Metal crafts of Southern India are the continuation of the ancient Indian craft that indicates a rich Indian tradition with an abundance of mythological influences. The elegant creations carry the theme of ancient legends and are extensively used in plaques, containers, vases and other items. While Tamil Nadu utilizes ancient metals like brass and copper to manufacture metal crafts, Andhra Pradesh silver, brass and several alloys are used to create metal artifacts. The process of bronze casting is quite popular in certain portions of Karnataka.

Metal Crafts of Andhra Pradesh
`Bidri` craft is the most celebrated metal craft of Andhra Pradesh. The term Bidri is obtained from Bidar, the place of its origin which is a district of the Bahmani kingdom found in the 14th century. This craft is said to be the amalgamation of the Mughal, Persian and Iranian culture. Exclusive instances of Bidri craft are found in jewelleries, statues, carvings, pots, hookahs, trays, and bowls which are found in abundance in Andhra Pradesh. Royal palaces in this region were adorned with rich Bidri work in olden days. Bidri craft involves inlaying of silver on black metal.

Silver filigree craft of Andhra Pradesh is famous for their intricate designs, made form silver wires. Animals and birds, dominated creative filigree work, which is also carried out to create trays, cigarette case, key chains and other decorative pieces.

Metal artisans produce spectacular handmade products composed of brass sheets, particularly in Pembarti. Cooking utensils, flower pots, flower vases in fascinating shapes, figurines and various other objects are manufactured from brass in this Indian state. Budithi village is renowned for its products made of brass alloys.

The Bronze castings are also examples of artistic exuberance of Andhra Pradesh. The famous bronze idols created with metals are based on the verses from the `Shilpashastra` which are termed as `dhyana`. `Dokra` metal craft is also another important feature of Andhra Pradesh. Dokra castings generally comprise of home decoration accessories like ornamental bells, door knobs, lamp holders, lamps, chains, figures and various symbols of tribal folklore and religion, and exquisite tribal jewellery of ethnic Indian designs and patterns.

Metal Crafts of Tamil Nadu
Several metal products like lamps, `deepam`, `aarthi` or votive lamps, `deepalakshmis` which represent Lord Agni are renowned in Tamil Nadu. The metal craft of Tamil Nadu includes some religious items including religious deities of Indian mythology. One of the most outstanding figures crafted in Bronze include the statues of Lord Shiva dancing his cosmic dance. Standing Lamps, Hand Lamps and Chain Lamps, shallow dishes in the shape of circular, hexagonal, octagonal and oval prepared from sheet brass and copper sheets are popular in this region. Geometrical patterns and designs of birds, flowers and deities adorn the metal Thanjavur plates. Bronze castings in this state are also acclaimed for their creativity.

The metal craft of Tamil Nadu has a distinct style of creating bronze figures which are generally measured by `thala`. The artisans of Tamil Nadu are deft in creating artistic designs in the statues that are the evidences of the creative excellence and the rich cultural heritage of Indian history of art and crafts. Some of the most remarkable statues of Tamil Nadu have been cast from both bronze copper and the history says that the creations belong to the Chola Period.

Metal Crafts of Karnataka
Metal work industry is an important part of Karnataka people and numerous families are involved in this industry and earn their livelihood from it. While some parts of Karnataka manufacture beautiful bronze casting products, other regions specialize in bell metal crafts. Mangalore is famous for the bell metal works and Nagamangala is famous for bronze casting.

Udupi and Kartala are both centers which are famous for Jain statues. Karnataka is also the abode of a unique damascene metal work technique known as `Bidri` which has Iranian designs on to a metal alloy composed of lead, copper, zinc and tin, which they blackened and polished. Pen stands, plates, candle sticks and paper knives are a few of the Bidri products. Betel-nut boxes, lamps, goblets, bangles, hookahs are some of the masterpieces with elaborate patterns.

Metal Crafts of Kerala
The polished bronze mirrors are a distinct craft of Kerala. Various kinds of metal artifacts are available in Kerala which include home decoration items and kitchenware. Jewelleries, horse-lamps, figurines, furniture and lamp stands are the other famous metal crafts of this Indian state. Such crafts promote the cultural beauty of the state, due to their ethnicity. The bell metal is indigenous product of Kerala. Brass, copper and bronze is used to sculpt idols of Hindu deities for the purpose of consecration in temples. Bell metals are also utilized to make `varpus` or hemispherical-shaped basins, utensils and multi-layered lamps. The art of `Koftagari,` which is a craft of encrusting one metal into another, is a specialty of India and is practiced by metal craft artisans based in the area of Trivandrum. Fancy articles, embedded with beautiful floral designs, figurines of deities and landscapes are a few of the innumerable objects which reflect Koftagiri craft.

Numerable parts of Southern India are engaged in the production of different kinds of metal objects, which are in high demand in the nation. However, Kerala is considered the most significant contributors in this field, with multiple bell metal products, among others.