became associated with Hyderabad's court culture under the Nizams. The Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad houses significant Bidriware pieces.