Bidriware Brilliance: Unveiling the Metallurgical Alchemy of Deccan’s Unique Metal Artistry
摘要
The current study focuses on the investigation of elemental composition, microstructure, and metallurgical processes involved in the fabrication of Bidriware, a unique traditional art form originating from Bidar, Karnataka, India. Bidriware is renowned for a blend of artistic craftsmanship and metallurgical expertise that involves intricate inlay work using copper, silver, and gold over a distinct blackened cast metal surface. The energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry was used to examine the elemental composition of the Bidri alloy. Optical and scanning electron microscopy was employed to investigate the microstructure and reveal key insights into the alloy properties. Furthermore, the traditional metallurgical processes involved in fabrication of Bidriware, including metal casting, precise inlaying, and the distinctive blackening treatment achieved through the use of highly acidic soil from Bidar were studied in detail and explained. This work provides a scientific perspective on the traditional methods that contribute to the unique aesthetic and cultural value of Bidriware.