Handicrafts of Telangana

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Handicrafts of Telangana:-

With the formation of Telangana state in the year 2014, there have been impressive strides in every arena. The state is known for its rich repertoire of arts and Handicrafts of Telangana and it is not an exaggeration to say that every district in the region, is home to one or the other form of arts and Handicrafts of Telangana, which is considered a rich and proud tradition of the state. In this regard, Telangana State Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd was established and Golkonda Handicrafts is now the official brand of Telangana Arts and Crafts. The primary objectives of Telangana State Handicrafts Development Corporation Ltd are promotion, development and marketing of artistic handicrafts and textiles and welfare of craft persons working in different craft pockets spread all over Telangana.

The Handicrafts of Telangana region has a strong presence for decades in the market. There is a vast range of Handicrafts from all over Telangana and it is an ideal platform to promote, showcase and market the products for the benefit of artisans and also to highlight the achievements of Telangana handicrafts. There is great enthusiasm in Telangana society to promote its own and exclusive brand, along with various ambitious activities and plans to make the brand a name to reckon with in the overall handicraft market at all India level.The capital city of Hyderabad is well-known for its range of crafts like:-

Banjara Embroidery, Bidri, Leather items, Pearls, Lacquer studded bangles and jewelry, Hand Embroidery and Glass Blowing crafts.

The eminence of these Handicrafts of Telangana lies in their traditional method of creation. These Handicrafts of Telangana are loved and adored not only by Indians, but people from all parts of the world. Many inhabitants of the state still rely on the handicraft industry.

Scroll down to get more information about the famous Handicrafts of Telangana:-

Bidri Craft:–

This unique art of silver engraved on metal has always enthralled people with its lure. Bidriware is a renowned metal handicraft that derives its name from Bidar, presently in Karnataka. It was believed to have originated in 14th century AD during the reign of Bahamani Sultans. The term ‘Bidriware’ therefore represents the manufacture of a unique metalware that is named after the region of Bidar. The Bahamani sultans had ruled Bidar in the 14th–15th centuries. Bidriware was first practised in ancient Persia and then it was brought to India by Khwaja Moinuddin Chisti’s followers. The art form developed due to a mix of Persian and Arabic cultures and after the fusion with local style, a new and unique style of its own was created. The Nizam of Hyderabad introduced the art form in Aurangabad, which was part of Nizam’s Hyderabad state before 1947. Bidriware is an eight-stage process. Those are moulding, smoothening by file and the process of designing by chisels. It is then followed by engraving using chisel and hammer where pure silver inlaying is done. It is subjected to smoothening again, followed by buffing and finally oxidising by making use of soil and ammonium chloride. Bidriware is therefore manufactured from an alloy of copper and zinc metals, in the ratio 1:16 by means of casting. Initially the presence of zinc ushers alloy a deep black color. Firstly, a mould is created using soil and this is made malleable by adding castor oil and resin. The molten metal is later poured to create a cast piece followed by smoothened through filing. The casting is further coated with a strong copper sulphate solution to gain a temporary black coating. Then the designs are etched freehand over this using a metal stylus.This is eventually secured in a vise and the Bidri craftsmen make use of small chisels to engrave the designs over this freehand etching. Fine wire or even flattened strips of pure silver are clearly hammered into the grooves.The item is then filed and buffed, as well as smoothed to remove the temporary black coating. This results in a silver inlay that is not that clearly distinguishable compared to the gleaming metallic surface, which is now completely silvery white. The Bidriware item is now completely set for a final blackening process. Here, makers use a special variety of soil that is available only in select places. This is mixed with ammonium chloride and water for producing a paste. The mixture is further rubbed onto a heated Bidri surface that darkens the body without affecting the silver inlay.The paste is clearly rinsed, revealing a shiny silver design looking stunning and resplendent against the rest of black surface. The oil is applied as a finishing touch for the product to strengthen the matt coating. The finished product is now shining black with a brilliant silver inlay. The makers of Bidriware create designs like flowers, leaves and also geometric designs, stylized poppy plants, human figures etc. In some countries there is a great demand for the design of Persian roses and also the passages from the Holy Quran in the Arabic script.Bidriware was also used for making paanholders, hookahs, and vases as well as bowls, ornament boxes, earrings, trays and other jewelry and showpiece items. The world famous artistic metallic Work which was on a decline few decades ago is currently on the revival path following the introduction of several innovative designs and new patterns.The designs represent Indian to international themes in tune with latest home and lifestyle needs and interior spaces. Bidar in Karnataka state and Hyderabad in Telangana are the popular centres for Bidriware in India and it is also practised in some of the other centres across India. Due to the striking inlay artWorks, Bidriware is considered an important export handicraft item from India’s handicraft market and seen as a prized symbol of wealth. This native art form has also gained the Geographical Indications (GI) registry.

