Metal crafts of Central India flaunt the fusion of ancient and contemporary style in their process of manufacturing. Numerous metals like silver, gold, bronze, iron and alloys are employed in creating different metal handicrafts. The Indian states of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh are distinguished in the arenas of making metal crafts. Jewelleries, bell metal artefacts, votive lamps and other items of religious significance are also created in Central India. Different types of utilitarian products, folk jewelleries, bell metal objects, figurines of Hindu deities and `Dokra` crafts are among the manifold handicrafts of metal.
Metal Crafts of Madhya Pradesh
Metal crafts of this state vary between different regions. Madhya Pradesh manufactures highly artistic folk jewels, which are distinctive, attractive and depict different socio-cultural backgrounds of the various tribes. These exclusive jewellery pieces are created out of gold, silver, bronze and alloys by the tribal people. All forms of tribal jewellery, lamps, and figurines of Hindu deities are made here.
The craft of iron casting is popular in Madhya Pradesh, and this traditional art are mastered by the local communities like `Gond`, `Muria`, `Dhruva` and `Bhatra`. Exclusively designed iron `Diyas` or lamps have a ritualistic significance in the state as these are given to daughters as part of their bridal gifts. Metal jewel boxes of Bundelkhand are instances of the creative excellence of the metal craftsmen of this Indian state.
Tribal people residing here make `trishuls` or tridents, which are a symbol of the Hindu deity, Lord Shiva. The created items are sometimes chiseled and carefully polished to bring an extra sheen to the crafts. Tikamgarh, Jhabua, Sheopur-Kalan, Nimar and Malwa regions are famous for folk jewelleries of Madhya Pradesh.
Metal Crafts of Chhattisgarh
Jewelleries comprise one of the most significant metal handicrafts of Chhattisgarh. Metal ornaments are crafted by expert artisans and also the tribal people of this region. These are popular among the natives as well as the tourists who visit this Indian state. Alloys, and metals like bronze, silver, gold and silver are utilized to produce different kinds of metal crafts. Residents of Bastar create magnificent metalware which display simplicity and cultural tradition. Bell metal castings, made from a process named as `lost wax` or `cire perude` are practiced by people of Bastar, Datia and Sagar. One will come across beautiful animal figurines of Raigarh, diyas of Sarguja and sculptures of Bastar.
Bastar, Lalitpur, Raigarh and Sarguja of Chhattisgarh are well known for their bell metal crafts. The local `Ghadwa` community are said to be adept in this craft. The metal images of tribal deities in this part of India are legendary. `Gadwakam` is another kind of metal craft which thrives in Chhattisgarh. Sculptures of `mahua` tree and those of local deities like Mouli Devi, Dhanteshwari Devi and Pardesin Matadevi are included in this exclusive metal craft. Dokra crafts also prosper in Chhattisgarh.
A majority of tribal metal articles are quite favourable in India, and portray the deft craftsmanship of the tribal metal artisans of Central India. Such products have earned them recognition within the nation. There are a wide variety of products which are manufactured with the aide of metals and alloys, in this part of the country. Various techniques are utilized to create metal ornaments, and the craftsmen engaged in crafting jewelleries have been associated with this craft since several generations.
