Bidri craft is an unique kind of art form made after a rare piece of hard work and tenacity. The art of bidri-sliver inlay on a metal alloy flourished and reached perfection under the patronage of the Bahamani and Baridi dynasties. Bidar in Karnataka is the original home of this craft. Bidar is located roughly 80 miles away from Hyderabad, though it falls in Karnataka state. Bidri craft is known after this place, though traditionally it was originated in Persia about seven centuries ago. The migrants brought this awesome craft to India and the craftsmen subsequently made it the art and craft identity of India. This art form is known for its nimble craftsmanship. The intricate metal work over the smooth and glossy surface of the artifacts is the most fascinating aspect of this world famous art. Bidri craft is essentially a brass alloy comprising of zinc, copper, lead, tin and traces of iron. This ancient craft, which originated as the older art of inlaying gold and silver on steel and copper, was practised in Persia and Arabia.

The basic material of bidri ware is an alloy of zinc and a small proportion of other non-ferrous metals. The original colour of the alloy is grey, but this turns jet black with the application of a special clay or chemical. The dark ground with an inlay of silver in intricate patterns is extremely pleasing. The designs, inlaid with pure silver, stand out dramatically against the black background. The designs are usually taken from the historical fort at Bidar and the frescoes in the Ajanta caves, though new designs have added.

Procedure of making Bidriware
The Bidri wares are designed after a consistent and complex process. The artifacts are cast with the help of red clay moulds and molten solution of copper and zinc is then pored over this caste article. After casting, the surface of the cast article is smoothened very finely with sandpaper and then rubbed with a solution of copper sulphate. Rubbing makes the surface turn black and thus a suitable base for the process of designing and engraving. The engraving tools cut the intricate but delicate tapestry of design into the metal ware. The most sensational work in the Bidri Craft is inlaying. Here the sheets or the wires of pure silver are hammered into the grooves of the design and the surface smoothened by the help of a buffing machine. After the inlay work the surface is turned black by applying a paste of ammonium chloride, potassium nitrate, sodium chloride, copper sulphate and mud which darkens the body by producing a characteristic black patina, but without damaging the shining silver inlay. It is this contrast of black and silver that lends Bidri a uniqueness that no other metal ware. At final stage, preferably coconut oil is rubbed on the piece to deepen the black matt coating.