India: Covid-19 killing bidriware sales and leaving artisans in the lurch

Most of the bidriware artisans, who operate their own business, boast the legacy of their forefathers.

The virulence of Covid-19 has dealt a severe blow to the bidriware artisans of Bidar in north Karnataka. The famous, exquisite black metal craft with silver inlay work from Bidar, which brings these artisans a sizeable revenue is now desperately seeking buyers, leaving around 180 artisans in the fort city high and dry. They however, have not lost hope, and believe that their creativity and resilience would see them through these dark times.

Mohammed Saleemuddin, a well-known face in the bidriware sector, laments that of the numerous artisans he hired before the pandemic, only a handful could be offered jobs as demand had plummeted to a new low. Presenting a grim picture of the bidriware industry, Saleemuddin says that with negligible tourist inflow coupled with very low export orders, this royal handicraft may not survive beyond another 15 years if efforts are not put in to revive the craft.

Most of the bidriware artisans, who operate their own business, boast the legacy of their forefathers. They have been craftsmen for generations. Saleemuddin says these artisans have been demanding a museum to exhibit their products as tourists flock in droves to the historical city of Bidar known for its historical fort. This old city has other attractions as well — Madrasa Mahmud Gawan, a university of repute of the 15th Century; Rangin Mahal (coloured palace); a complex housing the Lal Bagh; the Solah Khamb Mosque built by Qubli Sultan in 1423, among others.

According to Saleemuddin, a sales counter outside the museum would benefit the craftsmen.

“The courage and the indomitable spirit of our artisans keep us from despair despite the challenges confronting us as a result of pandemic,” said Abdul Basit, owner-artisan, who is the son of M.A. Rauf, a name to reckon with in bidriware. He seemed optimistic. “Yes, the lockdown has definitely affected bidriware craft, but of late, business has been slowly picking up; we have started receiving some orders for office and home décor items.”

Obaidullah Khan, who is into marketing of bidriware, however, disagrees. “With tourist footfall at an all-time low, and drastic drop in exports, the pandemic has broken our backs. Expos and exhibitions which offer a good platform to showcase and sell our products are either not happening or it is not that easy to participate because of Covid restrictions. Also, before the pandemic set in, the government used to buy our craftworks in substantial quantities to gift them to visiting dignitaries and guests, but that is not happening now. We have been churning out craftworks, but they remain dead stock. We only hope the government would give us the required push by assisting us in promoting and marketing our products.”

The online sale website, bidrihandicrft.com, is an initiative that supports these artisans. “We are eager to help this sector recover from the impact of Covid-19,” Obaidullah said.

The fact that around 700 artisans were engaged in the production and trade of this elegant craftwork some years ago, but only about 180 of them are continuing to pursue this trade now, underlines the fact that this craft is on the wane.

Mohammed Saeed Khaja Mia, president of Bidri Association, which works for the welfare of these artisans, believes that certain urgent steps are necessary to preserve this handicraft and the culture it represents.

He laments that artisans, who have not had work during the pandemic, are looking for other avenues of work, resulting in shortage of trained hands. “Many senior artisans, who have been unable to work owing to old age, or have died, are seldom being replaced, leaving a big gap in the production process due to non-availability of craftsmen. Unless the government intervenes by providing loans, and training artisans, bidriware production will slowly die out,” he said.

Asked about e-commerce business opportunities in this sector, Mohammed Saeed said: “Only a few have courted the e-commerce platforms to survive the pandemic. A majority of them do not have the skill required for e-commerce selling.”

Mohammed Saeed added that the assurance given by the Karnataka Minorities Development Corporation Ltd that 133 artisans in this sector would be provided loans, had not materialised yet and they are waiting for the good news.

Mohammed Saeed added: “Bidar’s young artisans must be made to understand that working in this traditional craft is a matter of national pride. They must be encouraged to learn, practice and carry forward the skills imparted by their forefathers. We again urge the district authorities and other agencies to come forward and help us in this time of crisis.”

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