Bidri Craft

Bidriware is a metal handicraft from Karnataka, developed in the 14th century C.E. during the rule of the Bahamani Sultans. Due to its striking inlay artwork, Bidriware is prized as a symbol of wealth. The metal used is a blackened alloy of zinc and copper inlaid with thin sheets of pure silver. Bidriware originated in ancient Persia and is a mix of Turkish, Persian & Arabic influences, intermingled with local styles from which a unique craft form was born. Abdullah bin Kaiser, a craftsman from Iran was invited by the Sultan Ahmed Shah Bahmani to work on decorating the royal palaces and courts. It is rumoured that Kaiser integrated his skills with those of the local craftsmen, giving rise to a unique craft form, ‘Bidri’ under the rule of Second Sultan Alauddin Bahmani.