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Bidar is known as the home of a unique damascene
metal work technique known as 'Bidri', developed by the Persian
silversmiths that came to the area with the Bahamani court in the
fifteenth century.
These highly skilled artisans engraved and inlaid their traditional
Iranian designs on to a metal alloy composed of lead, copper, zinc and
tin, which they blackened and polished.
In both design and decoration, the artifacts were
heavily influenced by typical Islamic features of the time. The resulting
effect of the swirling silver floral motifs framed by geometric patterns
and set against black background has since become the hall mark of Muslim
metal work in India.
Finely crafted pieces such as hookahs, goblets, paan boxes and bangles
were exquisitely embellished with interwoven creepers and floral patterns.
The effect of the delicate silver filigree against the ebony toned
background was scintillating.
Bidri masterpieces are displayed in museums and galleries all over the
country. These days artists still tap away at their craft in the
backstreets of Bidar as well as in the
neighbouring city of Hyderabad.
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