“I was born into a family of Bidri artisans, and this craft has been a part of my life since childhood. My father and grandfather passed their knowledge to me. Bidri art work has a long history. It began in the Hyderabad Deccan region in Bidar, Karnataka, when Persian artisans brought their skills. Over time, the Nizams of Hyderabad supported the craft, helping it grow and gain recognition. Making Bidri art involves a series of intricate steps. We start by mixing zinc and copper to create the base. The designs are then carefully carved, and pure silver is inlaid to add detail. Finally, a unique soil found only in Bidar gives the pieces their deep black finish, which makes them stand out.

Handmade Bidri art was in high demand earlier, and we managed to sustain ourselves even with the high cost of materials. But today, things are different. Cheaper, machine-made alternatives dominate the market, and traditional crafts like ours are being sidelined.

The rising price of silver and the difficulty in sourcing the special soil have made things even harder. I spend part of my time in Hyderabad and part in Bidar, trying to keep the craft alive in both places.

Some of us have approached the government for support to train new artisans and ensure this tradition doesn’t disappear. Despite the challenges, every piece we create carries the weight of our history and the dedication of generations before us. I hope this legacy finds its place in the modern world and is preserved for years to come.”