Adilabad brassware, an age-old craft 

​Adilabad: Brass handicrafts of Adilabad reflect the rich craftsmanship and creativity of artisans like Nirmal paintings. Hundreds of tribals in Tamsi, Talamadugu and Jainoor mandals are engaged in making brass handicrafts. It is an age-old profession for them. Many tribal craftsmen are self-taught as it is their hereditary profession. The brassware includes idols, puja and decorative items.

Speaking to The Hans India, Indrajit, a tribal craftsman of Bela Sri Rampur, highlighted the richness of the unique craft. His brass creations were displayed in several handicrafts exhibitions held in different parts of the country. Indrajit won the appreciation of former Governor C Rangarajan who bought his brass creations.
Explaining the greatness of brass handicrafts, he said: ``The unique craft is thousands of years old. Brass handicrafts of Adilabad have good export potential. It will bring prosperity to tribal craftsmen, if the market potential of brassware is tapped.’’

Rukhmabai, a craftswoman, said: ``We need to invest a lot on buying the raw material. Ideal weather conditions are needed to make brassware. The cost component of raw material is high in brass handicrafts.Hence, we have to invest more on making brassware. But we are not getting remunerative price for our products. The State Government should promote the ancient craft by providing better marketing facility for brass handicrafts.’’

Another craftswoman Draupadibai said: ``Brass handicrafts of Adilabad should be promoted on par with Nirmal paintings by the Telangana State Handicrafts Development Corporation to safeguard the interests of tribal craftsmen who are dependent on it for their livelihood. Provision of loans and other financial assistance to craftsmen and emphasis on marketing of brassware help revive the glory of the age-old craft.’’

By T Anjaiah