Shopper's Paradise: Brass &
CopperWare
India
is the largest brass and copper making region in the world with thousands
of establishments spread all over. For articles made out of one or more
pieces of metal, the copper or brass sheet is first marked out by a pair
of compass and the piece or pieces cut off by a scissor called 'katari'.
The required shape is made by alternate heating and hammering, and is
finally turned on the lathe. The final polish to the articles is given on
the lathe itself.
Moradabad is famous for utensils, both
utility and ornamental, made of white and electroplated brass and cropper.
The engraving is either 'sada (plain)' or 'sia kalam'. Modern streamlined
articles of Swedish design in polished brass or burnished copper are also
made here, satisfying the demand for modern accessories and sophisticated
interior decoration.
Varansai, in Uttar Pradesh is the
first city in India for the multitude of its cast and sculptured
mythological images and emblemta in brass and copper as well as household
utensils.
In the recent years Mirzapur has also emerged
as one of the important brass industries of Uttar Pradesh. Goods produced
have an all India market, with a portion being exported to other
countries.
Some of the most beautiful and interesting matalware
of India for daily as well as for ceremonial purposes are crafted in Kashmir,
Bihar, West Bengal, Assam, Orissa, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.