Introduction
India’s legacy of metalwork is among the oldest in the world, reflecting both technical mastery and spiritual symbolism. From casting temple bells and ritual lamps to crafting bronze icons and tribal artifacts, metalwork has always held a sacred and artistic place in Indian civilization. The Bell Metal and Metal Craft Clusters across India preserve techniques such as lost-wax casting (Dhokra), repoussé, filigree, and engraving, often passed down through generations of skilled artisans.
Tourism
Visiting the Metalwork and Bell Metal Clusters of India offers travelers and tourists a rare opportunity to experience the timeless artistry of India’s living metallurgical traditions. In these clusters, artisans continue to use ancient techniques like lost-wax casting, engraving, and repoussé to create temple bells, ritual lamps, idols, and decorative objects that radiate cultural and spiritual significance.
Tourists can witness the mesmerizing process where molten metal meets the craftsman’s devotion, transforming raw elements of fire and earth into sacred art. Beyond observation, visitors can engage with artisans, learn about symbolic motifs, and purchase authentic handcrafted pieces directly from the creators.
Promoting tourism in these clusters not only preserves India’s age-old metalcraft heritage but also empowers artisan communities, ensuring that this sacred fire of craftsmanship continues to shine for generations to come.
🛕 State-wise & Union Territory-wise Metalwork & Bell Metal Clusters of India
Andhra Pradesh
- Budithi (Srikakulam District): Famous for Budithi brassware, characterized by geometric designs and graceful utility items handcrafted from brass and bronze.
- Penugonda (West Godavari): Known for traditional bell metal artifacts and lamps used in temples.
Arunachal Pradesh
- Tawang & Bomdila: Skilled artisans craft Buddhist ritual objects and bronze statues influenced by Tibetan metal-casting traditions.
Assam
- Sarthebari (Kamrup District): Renowned for bell metal and brass utensils, the cluster produces traditional Assamese household and ceremonial items like “xorai” and “bota.”
- Hajo: Produces both Hindu and Islamic ritual metalware—a symbol of cultural harmony.
Bihar
- Maner & Banka: Known for brass and bell metal utensils and decorative art pieces.
- Darbhanga: Produces temple lamps, ritual bells, and traditional kitchenware.
Chhattisgarh
- Bastar (Jagdalpur & Kondagaon): Home to the famous Dhokra metal craft, using ancient lost-wax casting to make tribal figurines, lamps, and ornaments.
- Raigarh: Produces large bell metal and bronze sculptures inspired by tribal folklore.
Goa
- Mapusa & Ponda: Craftsmen create brass oil lamps, church bells, and copper utensils, influenced by both Hindu and Portuguese traditions.
Gujarat
- Kutch (Bhuj & Nirona): Known for bell-making villages like Nirona, where handmade iron bells (Ghantadi) are crafted without welding.
- Jamnagar & Ahmedabad: Brass and copper utensil-making clusters using traditional hammering and engraving techniques.
Haryana
- Rewari & Rohtak: Produces brass utensils and engraved copperware with traditional northern designs.
Himachal Pradesh
- Mandi & Kullu: Skilled metal artisans create temple bells, ritual lamps, and idols for local shrines using centuries-old Himalayan techniques.
Jammu & Kashmir (UT)
- Srinagar: Famous for copperware engraving (naqashi), including samovars, trays, and vessels adorned with floral and calligraphic motifs.
- Ladakh: Monastic metalwork includes ritual lamps, gongs, and bronze statues inspired by Tibetan iconography.
Jharkhand
- Hazaribagh & Dhanbad: Produces Dhokra metal artifacts similar to Bastar, depicting tribal deities and rural scenes.
- Ranchi: Handcrafted bell metal utensils and votive lamps.
Karnataka
- Udupi & Mangalore: Known for temple bells, brass lamps, and pooja utensils made by hereditary artisan families.
- Bidar: Famous for Bidriware — a unique inlay metal craft using silver designs on blackened zinc-copper alloy, blending Persian and Indian artistry.
Kerala
- Swamimalai (Tamil Nadu border region): Renowned for Chola bronze icons, though many Kerala artisans train there.
- Aranmula (Pathanamthitta): Known for the Aranmula Kannadi, a handmade metallic mirror made from a secret alloy.
