Hyderabad Lac Bangle Craft of Telangana

Hyderabad is a major centre for lac bangle making, with the Laad Bazaar area near Charminar being the traditional production and retail hub. Lac bangles are made by heating lac resin with coloured glass powder, shaping by hand on a metal form, and cooling into the circular bangle shape. Hyderabadi lac bangles are distinguished by intricate stone setting — glass stones, mirrors, and pearls are pressed into the warm lac surface before it cools. The product range includes simple coloured bangles to ornate bridal sets with gold and silver foil overlay. The craft employs mostly women from the Machhi and other traditional communities. Hyderabad lac bangles received GI certification. The Laad Bazaar cluster has over 200 artisan shops and workshops. Export to Indian diaspora communities worldwide, particularly for wedding season demand, is significant.