Brassware art is very popular in Moradabad which is located in Uttar-Pradesh. Even, in many cities, states, town and across the world, Brass work is popular. According to archeological records, India is the largest Brassware making country in the world and its handicraft items are exported all over the world. Brassware art has been practiced in Moradabad over a thousand years that’s why Moradabad is called “Brass city” or “Peetal Nagri” in the local language.
Brass is a metal alloy made of copper and zinc, and it has been used for centuries to create various forms of art and decorative objects or things. The craftsmen here create a wide range of brass items, including utensils, decorative pieces (Chandelier, Laughing Budha), musical instruments and jewelry as well as the craftsman are very skillful in making images god or goddesses by using brass. Brass is usually yellow in color, like dull gold and in bronze that is generally a reddish brown.
Objects or Items which are made of brass are long-lasting, are considered pure using in festivals whether it is utensil or statue of God. Even, Blessed foods are made in utensil which is made of brass by Hindu. There is a myth of Hindu religious that making food and eating in brass utensil is sign of purity and there a lot of benefit of it such as It helps in getting rid of harmful bacteria, Beats the odds of illnesses, helps in losing weight and boots immunity.
History of Brassware Arts and crafts
In 1625, Moradabad was founded and named after Murad who was son of the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan. It is considered that Brassware art traces it roots to Moradabad and has now spread to the rest of cities, states and countries. Early in the 19th century, the art of creating brassware began to flourish, and the British introduced the craft to outside markets. Several hundred businesses in Moradabad are involved in the production and export of brass goods. Moradabad city is a designated special Economic Zone (SEZ) of the government of India.
Brass is used to create decorative objects from ancient times like coins, jewelry, musical instruments, sculpture of God, utensil and in many objects. Brass became popular for use in church art and architecture.
Preserving the brassware art
As we know, Brassware art is one of the most famous arts in the world that is made at Moradabad, in Uttar Pradesh by artist. Brassware arts are evolving with time, it is essential to preserve its rich legacy because it is providing employment to women and to family, to men who are jobless. By it, they can be self -dependent. Efforts are being made to promote and support the artists, ensuring that their artistry continues to thrive. Handicraft fairs and exhibitions provide a platform for artisans to showcase their work and connect with world-wide audience as well as Government should make competition among artist so that it will help them to enhance their creativity.
Additionally, the government and various organizations Should take initiatives to provide training and skill development programs to the artists, ensuring that the craft is passed down to future generations. These efforts not only help in preserving the craft but also promoting arts across the world. Moreover, Brassware arts exported all over the world whether it is musical instrument, jewelry, or decorative items that help to increase GDP of India, increase employment, even it is source of reserving foreign currency.
In addition to organizing craft fairs, the Indian government has established seven Zonal Cultural Centers (ZCCs) in various locations, including Patiala, Nagpur, Udaipur, Prayagraj, Kolkata, Dimapur, and Thanjavur to provide a market for the people making handicrafts.
Conclusion
From ancient time to now, Brassware art has some unique properties, which makes this art very special from other arts. Brassware is quite popular as handicrafts made of Brass are considered highly attractive, artistic and they are also attributed religious value by Hindus like (Karwa -Chauth, Maha-Shivratri, Durga pooja, Diwali, Teej, Ganesh Pooja or in many occasions. as well as it is sign of purity. Hence, we reached at this conclusion that, we should promote artist to keep it in practice. For that, Government needs to award them for their hard-works and efforts in the form of prize, money or trophy so that they could keep motivated for this art.