Bidriware Silver Inlay Craft Bidar Karnataka Zinc Alloy

Bidriware is the distinctive dark metal inlay craft of Bidar town in north Karnataka, where zinc-copper alloy is cast into vessels, hookah bases, buttons, and jewelry and then inlaid with sterling silver in floral and arabesque patterns. The surface is blackened with a paste of ammonium chloride mixed with Bidar fort soil, which selectively tarnishes the zinc alloy while leaving the silver inlay bright — creating the dramatic contrast of white silver on jet black ground. The Bidar craft tradition was brought to the Deccan by Persian craftsmen under the Bahmani Sultanate in the 14th century and localised by the Sulaimani community of Muslim artisans. GI recognition for Bidriware protects it as an exclusively Bidar product. The soil for blackening Bidriware comes specifically from within the walls of the Bidar fort — outside fort soil does not work due to the unique ammonium chloride content. Cooperative Bidriware producers supply to Karnataka Hastkala Akademi and national handloom and handicraft fairs. Export to Middle East, Europe, and USA through Indian craft export channels. Bidriware exhibition at the National Museum, New Delhi includes museum-grade collector pieces. The craft faces succession challenges as younger generations are attracted to engineering and service sector employment.