Banjara Needle Crafts:-

Banjara Embroidery and Needle works are made extensively by the nomads of Telangana. The nomadic tribe or the Banjara are believed to be the descendants of the gypsies of Europe thousands of years ago who subsequently settled in the desert areas of Rajasthan. They are considered to be among the most colourful tribes in India owing to their colourful dresses and jewelry. This nomadic group of Banjara practice the craft of Banjara tribal embroidery as well as mirror work. Originated from the Northern part of India, the popular tribe of Banjaras moved towards the Deccan Plateau in South India in 17th century during the reign of Aurangzeb, a Mughal Emperor. They are now widely spread over Deccan Plateau, and they live in small villages which are known locally as “tandas”. Fine clothes and tribal jewellery ushers beauty for the Banjara women who wear their cherished jewellery in all its finery. Banjara women wear colourful ghaghras, cholis, and odnis with bold mirrors and appliqué work. Banjara Embroidery and Needle works are made extensively by the nomads of Telangana. The colourful and rural lifestyle of Banjaras are displayed in the form of high-spirited clothes.When compared to the Banjaras of Telangana, the embroidery done by the Kutch Banjaras and Gujarat Banjaras is different. The embroidery is truly unique in its style and the matchless quality is achieved with a combination of brightness and originality. The intricate embroidery done through this art form is marked by many geometrical combinations like diamonds, squares, and triangles. The colorful threads used in the embroidery are largely symbolic of the vibrant life style of Banjaras. For embellishing an article, they also employ beads, shells, and mirrors. The sunlight which is reflected through the colourful mirror accentuates the splendid beauty of this work. Mirrors are used widely in Banjara Embroidery marking a distinctive feature. A cornucopia of designs as well as figures are created with the help of simple stitches such as herringbone, chain stitch, as well as short and long stitch. Banjara Embroidery is known for its exclusive vibrancy in terms of the colors and the use of other articles like coins, woolen tassels, cowrie shells, beads, mirror, cotton and others as embellishments. The textiles that are embroidered by Banjaras simply looks stunning. The The embroidery is done mostly on blue or a brown colored cloth which are quilted. The cotton or woolen thread is used for creating intricate embroidery. This ensures that the color contrast looks prominent. Some of the quilting stitches are used for the purpose of patterning wherein the cotton threads are used for creating many unusual geometric patterns. The beautiful fabrics made by them is characterized by some of the vibrant colours, elaborate embroidery and exquisite mirror work. The different set of products made through Banjara embroidery includes bags, purses, belts, cushion and pillow covers, quilts and bed spread, apart from skirts, salwar suits, blouses etc for women. The embroidery also makes use of silver, cowries, brass, animal bones and gold. The products are popular and admired by customers all over the world for its rural charm and aesthetics. Banjara embroidery is considered delightful and the products are sold widely in the art and craft market. Telangana state occupies a prominent place with varieties of Banjara art and embroidery made by the nomadic tribes of the region.

