Bidriware Zinc Silver Inlay Craft Bidar Karnataka

Bidriware is a metal inlay craft unique to Bidar district of Karnataka in which silver wire or silver foil is hammered into grooves cut in a cast zinc-lead alloy body, creating a dramatic silver-on-black decorative effect. The craft was developed during the Bahmani Sultanate period in the 15th century CE, combining Persian metalwork sensibility with local material and technique. The zinc-lead alloy (approximately 98 percent zinc and 2 percent lead) is cast in clay molds for hookah bases, bidri boxes, vases, trays, and jewellery. After casting and rough finishing, the artisan engraves the design — typically scrolling vine and flower motifs derived from Persian arabesque, or geometric patterns — using steel chisels (takli) and a round-headed mallet. Fine grooves are cut with a burin to receive inlaid silver wire. Silver wire of 99.9 percent purity is hammered into the engraved groove, then the surface is filed flush so no wire protrudes. The characteristic black finish is achieved by embedding the polished article in a paste of potassium nitrate-rich soil found only in the Bidar fort area, mixed with ammonium chloride. Chemical reaction of the paste with the zinc alloy turns the surface permanently matte black while the inlaid silver remains bright. GI tag awarded in 2005. Over 12,000 artisans in Bidar district practice bidriware. The Bidar Craft Development Society supports design innovation. Collector-grade pieces with gold inlay (Koftgiri technique variant) also produced for luxury buyers. Export to the Gulf, Europe, and the USA.