Pembarthi Hasthakala

                                                          A Rich Heritage                                 

  India, the cradle of culture and civilization has been the rich source and origin of traditional arts and crafts that have endured for centuries, remaining authentic, innovative and ever creative, prized for their exquisite  mastery and precious antiquity. Along with the extraordinary wealth and diversity of styles in the form of artistic expressions, each area or region in India has specialized  crafts depending upon the availability of natural materials such as wood and metal. Traditional Crafts have a long history because of their inherent value , perfection of design and the distinctive style that is unique to each particular region. One such ancient art is Metal Art of Pembarthi , a picturesque village in Warangal District of Telangana.

                          

                                                Metal Artware- The Pride Of Pembarthy

Metal craft is not only among the finest, but also one of Indian’s most ancient crafts, dating back to more than 5,000 years. Metal and alloys like bronze & brass were used in ancient societies to make vessels for storage or for decoration, that cover a whole range of objects from the commonest utensils to the most intricately crafted masterpieces, coveted by connoisseurs of art all over the world. Pembarthi village in Telangana has a history of outstanding workmanship of its Metal workers or “Vishwakarmas”, which can be traced back to the grandeur and glory of the Kakatiya Kingdom. Metal Craft attained the pinnacle of perfection in the high degree of skill displayed by the master craftsmen. The Vishwakaramas of Pembarthi were renowned for their rare skill, both in stone and metal sculpture and were patronized by the rulers for building temple, creating ‘Vigrahas’ – idols of the gods, ‘Vahanas’ – the chariots and other artistic accessories of temple sculpture. The brilliance of their artistry is evident in the magnificent Vigrahas which are example of moulded crafts and ‘Keerthi Mukha’, ‘Prabha’ – Pinnacles, which adorn many famous temple of South India.

Artistic Creativity-Adding More Value 

The grandeur of Kakatiya period gradually gave way to the Nizam supremacy, ushering a change in the artware of Pembarthi. The Vishwakaramas in the Nizam period designed and crafted articles of domestic decoration and home use like Paandans, Nagardans, Ittar pots, Shangardans, custom made in Silver & Gold. During this magnificent period the number of artisans families at Pembarthi is said to have gone up to more than 600. Craftsmen and artisans were renowned and recognized for their talented workmanship in Metal craft. The skill survived the ups and downs of the political and natural set backs and the post independence era witnessed resurgence of the art, which had oriented itself to meet the changed demand pattern that emphasized on the utilitarian rather than the exotic.

The Vishwakarma Brass, Copper and Silver Industrial Cooperative Society

A United Achievement

The formation of a single Co-operative Society and establishment of a common facility centre and a splendid showroom for display of the exquisite Pembarthi artware is a significant milestone. It is the sincere efforts of Sri Ayla Achary, in approaching the Government for assistance that enabled the art to flourish in its present glory. The transition from Silver & Gold to Brass Metal ware was initiated by this master craftsman, with Pembarthi being the pioneer in introducing Brass crafts for decorative, domestic and utilitarian purposes.

The Vishwakarma Brass, Copper and Silver Industrial Cooperative Society A United Achievement  

The combined strength and the co operative functioning of the society has been able to provide ideal working conditions to more than 60 families of craftsmen, contributing considerably to their economic uplift and further flourishing of the art.Today, emerging as a creative and richly innovative art, moulding itself to modern trends preferences, the vast variety of Vishwakarama artifacts encompass a wide range of articles which includes, Hanging Lampshades, Decorative plant pots, Dashavatara Panels, Navagraha & Ashtalakshmi Panels in oblong and round shapes, intricately carved illustrated panels depicting the Gitopadesha, scenes from the Mahabharatha and Ramayana, created with highly embossed Nakshi work. Icons, Utsav Vigrahas, Vahanas and temple decorative ornamental articles are also crafted in intricate moulds of solid brass.

The Vishwakarma Metal Handicrafts are marketed through the Lepakshi Handicrafts Emporiums in Telangana and Handicrafts Development Corporation all over the country.