Dokra Metal Crafts:-

It is a tribal metal craft practiced in Jainoor Mandal, Adilabad District of Telangana. Dhokra is a form of ancient bell metal craft practiced by the Ojha metal smiths living in states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal and Telangana. However, the style and also the workmanship of this artisan community varies in different states. Dhokra or Dokra, is also known as bell metal craft. It is a tribal metal craft practiced in Jainoor Mandal, Adilabad District of Telangana. The village is located about 59 km from Adilabad district headquarters and nearly 264 km from Hyderabad. In Telangana, they are also known as Ojjis who make brass metal art objects using the complex but the perfect lost wax technique for casting of the metal. The technique of lost wax casting is being practiced in India for more than 4000 years and even to this day, it is in use by these craftsmen. This was clearly observed in the objects recovered from the ruins of Mohenjo-Daro. These Dokra artifacts are mainly made in brass and are highly unique wherein the pieces do not have any form of joints. The whole object is fully handcrafted. The traditional designs are considered highly aesthetic in nature and a collector’s delight. The method of making Dokra is done by combining the metallurgical skills with that of the lost wax technique. The handicrafts are known for combining the metallurgical skills with wax technique for making artefacts of distinctive look and beauty. The lost wax technique is a distinct form where the mould is used only once and broken, which makes the figure one of its kind in the handicraft market. There are two process of lost wax casting. The first one is Solid casting which is the method followed in the South and hollow casting, practiced in other states. The hollow casting method makes use of clay core method, treated as the traditional method. The workmanship is practiced by the Woj community, who create the idols and figures. There are about 50 families in Adilabad district who are skilled in this ancestral craft, which is also a labour intensive work. In this process, firstly the hollow casting is used for making a clay core that would define the way the object is created. The core is further filled with bee’s wax and resin etc. This wax is further shaped while finer details are made with proper embellishments. This job is mainly dependent on the carver’s skill, which is then covered with clay and there are drains made on the mould so thatthe wax can be drained after the mould is heated. The wax is replaced next by molten brass, gold, bronze or silver which is left for hardening inside the mould. The mould is subsequentlychipped away for retrieving the object inside. Finally it is polished and the finished product is put on display. Dhokra is considered highlylabour intensive because even a simple piece requires 4-5 days whereas the complicated designs may require 2-3 weeks. The designs made are metal figurines, elephants, folk motifs, peacocks, horses and also household articles such as measuring bowls. The work is popular across the domestic and international markets due to the aesthetic and primitive simplicity. The work mainly involves folk motifs, peacocks, elephants, horses, lamp caskets and other simple traditional designs. Dhokra represents the exquisite variety and glory of Telangana’s handicrafts.

Pembarthi Brass:–

Pembarthi Metal Craft is a popular metal handicraft made in Pembarthi of Warangal district, Telangana State, which is widely known for the exquisite sheet metal art works. The intricate sheet metal brass engravings and artefacts made here can be traced back to more than 800 years. Pembarthi is a village situated about 80 km from Hyderabad. The region has witnessed glory during the period of the Kakatiya dynasty which had spanned 500 years. Pembarthi has a rich history of outstanding workmanship of the Metal workers or the “Vishwakarmas”. Therefore, the process of Sheet metal workmanship became popular as it adorned the vigrahas (statues) as well as vahanas (chariots) of several Hindu temples. With great patronage accorded to temples in Kakatiya kingdom, the Pembarthy sheet metal work attracted attention from all over the country. Since most of the ancient temples in Telangana region were built under the patronage of the Kakatiya rulers, these temples bear the signature style of Pembarthi craftsmen. The metal craft reached the pinnacle of perfection following the higher degree of skills that were displayed by the master craftsmen. The Vishwakaramas of the region were renowned for their rare skills in this form of metal sculpture.It is also known popularly as the Pembarti Brassware. It has become an essential artefact in every handiwork exhibition and has also become synonymous with Telangana’s artistic heritage. After the advent of Muslim rule, Pembarti craftsmen subsequently evolved their art style and decorated individual items such as betel nut cases or paandaans, perfume containers or Ittar pots, hanging metal Chandeliers or Jhummars, vases, special plaques and mementos. The skill survived the setbacks of political conditions while the post-independence era has witnessed resurgence of this art that reoriented according to the changed demand patterns. There has been more emphasis on the utilitarian aspect in addition to the exotic. Pembarthi Brassware, over the years has captured the essential nuances of both Hindu and Muslim influences, which has seamlessly blended into both cultures. The craft form has received the prestigious Geographical Indication, which is indeed an honour for the craft.