- Payyanur & Kottayam: Produce traditional bell metal lamps and temple utensils.
Madhya Pradesh
- Tikamgarh & Betul: Produces tribal Dhokra metal figurines and decorative artifacts.
- Jabalpur: Brass and bell metal utensils with engraved folk motifs.
Maharashtra
- Saswad (near Pune): Known for bell metal idols and brass utensils used in temples.
- Kolhapur: Creates bronze icons and ritual lamps with ornate detail.
- Mumbai (Thane): Houses artisans who preserve traditional brass engraving techniques.
Manipur
- Thangjam (Imphal Valley): Metal artisans craft ritual lamps, temple bells, and bronze utensils influenced by Vaishnavite traditions.
Meghalaya
- Nongpoh: Small tribal workshops make ritual bells, gongs, and jewelry from brass and bronze.
Mizoram
- Aizawl & Lunglei: Artisans create tribal ornaments and ritual accessories from brass and copper alloys.
Nagaland
- Mon & Tuensang: Known for tribal metal ornaments and weaponry, often made from hand-forged iron and brass.
Odisha
- Kantilo (Nayagarh): Famous for bell metal craft — utensils, lamps, and idols made using ancient casting techniques.
- Cuttack: Renowned for silver filigree (Tarakashi) work, though many artisans also produce brass and copper crafts.
- Dhenkanal & Khurda: Known for brass idols and temple bells.
Punjab
- Amritsar & Jalandhar: Brass and copper utensil-making clusters; artisans craft engraved pooja vessels and domestic ware.
Rajasthan
- Jaipur: Center for metal engraving and repoussé work, producing ritual objects and decorative art.
- Alwar & Jodhpur: Known for bell metal utensils and cast idols.
- Udaipur: Produces brass and bronze temple lamps.
Sikkim
- Rumtek & Gangtok: Buddhist ritual metal crafts — prayer wheels, bells, and vajras made for monasteries.
Tamil Nadu
- Swamimalai (Thanjavur District): UNESCO-recognized cluster for bronze icon-making, using the ancient lost-wax technique.
- Kumbakonam & Madurai: Temple metalwork clusters producing lamps, bells, and ritual implements.
- Nagercoil: Makers of silver and brass jewelry and idols.
Telangana
- Karimnagar & Warangal: Traditional brass and bell metal artisans produce idols, lamps, and utensils.
- Nirmal: Famous for painted brassware and lacquer-coated metal crafts.
Tripura
- Udaipur & Agartala: Small-scale bell metal and brass utensil-making units that cater to local rituals.
Uttar Pradesh
- Moradabad: Known as the “Brass City of India,” specializing in brass and bronze metalwork exported globally.
- Varanasi: Produces ritual bells, lamps, and copper vessels for temple use.
- Aligarh: Crafts locks, utensils, and engraved metal artifacts.
Uttarakhand
- Garhwal Region (Pauri & Tehri): Craftsmen create temple bells and bronze idols for local shrines.
- Almora: Known for brass utensil making and ritual metal craft.
West Bengal
- Dhokra (Bishnupur & Bankura): Tribal metal casting using the lost-wax process.
- Murshidabad: Produces engraved brass utensils and jewelry.
- Kolkata (Howrah): Metal artisans make ritual and decorative brass items.
Union Territories
Delhi (NCT)
- Old Delhi & Chandni Chowk: Clusters of brass, copper, and silver artisans creating lamps, utensils, and decorative art.
Ladakh (UT)
- Leh & Hemis: Buddhist ritual metalwork—bronze statues, gongs, and temple accessories crafted in monastic workshops.
Puducherry (UT)
- Auroville Artisans: Produce contemporary and traditional brass and bronze art objects using eco-conscious metal casting.
Andaman & Nicobar Islands (UT)
- Tribal Metalwork (Car Nicobar): Small-scale hand-beaten metal jewelry and tools made by indigenous Nicobarese artisans.
Sacred Metals of India: Bell Metal & Bronze Craft Trails
Journey through India’s living metallurgical traditions to witness the art of casting, engraving, and polishing sacred metals that continue to ring with the sound of devotion and heritage.