The history of metal craft in India is rich. Since 3000 B.C. the art of metal craft has been introduced in India. The excavations found in different places are exemplary of the craft and its development in Indian cities and its long heritage. The metal craft in India includes the vast usage of copper, bronze, silver, gold, iron, bell metal etc. The metal craft has its ramifications from mythological figurines, sculptures of deities to as pots, pans, utensils, photo frames, doorknobs, taps, key chains, boxes etc. The metal craft involves the tradition of enameling, etching and damascening for the beautification of the metal objects. Even today metal craft is admired for its durability, chic ness.

With the invasions in India and of course with the introduction of various cultures, tradition and mores metal craft in India also witnessed change. Gone were the days of only vessels, vases, pots and utensils, the art of metal craft became an integral part of Indian craft and art while establishing it as a must art in contouring Indian artistry. The exquisite beauty of metal craft made its presence felt in the artistry of Gold jewelry art and silver jewelry art, gold and silverware, brass and copperware, metal ornamentation, bidri and enameling

The story of introducing gold and silverware as an expressive form of metal craft in India is interesting. The princely states of India, the royal heads were fascinated by the idea of enameled utensils. They not only wanted to possess enameled jewellery but also enameled utensils. Wine-cups, finger-bowls, pill boxes etc., in both gold and silver, often studded with jewels were introduced. During the epoch of the Raja Serfoji II (1797-1832), the Maratha ruler of Thanjavur (or Tanjore), Tanjore metal plate was introduced. This was manufactured by the royal artisans of his court. The metal plate was decorated with the besetment of silver, brass, and copper. The base metal of the metal work which was used was mainly brass. The involvement of silver provided the art a stunning look.

That was just the beginning of a new idea and from then there was no looking back as Indian craftsmen excelled in this art form. A steep growth of the demand of metal craft utensils developed and tools and technologies were invented to complement with the growth.

In the modern day metal craft in Ladakh region of Kashmir is admired for traditional vessels made out of iron and brass. The same region is rich in tradition for their craftsmanship in luxuriously engraved traditional household items like bowls, samovars, plates and trays. Intricate floral and calligraphic patterns are embellished on copper and silver items that make the metal item look gorgeous. The "naquasi" style that is the oxidization of the metal item is done to make the design stand out from the background. Brass metal is used to make a variety of brass items including household items like pots, trays, bowls, and sculptures of deities, household utensils and decorative pieces. Items made out of electroplated brass, copper and white metal are manufactured in abundance.

Brass engraving and lacquer art, another form of metal craft produces items like photo frames, bowls, plates, boxes etc with the embellishments of ethnic designs and floral patterns, hunting scenes etc., on the surface. Lacquered designs varies either by varnishing the entire body or a part of the item. The art of `Koftagari` which is a craft of encrusting one metal into another is a speciality of India. Brass is also used in the production of vases, tumblers, water containers, ornamented spittoons, food cases, bells, candle stands, kerosene lamps, picnic carriers and a large variety of lamps. The most adored items are swords, daggers and shields. Some cities of India are specialized in the art of decorating the rice measure bowls and animal figurines, metal boxes, lamps etc. Sheet metal work involves the usage of brass metal and is a craft to decorate plaques, containers specially betel leaf containers, vases etc. Items like `chembus` or containers for ritual water, bowls and bells, special utensils, paperweights, menu stands and ashtrays are admired by the inhabitants and also used as decorative pieces.

"Bidri" or the inlay craft of metal is derived from Persia and developed and flourished in Mughal Empire. The craft is named after the place "Bidar" in Karnataka. The making of "Bidri" items requires pouring molten zinc and copper solution into moulds. The craft encompasses the dark black metals` shine with silver highlights and sometimes the base metal is furbished with other metals like gold or silver. This is a unique craft practiced only in India. The intricate process of "Bidri" involves the art of casting, engraving, inlaying and polishing. Cigarette cases, huqqa bases, bowls, boxes, candle stands, trays, ashtrays, vases, jewellery, buttons and other utensils are quintessential of this exclusive craft.

The tribal belts of India are famed for the "Dhokra" metal craft. Small figurines of horses, drummers, tribal deities and plaques are made with extreme uniqueness of artisanship from brass scrap. These craft products carry a large variety including the items like decorated traditional lamps, used in religious functions. The polished bronze mirrors are a distinct craft of Kerala, India.

Silver filigree work is another form of metal craft of India. It engages employing intricate designs made out thin silver wires and produces items made of strips of silver, looped and in zigzag pattern mainly using thin twisted silver wires. These strips are deftly soldered together. Items such as trays, cigarette case, key chains and other decorative pieces animals and birds are manufactured from this dominated creative filigree work. The metal craft of silver work has given rise of products like spice boxes, rose-water sprinklers, caskets, hukkas and highly-carved silver furniture. Temple platforms called `chauki` where the deity is placed is decorated with exclusive metal craft with beautiful carvings. `Kalsha` is an ornamented decoration and is kept in the corners of the `chauki` or on the palanquin. These decorative metal carvings are found in the carving of crowns, canopies, umbrellas, and seats.

India engages the practice of designing metal craft by light impression or chasing which involves the tracing the imprints of the design onto the metal surface. This craft is originated from "bidri" work and is done on plain or gilded brass and copper vessels. Another craft of more or less of identical category is "Marori" work which leaves the engraved floral designs glitter against a black background. Another craft of metal is practiced in India is `chrakwan` which is a black pattern on copper or brass background.