Pochampalli Handlooms:-

Pochampally and the cluster of many villages in Yadadri-Bhuvanagiri district of Telangana are renowned for world-famous Ikat designs and dress materials. Here the threads and colours created by skillful weavers are used in the process of making beautiful sarees and dress materials. Popularly called as the Ikat or Tie and Dye weave, the uniqueness of Pochampally fabric lies in the transfer of design and colouring onto warp, for weaving them deftly together. Pochampally has many traditional looms, and many of these designs are more than a century-old. Telangana is considered as one of the ancient Ikat weaving centers of India, in addition to the states like Gujarat and Odisha. Pochampally Ikat is also known locally as Chitki, Pogudubandhu, and Buddabhashi in the region of Telangana where it is produced, whereas in other parts of India, the handloom design is popularly known as Pochampally. The Ikat design has its own unique pattern, which is different from other Ikat producing centers of India. There are more than five thousand looms producing this textile in this region. The fabric used is cotton, silk and sico, which is actually a mix of silk and cotton. Ikat represents a weaving form wherein the warp, weft and even both are tie-dyed before they are weaved to create any designs on the finished fabric. Great care is taken from tying of the resistant areas with the water repellent material. The precision of the wrapping process decides clarity of the design. After wrapping, these warp threads are dyed. When these are eventually finished and unwrapped, the areas under these ties retain the original colour. Numerous colours are then added once the additional wrappings are done. Designs are worked out usually on graph paper before the actual weaving process begins at the Pochampally handlooms. The natural movement during the process of weaving gives the Ikat designs a form of feathered edge, which is indeed a highlight of this technique. Pochampally handlooms are widely known for the durability of the colours that are used in the yarn. Pochampally Ikat is a well-known form of saree made in Bhoodan Pochampally and these are popular for their traditional geometric patterns with the Ikat style of dyeing. The intricate geometric designs are mastered by the hands of skilled weavers here who make beautiful sarees and dress materials at the several handlooms which are run in the villages of this region for decades. The handlooms have been upgraded with changing times while customized designs are created based on the order and demand from customers. Pochampally village has made it to UNESCO tentative list of world heritage sites under the “iconic saree weaving clusters of India”. The weaving here is carried out in Pochampally, Sripuram, Chuigottala, Koyalgudam, Chowtuppal and Galteppala and other villages that are situated close-by. Pochampally represents a prestigious weaving tradition of Telangana. The fabric is marketed today through a cooperative society, other related organizations as well as the master weavers and the business houses which are located in Pochampally. Pochampally saree also received Intellectual Property Rights Protection or Geographical Indication (GI) status in the year 2005. Pochampally Ikat is a registered property of the Pochampally Handloom Weavers Cooperative Society Ltd & the Pochampally Handloom Tie & Dye Silk Sarees Manufacturers Association. The Pochampally Handloom Weavers’ Co-Operative Society Ltd. was established in 1955 and it has a turnover of more than 2.5 crores per annum currently. The associations markets and sells their products all over India and in the process it has also received few awards and rewards as well. The Pochampally Ikat sarees command a very good market in India and overseas as the weavers also make use of modern synthetic colours for creating exclusive designs, considered typical of the Indian saree tradition. In fact, the air hostesses of Indian government’s official air carrier, Air India wear specially created Pochampally silk sarees.

