Moradabad Brass Engraved Metalware Uttar Pradesh

Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh is the largest brass and metal handicraft production centre in India, earning the title Pital Nagri (Brass City), with over 100,000 artisans and 5,000 workshops producing engraved, painted, and enameled brass utensils, decorative objects, and lighting for domestic and export markets that generate approximately Rs 4,000 crore in annual export value. The Moradabad metalware tradition traces to Mughal-era metalworking settlement by skilled brass artisans from Persia and Central Asia under Rustam Khan's governorship in the 17th century. The characteristic production process involves sand-casting or spinning brass sheet into the base vessel shape (vase, tray, lamp, bowl), followed by hand-engraving (kharad kaam) the surface with floral arabesque, geometric latticework, or figurative hunting scene designs using sharp steel tools while the vessel is filled with lac to prevent wall collapse. Specialized artisans then apply oxidized finish, lacquer color painting, or meenakari enamel inlay for value-added pieces. The cluster is organized as a complete cottage industry value chain: casters, spinners, engravers, polishers, painters, and packers in adjacent workshops or home units. Key export markets include the USA, UK, Germany, Australia, and the UAE for home décor, hotel furnishings, and religious objects. Moradabad Brass Ware received GI protection in 2019.