Pembarthi Metal Crafts
Pembarthi is a small village located in the state of Andhra Pradesh
at about 100 kms from Hyderabad. The village is famed worldwide for
its unmatched brassware tradition. This meticulous brass work art
flourished during the reign of Kakatiyas empire. Kakatiyas extensively
used sheet metal art to adorn chariots and temples. But the art lost
its significance with the collapse of the empire. However during the
rule of Nizams of Hyderabad the brass work got back its lost glory.
Pembarthi becomes a must visit for all the lovers of art and crafts
and specially for those who are keen to know a great deal about the
sheet metal art.
¤ History of Brass work in India
Earlier in India the artists basically showed their inherited talent
in various stone carvings in and around temples. But later when brass
became common they began experimenting with this material. The ruins
of the Vijaynagar empire at Hampi are the perfect examples of brass
work brought in to focus by the ancestors of Pembarthi craftsmen.
Though being one of the finest arts of India, it has somehow managed
to survive only in the small village of Pembarthi.
¤ The Flourishing Art
Just as a relief from mass produced dully uniform items many
customers from different countries prefer unique items of Pembarthi
craftsmanship. The Pembarthi designs are very different from Muradabad
and Benaras brassware though the brass sheet used is the same. The
material is being used by many architects in the design of several
items. The demand of deities and other Koranic carvings has declined
but the artisans are busy making prize shields, commemoratives, gifts
and wall plaques. The Pembarthi craftsmen are trying to pass this
craft tradition to their children and hope to find this art in a very
widespread state in the coming future.
¤ How To Reach
Pembarthi is located at a distance of 100 kms from Hyderabad and 60
kms from Janagaon Warangal district.
By Air - Hyderabad airport is the nearest airport.
By Rail - Janagaon and Warangal are the nearest railway
stations.
By Raod - From Warangal, Janagaon is well connected by road.
There are buses that pass at a frequent intervals. Private transport
is also available.
|