Nirmal Art:-

Nirmal Art is 400-year-old rich tradition that encompasses soft wood toys and attractive paintings as well as furniture, occupying its pride and place in the larger world of handicrafts. Nirmal toys are world famous traditional wooden toys that are exclusively made in the town of Nirmal in Adilabad district of Telangana, India. Nirmal Art is 400-year-old rich tradition that encompasses soft wood toys and attractive paintings as well as furniture, occupying its pride and place in the larger world of handicrafts. The toys are made of finely carved wood. The town of Nirmal in Adilabad district has always been famous as a production centre for many items, especially war cannons and toys. The foundries established her supplied ammunition to Nizam army of Hyderabad state while he Naqqash craftsmen as well as artists contributed their skill in the form of the exquisite wooden toys and duco paintings which is collectively named as Nirmal Art. Hence, the legacy of Hyderabad Nizam’s is also one of the reasons why this art flourished extensively. There are many elegant toys and paintings which are produced by these Naqqash artisans in this town which is located close to National Highway No. 7 and situated at a distance of nearly 220 km from Hyderabad. According to local traditions, the Naqqash families of Rajasthan migrated here during 17th century and it is they who brought this art. The Naqqash artisans initially produced these toys from the local variety of softwood. These are called poniki or even white sander. Since they also make use of the duco colours, the Nirmal paintings are known for a typical shine. The Nirmal toys are even painted in enamel colours, which bring a unique identity to them. The novel talent of the Nirmal artists especially in synthesizing the Indian and Moghul schools of art is admired very much. The actual origin of the Nirmal craft can be dated back to the Kakatiya era. The motifs which are used in Nirmal craft are derived from the floral designs and frescoes found in Ajanta and Ellora art forms and the Mughal miniatures. There are many utilitarian and decorative articles created in Nirmal style. Nirmal toys are also painted with an herbal extract, imparting golden sheen. Nirmal toys are popular as they are embellished with exclusive and rich oil colours. The Mughal miniatures’ painting on the white wood ponki is considered as very attractive and is sold widely to collectors of art. Nirmal paintings and toys have received a good market and impetus in Hyderabad over last few decades. The ‘Nirmal Industry’ which comprises of Nirmal paintings, and handicrafts, today commands the international market with good prices being fetched for the artisans and others who are involved in this trade. In fact, Nirmal toys are considered the pride of Telangana and the town has become synonymous with quality art, toys, paintings and furniture. The toys made in Nirmal are considered to be ideal for gifts and souvenirs and hence they are widely popular. The Nirmal Toys Industrial Cooperative Society established in the year 1955 is home to many artisans and it is the principal toy making unit. It is said that a visitor to the Northern part of Telangana state wouldn’t return without buying something from Nirmal. The strategic location of the town connecting North and Central India with South India from several centuries has also contributed for the variety and exclusivity as well as the popularity of this art. The Nirmal toys and paintings are believed to be a perfect attribute for creative living spaces, office spaces and art galleries. The tradition of toy making by the local artisans is a matter of academic interest for craftsmen from all over the world and these toys are a brand in itself, which makes it appealing and attractive for everyone.

Bronze Castings:-

Telangana has been known world-wide for its amazing Bronze castings. These castings require special skills to create incredible idols. The craftsmen are required to study details of the ‘Shilpashastra’. The aesthetics of the idols are made by their physical measurements, proportions, description of the deity, characteristics and symbolism. While exercising solid casting of icons, the mould is prepared by several coatings of different clay on a finished wax model. This process provides the fine curves to the cast-image.

 Lacquer Ware:-

In Telangana, Etikoppaka is famous for its amazing lacquer ware. This craft involves application of lacquer on wood. Lacquering could be done either by hand or machine. The hand-lathe is preferred to shape delicate items. The lac is applied when the objects get arid. In this process, the lacstick is hard-pressed against the woodenware meant to be lacquered. Since the object keeps on revolving, the friction generates heat, which softens the lac and facilitates the color to get stick. With the help of brush, designs are painted on the figures, objects and toys. The lac bangle is the most popular lacquerware that also comes embellished with stones, beads, glass and mirrors.

Silver Filigree:-

The roots of Filigree can also be traced back to the Italian and French metalwork from17th to 19th century. Filigree, called earlier as filigrann or filigrene represents a delicate form of jewellery metalwork, and it is usually made of gold and silver. The pieces of work are accompanied by tiny beads or twisted threads, or both of these in combination. These are soldered together to the surface of a same metal object and arranged in the form of artistic motifs. The roots of Filigree can also be traced back to the Italian and French metal work from 17th to 19th century. The English word filigree is derived from the Latin word “filum” which means thread and “granum” means grain that signifies a small bead. Karimnagar region in Telangana is home to many highly skilled artists who practise the delicate craftsmanship called filigree. They are skilled in creating many articles through Silver Filigree such as Spoons, cigarette cases, buttons boxes, ashtrays, jewelry, buttons pill boxes, paandans and also perfume containers. They create special designs involving Peacock, parrots and fish which are clearly depicted in the perfume containers. The artisans of Karimnagar display fine mastery wherein they twist the delicate silver wire into delicate loops. These are knitted in a form of zigzag pattern which results in an intricate lace like appearance. Filigree work, which is made using the twisted silver wire ushers a rare charm. The silversmiths crimp the thin strips of fine silver and create loops that are filled with designs formed by thicker and attractive silver strips. These strips and fine silver are further deftly soldered. The versatility of the art is not restricted or limited by tradition. The art has been extended from jewelery to other household articles these days like tea-trays, ornament containers, key chains and even cigarette boxes. This is considered an ancient metal work which is practiced in the traditional way. These artifacts are made of alloy containing more than 90% Silver and for several decades, the artisans have maintained the craft by updating themselves with the market requirement. They also use Platinum polish which ushers a brilliant glare on the items.The silver used in the art is extracted through a series of smaller holes for producing the fine strings of silver threads. The string is the special element in the filigree jewellery. Traditional items made with this are figures of animals, birds as well as flowers. Karimnagar Silver Filigree also received the Intellectual property rights protection or Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2007. The delicate filigree work of Silver Filigree is therefore considered as a great craft which is widely popular. There is a lot of demand for Silver Filigree from all over India, while the art collectors too come here to document the stunning work of filigree. Customers purchase Silver Filigree products with a lot of enthusiasm since it is a rare form of craft. It has been passed on since generations and represents the artistic as well as cultural pride of Karimnagar district in Telangana. The fine Silver work is a task to master and hence only skilled craftsmen are considered adept at this tradition.

