Meet the 68-year-old Padma Shri awardee preserving centuries-old Bidri art

India is known for its rich cultural heritage and Bidriware is a craft that has stood the test of time. One of the most famous Bidriware artisans in the country is Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri, who has been instrumental in preserving this ancient craft. He has been honoured with the prestigious Padma Shri award recently for his contribution to the art and craft of Bidriware.

Born on 5 June 1955 in Bidar, Karnataka, Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri hails from a family that has been engaged in the Bidri craft for generations. “My father didn’t want me to learn the art of Bidri as we struggled to make a living from it. He believed that pursuing art as a career wouldn’t provide a sustainable livelihood. However, my passion for Bidri was so intense that it felt as natural to me as swimming does to a fish. It was only natural for me to be drawn towards this craft,” says Rasheed, a Bidriware expert who began the art at the age of 10.

After completing his education (SSLC), he began working as a Bidriware artisan and eventually established his own workshop. Through years of hard work and dedication, he became proficient in the art of Bidriware and even explored novel designs and techniques. As a result of his unwavering commitment to Bidriware, he garnered immense respect within the artisan community.

History of the art

Bidriware is said to have originated in the kingdom of Bidar under the rule of Bahamani sultans in the 14–15th centuries. It is believed that the art form was brought to India by the famous Sufi Khwaja Moinuddin Hasan Chisti, who introduced it in the form of utensils. The unique style of Bidriware was created through the intermingling of Turkish, Persian, and Arabic influences with the local styles.

Adding to it the artist says, “Kaiser was renowned for his expertise in working with metals such as zinc, iron, silver, and gold, and he would secretly create his artwork without anyone’s knowledge. He preferred to work in hiding, unwilling to share his knowledge with others. Despite his reluctance, the locals were eager to learn from him and eventually succeeded in acquiring the art. The art form was eventually passed down through generations of artisans, and it spread far and wide.”

Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri is a master of this craft, and his workshop is known for producing some of the finest Bidriware products in the country. He has even conducted numerous workshops across the globe to share his knowledge and passion for the craft. “One of my students, Shaheeda, has emerged as a remarkable talent in the field and has become a master of the art form. I take great pride in her accomplishments,” says the artist who trained around 80 students as part of a government scheme.

The 8 steps of making a Bidri piece

Bidri art is an eight-stage process that involves “moulding, smoothening by file, designing by chisels, engraving by chisel and hammer, pure silver inlaying, smoothening again, buffing and finally oxidising by soil and ammonium chloride,” says Quadri.

The process starts with casting white brass into a mould made from malleable soil. The cast piece is then filed, coated with copper sulphate, and freehand etched with a metal stylus. The design is then engraved using small chisels and inlaid with pure silver.

Quadri explains that the final blackening process is done by mixing soil from a 15th–century fort in Bidar with ammonium chloride and water. The mixture is then rubbed onto a heated brass surface to produce a black patina. This selective oxidation process leaves the silver inlay shiny and striking against the black surface.

To finish the product, oil is applied to deepen the matte coating. Quadri believes that with better recognition and support, more young people will be inspired to take up the craft and carry it forward into the future.

Importance of soil

Bidri artisans use unique soil from a 15th–century fort in Bidar to blacken their wares, believing that the soil’s properties are essential to the process. According to Quadri, “The soil does not receive sunlight or rain for years on end, and this gives the soil its desired properties.”

He adds, “We identify the soil by taste and sneak out small quantities of it from the fort, which is a protected tourist attraction accessible to the public. However, the guards don’t seem to mind the occasional theft of soil, that’s how we buy soil.”

Chemical analysis has shown that the soil is rich in alkaline nitrates, which oxidize the copper in the brass to create copper(II) oxide, a black-coloured compound.

Quadri explains the scientific reason behind it. “Sunlight breaks down nitrate, which would explain why the soil in the parts of the fort sheltered from sunlight is rich in nitrates,” he says.

Dedication and contributions

The artist who has exhibited his work at international, national, and state-level events has expressed frustration with the lack of government support. Despite receiving numerous accolades, including the Karnataka State Award in 1984, the National Award in 1988, Shah Rasheed Ahmed Quadri’s exceptional skills in the Bidri craft have earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. He has been awarded the Shilp Guru Award of 2012, the National Award of 1988, the State Award of 1984, the Suvarna Karnataka Rajya Utsav Award of 2006, the Great Indian Achievers Award of 2004, and the Dist. Karnataka Rajya Utsav Award of 1996.

International recognition

Quadri’s talent has taken him beyond the borders of India, where he has demonstrated his craft in various countries, including the United States, Italy, Singapore, the Netherlands, Spain, Bahrain, and Oman. These visits have helped him to spread awareness about the Bidri craft and to showcase its unique beauty to the world.

Recalling his first international tour, the artist says, “In 1987, I learned that they were looking for artisans to showcase Bidri art in Boston, USA. I applied for it, and the selection process was held at the Salarjung Museum in Hyderabad. About 20 artisans from Hyderabad and 20 from Bidar participated, but I was the only one selected. I stayed in Boston for four and a half months to showcase the art form.”

The future of Bidri art

Despite the recognition Quadri has received, he remains concerned about the future of the Bidri craft. “My brother, son, and I are all involved in this craft. My son, who is 30 years old, has also taken up this profession as he wishes to continue our family’s legacy. I have even requested the government’s support to ensure the continuity of this art form for the generations to come.”