Karimnagar Silver Filigree

The Karimnagar Silver Filigree is a celebrated ancient art form from Karimnagar, India, renowned for its exquisite silver artifacts and ornaments crafted from fine, twisted silver wire. This delicate technique, known locally in Telugu as vendi teega pani (work done with silver wire), has a rich history spanning at least two centuries and received official recognition with a Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2007. Initially gaining popularity and patronage during the Nizam era, the craft is currently undergoing a revitalization, notably through the involvement of women artisans, which is helping to make these traditionally elite items more accessible to the common market.

History and Evolution of the Craft

The silver filigree tradition in the region is said to have been adopted about 200 years ago in the town of Elgandal, near present-day Karimnagar in Telangana. It later migrated to Karimnagar town in the early 20th century. Historical accounts credit a widely traveled professional goldsmith named Kadarla Ramayya, a native of Yalagandala, with introducing and establishing the filigree jewel technique after absorbing it elsewhere.

Patronage and Historical Significance

The craft flourished during the Nizam era, when rulers actively encouraged silversmiths to create intricate showpieces such as:
Exquisite silver plates
pandhan (a container, often for betel)
Other detailed artifacts
These historical creations, showcasing the fine, intricate trellis or Jali work made of twisted silver wire, were even made available for viewing at the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad.

Recognition and Protection

In a significant effort to safeguard its heritage and unique identity, the Karimnagar Silver Filigree was granted Intellectual Property Rights protection and Geographical Indication (GI) status in 2007. Despite this recognition, the provided text suggests that the age-old art and tradition still "cries for attention, protection and promotion."

Modern Revival and Economic Accessibility

In a major development to protect and promote this ancient art, women belonging to the goldsmith community in Karimnagar town have begun taking up the craft. A group of 20 women recently completed a rigorous four-month training program, encompassing design theory, and the practical use of silver wires and small silver pieces.
This involvement has had a significant impact on the craft's economic accessibility:
Earlier Market: Historically, silver filigree artifacts were heavy (weighing 500 grams to 5 kilograms), costly "lakhs" (hundreds of thousands of rupees), and thus restricted to an elite market.
New Accessibility: With the involvement of women artisans, who have started creating new, more affordable designs, products are now available starting from as low as ₹1,000.
As stated by Sri Ramoju Nagaraju, president of the Sri Laxmi Narasimha silver filigree society, this move is crucial in ensuring the beautiful craft endures and reaches a wider audience.

http://www.telanganatourism.gov.in/partials/destinations/heritage-spots/karimnagar/silver-filigree.html

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/women-master-the-art-of-silver-filigree/article19197738.ece

http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/silver-filigree-art-cries-for-promotion/article7284734.ece