India is also favored for its wide range and variety of handicraft made of iron and aluminium shields and trophies. "Koftagiri" is a craft which is basically used for arms and weapons. Some places and cities of India attracts a huge public attention by their artisanship in enameled, chased, engraved, lacquered and encrusted metal ware including a wide variety of including vases, perforated lamps, table tops, fruit bowls, planters, jewellery boxes and picture frame including knick knacks like ink wells, pen cases, styluses, compasses and holders. Household objects like utensils, incense burners with perforated leaves, betel nut accessories like nut-crackers and knives are some of the accessories which are very well designed household instruments and handles in the shape of snakes, parrots, peacocks, or lotus stalks are the instances made out of metal. Swings are used by most of the houses and brass is used to make the chains.

`Charakku`, one of the largely used cooking vessels is made of bell-metal and is an important contribution of metal craft. The surface of `Charakku` is made up of old gold tint and it maintains its original colour and luster. This special kind of utensil does not require any kind of polishing or tinning. To prepare `payasam`(sweet dish made out coconut milk) in large quantities in ceremonial and religious occasions `Charakku` is used .

Indian artists who are professionally producers of metal items are deft in making cloth and wire dolls which are traditional and a perfect piece of metal crafts by the local artists. Copper is used to make copper bells or chimes which come in different shapes, styles and are used as a Feng Shui item or sometimes as decorative items.

Casting of `dhokra metal` is synonymous with the traditional craft of bell metal or brass. The craft of `dhokra` is a typical tribal art form and practiced mainly by tribal families. Exclusive designs of lamps, boxes, tribal figures and Gods and Goddess are molded by lost wax technique. The motifs are derived from the folk culture.

The `deepak` or large lamps , made of iron is another example of the use and success of metal craft in India. Deepak includes a number of small, shallow crucibles, like `diyas` or little lamps, sometimes decorated with bird and animal figures that are made separately and later joined together to give shape to the lamps. The lamps are different in type, use and sizes like `laman diya`, `supali diya`, `gadli diya`, `khut diya` and `viman diya`. The `laman diya` is hung anywhere in the house and is used for day-to-day lighting. `Supali diya` has central vertical rod has a pointed end with the upper portion of the lamp like the `supa` or winnowing fan is dug into the earth. The `khut diya` has a rectangular base and it can be placed like a lamp-post at any preferred place. The `gadli diya` can be moved like a `gadi` or vehicle wheels as wheels are attached to it. The `viman diya` is in the shape of a chariot, derived the entitlement from the flying chariots or `viman` of the deities. These lamps as stunning examples of metal craft and are embellished with figurines of creatures like birds, snakes, deer, and monkeys, as well as human being. Standing lamps, called `kuthu-vilakku` is a type of lamp used to worship the deity at temple. `Aarthi` or votive lamps are carried in hands, have carved handles which shapes like a cobra, fish, peacocks or monkey. `Deepalakshmi` or `paavai-vilakku` is a temple lamp which is decorated with the carving of a female figure that is holding a shallow bowl for the wicks. Extensively decorated bowls, with brass or silver finished chains are found in every household and are generally positioned at entrance places and to light up corners.

Metal craft is employed to produce items for not only décor and utility utensils but has also in the recent days used in making furniture. Brass furniture is manufactured in several places in India and owns a vast popularity. Trellis work and statuary in brass are a craft which is seen carved in the palaces and temples. Copper vessals, containers, cooking pots, ladles with long handles, samovars for tea, hukka bases, water jugs and ornamented glasses are some items that India produces. Silver engraving is also done for the embellishments of the products among them tea kettles, lids for tea bowls, copper ladles and copper and brass prayer wheels are of high demand. Metal craft also includes the manufacturing of iron stoves, locks, keys and the embellishments of conch bangles with traces of brass and decorative designs that include dragons facing each other.

Brass, copper and silver sheets are all used in the art of metal craft. The product range includes utensils and art ware, hanging lamps, table tops, planters and plates. Sketches of the objects are first made on paper and then transferred on to the metal sheets. Mainly the products are hand made and machines are used only for the polishing effects. India has earned fame for manufacturing a special kind of metallic mirrors known as `Aranmula Kannadi` with bell metal, an alloy of copper and tin. It is believed by the local people that keeping this mirror brings good luck and brings prosperity and keeps evil eyes away.

Though the metal craft has been spread in a numerous divisions and flourished in different sects of culture, the metal art of jewelry remains a tradition. The art of jewelry involves the enameling, gem setting and engraving. So many modern techniques are introduced to make the jewelries more attractive and trendy as well as affordable for the common people. The metal craft includes umpteen numbers of metal jewelries made out of silver, gold, white gold, platinum, copper, bronze and so many alloys. Sometime the metals are carved, enameled and precious and semi precious stones are engraved on them. Kundans, bangles, armlet, `odiyaanam`(gold waist belt), `jimikki`(eardrop), `vanki`(armlet), `kadukkan` are some ornaments worn by the women of Indian cities. `Kammal`, `Jimikki` , `Lolakku` are some of the various metal wares that are famed and well admired among the teenages and women in different cities of India