Bidar Bidriware Zinc Alloy Silver Inlay Karnataka

Bidriware is a GI-protected metal inlay craft from Bidar city, Karnataka (historically part of the Bahmani Sultanate), in which a matte-black zinc alloy body (with copper, lead, and tin) is inlaid with fine silver wire and sheet to create intricate floral and geometric patterns that appear brilliantly bright against the characteristic charcoal-black oxidised background achieved by burying the finished piece in special Bidar soil containing ammonium chloride. The craft is 600+ years old, established under Persian court influence in the Bahmani kingdom. Master craftsmen (Sudin and Saidkari communities) produce hookah bases, vases, boxes, trays, and contemporary tableware using the engraving, inlay setting, and oxidation sequence that cannot be replicated outside Bidar due to the unique soil chemistry. Bidriware has GI protection. Today about 2,000 artisans in Bidar produce bidriware supplied to national emporiums and exported to USA, UK, UAE, and Japan. The craft is featured in government flagship export promotion schemes. Premium bidriware produced by master craftsmen commands ₹10,000-1,00,000 per piece.