Copper handicrafts of India are handmade products made of pure copper by skilled artisans in India. They include copper vessels, pitchers, cups, idols, and accessories. Copper handicrafts are valued for their health benefits, beauty, and authenticity.
What is Copper?
Copper (atomic number 29) is a reddish-brown metallic element with the symbol Cu. It has high electrical conductivity, malleability, and corrosion resistance.
History of Copper Handicrafts in India:
- The Indus Valley Civilization (approximately 3300-1300 BCE), one of the first civilizations in the Indian subcontinent, possessed substantial understanding of metallurgy and metalworking processes.
- Copper artefacts unearthed at Harappa and Mohenjo-Daro, two significant towns of the Indus Valley Civilization, demonstrate ancient copper artistry.
- The Chola dynasty (9th to 13th century CE) of South India known for its beautiful bronze sculptures and copperware.
- Copper handicrafts developed under imperial patronage throughout the Mughal Empire (16th to 19th century CE) cookware, ornamental items and architectural features made to embellish palaces and courtly areas by the Mughal kings who had a strong affection for creative artifacts.
Copper handicrafts of India in different places:
- Kutch, Gujarat: Kutch artists are well-known for their exquisite copper artworks like engraved plates, trays, ornamental objects to produce distinctive patterns, they use classic processes using embossing and etching.
- Moradabad, Uttar Pradesh: Moradabad is well-known for its brassware and copper handicrafts. Using casting and embossing processes, the artists here make a broad range of objects like as cutlery, vases, and sculptures.
- Jandiala Guru, Punjab: Jandiala Guru’s Thatheras specialise in the ancient technique of hand-beaten copper kitchenware. They mould and polish the copper sheets with care, producing attractive and utilitarian things.
- Bidar, Karnataka is well-known for its Bidriware, a distinctive kind of metalwork that blends copper, zinc, and other metals.
- Rajasthan Copper handicrafts are well known. Jaipur and Jaisalmer using methods like embossing and hammering, artisans manufacture a variety of objects like cutlery, pots, and ancient water storage containers called as “Matkas.”
- Kolhapur, Maharastra is well-known for its traditional copper and brass goods like water pitchers, lamps ,ornaments
Techniques used to make copper handicrafts:
- Embossing
- Engraving
- Etching
- Casting
Benefits of Copper Handicrafts:
1.Health Benefits
- Copper products have antimicrobial characteristics, which hinder the growth of bacteria and lower the risk of illness.
- Skin and joint health: Copper promotes healthy skin and joint function by aiding in the formation of collagen.
- Copper serves as an antioxidant, neutralizing free radicals and bolstering the immune system.
- Water purification: Using copper drinking utensils helps to filter and ionise water, supporting healthier digestion and metabolism.
- Copper’s conductivity boosts brain activity and improves nervous system reactions.
2.Other Benefits
- Copper handicrafts have an aesthetically pleasing appearance and may bring a sense of elegance, warmth, and individuality to any area making them appealing ornamental objects.
- Copper is a long lasting metal that can survive the elements and makes them durable.
- Copper is a recyclable resource that decreases the demand for mining and the environmental effect of extracting and manufacturing new minerals.
- Copper handicrafts have there importance frequently associated with cultural value and history.
- There distinctive and historical characteristics makes them valuable investments or collections of Copper handicrafts made by experienced craftspeople.
- Copper handicrafts may have symbolic and spiritual implications, creating a sense of positive and cultural connection to the environment with its positive energy.
Copper handicrafts are a rich and diverse tradition of India, reflecting the culture and heritage of various regions.
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