Rupa Tarakasi

Rupa Tarakasi Latest News

Cuttack’s centuries-old Rupa Tarakasi,silver filigree industry is getting impacted by the soaring prices and fresh import curbs push on silver.

About Rupa Tarakasi

• It is one of the most exquisite silver crafts.
• This centuries-old, sophisticated craft is practiced in the silver city of Cuttack, Odisha.
• In Odia, “tara” means wire and “kasi” means to design.
• Origin: While the exact origin of the filigree art in Cuttack is not clear, it is known to have existed as far back as the 12th century.
• Patronage: The art form received considerable patronage under the Mughals.
• Over the years, as Cuttack transitioned through the hands of different rulers, the silver filigree took on a new form with each.
• Process

• • As part of Rupa tarakasi, silver bricks are transformed into thin fine wires or foils and used to create jewellery, artefacts or showpieces.
  • While different grades of silver are used in the main metal alloy, the craftsmen also use other metals like copper, zinc, cadmium, and tin.
• The artists involved with this filigree work are called “Rupa Banias” or “Roupyakaras” (in Odia). 
• This craftsmanship extends to creating various items, including jewellery worn by Odissi dancers, decorative artifacts, accessories, and religious and cultural pieces.
• The famed handicraft work received a geographical indication (GI) tag in 2024.

Source: IE

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