Budithi Brassware - Srikakulam, Andhra Pradesh
India is the largest brass making region in the world with thousands of establishments spread all over. Andhra Pradesh is known for the Budithi art, which is a unique and special form of metal handicrafts in India. Budithi art was originated and practiced in the Budithi village in Srikakulam district. It is famous for making beautiful metal handicrafts in both traditional and modern styles. Brass is the main alloy that is used prominently in this art. Wonderful Brassware of this place nowadays getting popularity. Earlier this art has been in the tradition of this village and now it has become the profession of locals. Due to the efforts of the state government, its art has achieved enormous popularity.
The historic and modern styles used in Budithi art attract art lovers. Handicrafts in India using this art have fictional shapes ranging from appealing traditional to stylishly modern. They usually have little necks and fantastic body shapes and come with elegant charm. In Budithi, the water container locally called “Bindelu” has unique features, construction, and material composition. The people here have this handicraft deep in their blood that every new generation is master in preparing the alloy masterpieces that are not only modern but ethnically traditional. This handicraft is there since generations are carrying it forward elegantly, giving it a more traditional yet contemporary look. Artisan Mr. Ramakrishna is well in making Bindelu. This bindelu has high demand between January to May. These are exported to Sweden and Belgium. His wife, Mrs. Suryakala is also an artist who works in Lepakshi handicrafts. She is a state award winner and an International award winner with a cash prize of one lakh. The artisans use very simple and basic tools and types of equipment for manufacturing “Bindelu”. In equipment, a hand-driven air blower is very useful to set high temperatures and heat in a furnace. They use only one machine while manufacturing Bindelu. Introduction of the new machine can be done for cutting the circular part from the sheet. As the artisans are used to practice the existing method of manufacturing Bindelu for a long time, they find it comfortable to do with hand instead of a machine, considering accuracy, quality, etc. Here, the local community is engaged in creating really fabulous Brassware, which is made using a unique technique from alloys.
The Brassware is made with geometrical shapes with curves and lines forming simple yet striking presentations that are very attractive. The traditional utensils are used mainly for cooking. And present-day artifacts reflect the art form practiced by local artisans. The artisans are highly skilled in creating the right mix of alloys. The unique shine and attraction of Brassware make it very popular. Hindus consider brass items are ideal for a spiritual purpose. Nowadays, these items are also being made for utility purposes. A bright gold appearance soft metal, brass is usually classified as a copper alloy. It is believed that drinking water stored in a brass vessel is good for health. The zinc and copper present in the brass boost immunity and protect against illness.
