Design Resource
Varakh - Jaipur
The Art of Silver or Gold Foils
by
Prof. Bibhudutta Baraland Antony William
Tools and Raw Materials
• Tools:
Tools used are as follows:
Auzaar (Booklet):
This is a book of, mainly 160 pages in which small pieces of silver and gold are kept and hammered to make Varakh. The pages are made up of the fine outer skin of sheep and goat. Skin is treated with a liquid extracted by boiling several herbs like, kesar, javitri, daal chini, clove, milk etc. Skin is dipped in this liquid for few days and then taken out and dried. It is applied with edible colors to enhance the look. It is believed that after this treatment the skin is no longer considered as non-vegetarian and the Varakh made in this is completely pure.
Pushti (Leather Book Cover):
160 or 1170 auzaars are kept in a cover called Pushti. This cover is made with high precision as a slight mistake in size may affect the Varakh.
Hatodi (Hammer):
Heavy metal-head hammers are used to beat the book to make Varakh.
Phalua (Steel Cutter):
This is used to cut the Varakh while shaping it.
Cheep (Plucker):
This is made up of bamboo strip and is used to hold the Auzaar while cutting the Varakh
Paibandi (Finger Cover):
It is a small leather piece, which is tied on the index finger while cutting Varakh. This prevents the sticking of foil on the fingers.
Chadaa (Beads):
A string of small beads are used to rub on Varakh coated metal products to give it a shine.
• Raw Material:
The materials used for making Varakh are as follows.
Dali (Gold and Silver):
Pure gold and silver biscuits are used to make fine foils.
Makol (Powder):
A fine powder used to apply on hands while cutting the Varakh. The powder is procured from a stone found in Himachal Pradesh. It is edible and grinded to make fine powder.
Tools used are as follows:
Auzaar (Booklet):
This is a book of, mainly 160 pages in which small pieces of silver and gold are kept and hammered to make Varakh. The pages are made up of the fine outer skin of sheep and goat. Skin is treated with a liquid extracted by boiling several herbs like, kesar, javitri, daal chini, clove, milk etc. Skin is dipped in this liquid for few days and then taken out and dried. It is applied with edible colors to enhance the look. It is believed that after this treatment the skin is no longer considered as non-vegetarian and the Varakh made in this is completely pure.
Pushti (Leather Book Cover):
160 or 1170 auzaars are kept in a cover called Pushti. This cover is made with high precision as a slight mistake in size may affect the Varakh.
Hatodi (Hammer):
Heavy metal-head hammers are used to beat the book to make Varakh.
Phalua (Steel Cutter):
This is used to cut the Varakh while shaping it.
Cheep (Plucker):
This is made up of bamboo strip and is used to hold the Auzaar while cutting the Varakh
Paibandi (Finger Cover):
It is a small leather piece, which is tied on the index finger while cutting Varakh. This prevents the sticking of foil on the fingers.
Chadaa (Beads):
A string of small beads are used to rub on Varakh coated metal products to give it a shine.
• Raw Material:
The materials used for making Varakh are as follows.
Dali (Gold and Silver):
Pure gold and silver biscuits are used to make fine foils.
Makol (Powder):
A fine powder used to apply on hands while cutting the Varakh. The powder is procured from a stone found in Himachal Pradesh. It is edible and grinded to make fine powder.