Gadwal Handlooms:-

Gadwal, in the state of Telangana is considered world famous for the handloom zari sarees. Gadwal, in the state of Telangana is considered world famous for the handloom zari sarees. The local weavers are highly skilled wherein more than 5 meters of saree fabric could be folded to fit into something as small a match box. Gadwal Sarees are highly popular for many decades. The historic town is known for its characteristic cotton sarees that come with an attached silk border as well as silk pallu. The materials used in manufacturing Gadwal handloom sarees are Silk / Cotton and Zari. The silk border is made of Tussar or mulberry and the body is made using unbleached cotton. There is even colored cotton or silk checks used. Weavers also make pure silk models of Gadwal sarees. Gadwal handlooms are quite popular for the durability of the various colours that are used in the yarn. The mixture of these colours gives the durability. The count used in weaving technique results in the softness as well as the hardness of the fabric. The speciality of each and every thread used in Gadwal saree is that it is hand woven. For each saree, 4-8 days of efforts by two weavers is required. The process of making a Gadwal Saree starts with the process of dyeing silk or cotton yarn. Dyeing is a colouring process achieved by dipping the yarns in boiled color water at a very high temperature. The colours are applied based on the specification by weavers and orders from customers. After drying the yarn in shade, it is then rolled over small sticks and finally converted to thread. The yarn is now loaded as warp into the loom for the actual process of weaving. Gadwal Sarees are woven traditionally according to the interlocked-weft technique (Kuppadam or Tippadam) or Kotakomma (also called as Kumbam) with respect to the design of the borders. Hence these are also known as Kotakomma or Kumbam sarees.

Naryanapet Handlooms:-

The making of these handloom sarees of Narayanpet is described as a unique process, wherein eight sarees are made in one go on the loom. Narayanpet region in Mahabubnagar district of Telangana is renowned for its exquisite and unique cotton handloom and silk sarees, which are widely popular. There is a historic legacy behind the handloom industry of Narayanpet. It is said that the famous Maratha king, Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj had once travelled to this region where he rested for some time before continuing his journey and few weavers from his entourage, had actually stayed behind. It is these weavers who reportedly brought this tradition here of weaving sarees with a district design, which later came to known as the Narayanpet sarees. Hence, there is a clear Maharashtrian influence observed in these sarees. Narayanpet sarees have a characteristic checked surface design with embroidery while the border or the pallu features intricate ethnic designs. Narayanpet handloom sarees usher a contrasted look with the small zari designs. The making of these handloom sarees of Narayanpet is described as a unique process wherein eight sarees are made in one go on the loom. Therefore, instead of standard 7 yards of fabric which are generally mounted on the loom, about 56 yards of Silk will mounted, all at a single time. The Narayanpet handloom sarees are relatively lighter in weight and they can be worn by women comfortably all through the year. The borders and pallus of Narayanpet handloom sarees are very traditional, characterized by a rich pallu as well as a unique pattern of attractive and alternating red and white bands. The border is accompanied by a flat stretch of deep maroon, chocolate red or red colour. This is thinly separated by a clear pattern of white or coloured lines. Hence these sarees feature contrasting colours with truly attractive pallus and simple borders. There are even double shade sarees made here featuring blends like pink-purple and maroon-mustard. The Cotton-silk blends and the light pure silk sarees are the best models of Narayanpet sarees. The warp and weft of Narayanpet handloom sarees represent the 80’s style with combed cotton and these are dyed in Vat colours. The sarees are Handicrafts of Telanganawell-known for their durability of colors which were used in the yarn. The process of making each Narayanpet handloom saree begins with dyeing of the silk/cotton yarn. Dyeing is a process where the yarn is dipped in the boiled color water at a very high temperature. This process ensures that the color is spread uniformly all through the yarn while not affecting the quality of the yarn being used. The process of colouring is a crucial step and the yarn is dried under the shade and not under the sun. The dyed and dried yarn is finally loaded into the loom for the final process of weaving. The weavers here easily make 30 sarees out of one beam of warp. The handloom sarees of Narayanpet are traditionally woven using the interlocked-weft technique. Due to the affordability, as well as durability and low-maintenance, the handloom sarees of Narayanpet are quite popular. The fusion of Telangana and Maratha style is evident in the sarees of this region, thereby proving how the combination of various cultures results in variety and aesthetically appealing look. There is a huge demand for the handloom sarees of Narayanpet and apart from the main town, several villages in the region are also home to hundreds of weavers families who are dependent on this tradition for their livelihood. These sarees are usually worn by women during special occasions and represent elegance and rich look. It can be truly described as the pride of Palamuru, representing a rich legacy of handicraft traditions of the state of Telangana in South India.

