Gulabi Meenakari Handicraft

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About Gulabi Meenakari Handicraft:

It is one of the rarest crafts in India that is practiced in the bylanes of Varanasi, near Gai Ghat.
It is an art form from Persia and involves colouring the surface of metals by fusing different colours.
This art was brought to the city of Varanasi by Persian enamellists during the Mughal era around the early 17th century.
The word ‘mina’ is the feminine form of the Persian word ‘Minoo’ and means ‘heaven’.
It refers to the azure colour of heaven.
In Varanasi, it is practiced on jewellery and home decor items.
Minakari work uses very simple tools like salai (an etching tool), kiln, metal palette, mortar and pestle, kalam (a tool used to apply enamel), brass dye, small scrubbing brush, forceps and takala (a needle-like tool to apply colours).
This craft can be found popularly in three forms
- Ek Rang Khula Meena in which only gold outlines are exposed and a single transparent colour is used.
- Panch Rangi Meena in which the five colours of red, white, green, light blue and dark blue are used
- Gulabi Meena in which pink is the dominant colour.
Varanasi is highly popular for Gulabi Minakari.

Q1) What is handicraft?

Handicrafts are products that are made by hand using traditional methods and tools. Handicrafts often involve skilled craftsmanship and are created by artisans who possess specialized skills and knowledge passed down through generations.

Source: GI-tag craft prepared for G20 guests