Moradabad Brass Metal Craft of Uttar Pradesh

Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh is known as the brass city of India (Pitalnagri), producing the majority of India brass and metal craft export. The city exports over Rs 7000 crore of metal goods annually to the USA, UK, Germany, and Gulf. Products range from brass vases, bowls, trays, and lamps to electroplated steel and aluminium items. The main crafts are engraving (nakashi), embossing, sand casting, and hand spinning on lathes. Engraved brass work features arabesque floral patterns, hunting scenes, and geometric motifs reflecting the Mughal craft heritage. The Moradabad Export Complex coordinates the cluster. Over 2 lakh workers are employed in the metal craft sector. While Moradabad is known for export volume, the skill base of the engravers and chasers (nakash) maintaining traditional hand techniques is recognised as the heart of the industry quality.