Popular Metal Handicrafts Of Pemberthy Village A Historical Study

Abstract

India, the cradle of culture and civilization has a rich source and origin of traditional arts and crafts that have endured for centuries, remaining authentic, innovative and ever creative, prized for their exquisite mastery and precious antiquity. The industry of metal sculpture has become very popular in Indian society and it has a great history of about five thousand years. The sculptures located in every temple are the obvious evidences for the heritage of the handicrafts in south India. Pembarthy village in Telangana state has a such history of superb workmanship of its metal workers or Vishwakarmas, which can be traced back to the grandeur and glory of Kakatiya Kingdom. Metal craft attained the pinnacle of perfection in the high degree of skill displayed by the master craftsmen. Pembarthy is said to have more than 600 craftsmen and artisans were renowned and recognized for their talented workmanship in Metal craft. The skill survived the ups and downs of the political and natural set-backs and the post-independence era witnessed resurgence of the art, which had oriented itself to meet the changed demand pattern that emphasized on the utilitarian rather than the exotic sincere efforts of Sri Ayla Aachary in approaching the government for financial assistance enabled the art to flourish in its present glory in pembarthy.  The transition from silver and gold to brass metal ware was initiated by this master-craftsman with Pembarthy being the pioneer in introducing brass crafts. Even though there are some challenges in terms of proper wages for the welfare of artisans and craftsmen, the patronage of the Pembarthi village popular metal craft is reassuringly encouraging.