Pearls:-

Hyderabad – The City of Pearls, is a one-stop destination for some of the rare, luminescent, soft and tear drop pearls of all sizes, hues and forms. Pearl is considered one of nature’s miracles and a marine jewel. It is one among the five precious jewels that have been used for the purpose of adornment for more than 5000 years. The lustre and lucidity of pearls makes this a symbol of purity and it is therefore considered as one of the most sought after jewels. Hyderabad, the heart of Deccan Plateau and the capital city of Telangana has earned the sobriquet of ‘Pearl City’ from a long time as the city is associated with the lucrative trade of splendid pearls and various forms of jewellery made using Pearls. Pearl trading was greatly encouraged by the Nizam’s and the Qutb Shahi rulers who are believed to have a lot of affinity for the sparkling jewel. The kings and queens adorned pearls on their robes and even crushed the pearls and applied it topically to enhancing their physical beauty. The wealthy life style led by the royals also resulted in the influx of craftsman from all over the world who were widely engaged in making quality pearl jewellery. Many families had migrated from Basra in Persia to Hyderabad centuries ago. Hyderabad is considered as the largest trading centre for pearls in India. Localities like PattherGaati and Laad bazaar are some of the old commercial areas of twin cities where pearls are traded. There are some pearl stores here which are more than a century old. Most of the pearls in Hyderabad are considered to be of good quality since it involves in-house manufacture while the designs are popular due to the incorporation of the inputs as well as trends from customers. There are necklaces, pearl pendants, multi-strand bracelets, pearl cluster rings, single pearl rings, earrings, brooches, stud earrings, cufflinks, as well as tie tacks and many more items made with Pearls. For those looking for lustrous pearl jewellery, it is Hyderabad which is the right destination to shop. The Nawabi city is a one-stop destination for some of the rare, luminescent, and soft and tear drop pearls of all sizes, hues and forms. These lustrous pearls of Hyderabad are crafted exquisitely by some of the best craftsmen of India, who leave no efforts to make fine quality pearl jewellery. There are pearl ornaments available in a profusion of excellent and stunning shapes and designs. Right from the tiny variety of rice pearls to the precious Basra,which is a rare variety, the city is known for unparalleledrange of these beautiful jewels. Quality pearls are procured from various sources and these pearls are drilled, followed by boiling for about four days for bleaching them and getting rid of the dark color. The pearls are then placed in glass bottles that are filled with hydrogen peroxide, water and also ether. Following this, they are kept for five days in glass sun boxes that consistof mirror base. Finally the pearls are washed and graded in terms of the different shapes, colours and sizes.Usually pink pearls and black pearls are considered to be of good quality while white pearls are traditionally popular. Most of the traditional Hyderabad jewellery comprises of white pearls. The village of Chandanpet near Hyderabad is considered special since almost the entire population here is engaged in the delicate and stunning art of drilling pearls. This is a skill which they had practiced for generations, and it also makes Hyderabad one of the largest pearl drilling centres in the country. Pearls from here are exported to even overseas markets due to the popularity as well as the skill of the artisans involved in the making of fine pearl-based jewellery.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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