In the heart of Hyderabad, the age-old tradition of crafting black metal statues, once flourishing in the Old city areas like Lad Bazar, Murgi Chowk, near Charminar, faces challenges.

“I proudly carry on the legacy of aluminum idol making as the third-generation artisan, a craft nurtured over 100 years. Amidst the changing scenarios, our family tradition faces challenges, primarily driven by the escalating costs of raw materials.

Reflecting on my childhood, a time when my parents couldn’t foresee the rapid changes in the world, I vividly recall accompanying my father to learn the artistry that defines our livelihood. Our raw material is derived from the scrap of molten automobile engines, painstakingly melted and molded into exquisite statues over three to four days.

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Enduring 12-hour shifts, we immerse ourselves in the meticulous work of giving each statue its final form, standing tirelessly and enduring extreme conditions during the intricate polishing process. Some caution about potential health complications due to prolonged exposure to metal dust, I work hard along with other workers, driven by the unwavering commitment to my family’s profession.

Despite a significant market demand, the returns are modest. In coming years, I hope my children will have opportunities in a more favorable work environment, and our artistry will continue to be a source of pride, preserving tradition in the face of challenges.”

• Mohammad Afroz, Black metal craftsman