Copper and Brass Metalwork Traditions of Nanded

Nanded district's Muslim metalworker community (Tambat caste) has practised copper and brass vessel making for centuries, supplying domestic utensils, ritual vessels, and agricultural implements to the Marathwada market. Traditional coppersmith work involves hammering sheets of copper or brass into shapes over iron mandrels, with controlled heating to soften the metal as work progresses. Typical products include tanbe (copper water vessels), pital thali (brass plates), and kalash (ritual water vessels for temple use). The craft integrates chemical know-how: copper is traditionally cleaned with tamarind or sour buttermilk before polishing, exploiting the mild acid's copper-oxide removal properties. Brass casting (using the lost-wax process) produces bells, lamps, and decorative figurines. Nanded's metalworkers serve both local markets and the significant demand from Hazur Sahib Gurudwara for ritual articles. Competition from stainless steel has reduced copper and brass demand, but heritage-conscious buyers and temple supply continue the craft.