When one says Tirupati Laddoo, one immediately thinks of the hill temple, and waiting in line to receive the prasad. This is also the logic behind the GI tag, where a product is characterized by the place it is from.
Never is it more apparent than in handmade sustainable crafts, whose name is synonymous with the place it is from!
One of these craft forms is Bidri, literally meaning “from Bidar.” A metal craft with its stunning black and silver look, the craft needs special soil from the fort of Bidar to complete the eight-step process and impart that distinctive black colour after oxidization. Around 200 artisans remain, with most of them doing this part time. The art came to India during the reign of the Bahamani Sultanate, in the 14th century, with master artisans from Iran. The master artisan left, but the craft stayed with the people, and also spread to other regions such as Aurangabad and Lucknow.
A finished Bidri bangle
Pipli, hailing from Pipli village in Odisha, is celebrated for its vibrant appliqué work. This craft involves stitching colourful pieces of cloth together to create decorative items such as bags, lamp shades, and traditional umbrellas. With roots tracing back to the 12th century, Pipli appliqué is traditionally used to adorn temples and celebrate festivals, showcasing intricate designs that often depict animals, nature, and mythological themes. The artisans employ a technique where colourful fabric is sewn onto a base cloth, resulting in striking visual patterns. Pipli’s aesthetic reflects the rich cultural ethos of Odisha, making it a beloved art form both locally and internationally.
Cherial art of Telangana is another art form named after the village it’s from. It’s known for its scroll painting, depicting local folklore, religious themes, and daily life. Cherial paintings are created on cloth using natural dyes, and the storytelling aspect of these artworks makes them particularly captivating. Traditionally used in street performances and storytelling, these paintings continue to be cherished as decorative art pieces. Club Artizen has worked with Cherial artists to create a range of modern products for today’s green living.
These three crafts, along with several others, remind us of the roots of the craft, binding us to our heritage and educating us on the need to preserve these sustainable crafts for generations.