Varakh - Hyderabad
Varakh involves both silver and gold work. First the silver is converted into thin strips using a machine. These strips are measured and cut into small squares of equal sizes. A book is prepared in which the sheets are made of sheepskin, which is bind together with a wooden clip, which is then covered with leather pouch. The silver square pieces are arranged and kept between the sheets of the book and covered with the leather pouch. The book is then continuously beaten with hammer. The hammering spreads the silver pieces and converts them into thin foils. The artisan keeps checking the silver foil at regular intervals to make sure that the silver foils are properly converted or not. Once the foil is ready they are sent for packing. Newspapers are cut in rectangular shapes. A steel holder/stick is used to remove the silver foil from the book and place it between the newspapers. The newspapers are then packed and sold to the sweet shops.
One book holds 160 pieces of silver square pieces and produces 6 grams of silver foil. They are best marketed on festival and marriage times. Silver and gold foils are demanded by temples for polishing the temple idols.
