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Pembarthi village in
Warangal District of
Andhra Pradesh is the hometown of this
art. This art form, as the name suggests was popularised by the Pembarthi
village sheet metal workers of modern day Warangal during the reign of
Kakatiyas.
The Origin
During
the Kakatiya rule, sheet metal work adorned the chariots of the kings and
noblemen and the idols of the Gods. With the increasing number of
temples during the Kakatiya rule
the Pembarthi sheet metal work reached the peak of its popularity.
With the decline of the Kakatiya kingdom, the subsequent Muslim
influences resulted in the entry of the sheet metal wares into the house
holds in the forms of 'Pandans' (small boxes for carrying beetle nuts),
'Itar' pots (scent containers), vases, hanging metal lamps, plaques etc.
The following years saw a mixture of both the cultures in Pembarthi
articles. The art wore a secular look.
A few of the masterpieces of the sheet metal craft are the icons of
Ganesh, expressing a 'mudra' (expression) from the Bharat Natyam, a small
beautifully decorated Nandi; the idol of Nataraja; a carving of Conch
(shell), Padma (Lotus) and Chakra (Wheel) that represents the deity-
Vishnu. Apart from this there are the big vessels like "Gangalam",
which can add to the beauty of any showroom or home. Also the famous
historical "Kakatiya Dwar" (gate) made in Pembarthi style can be
among one's personal collection.