HYDERABAD: AS part of the World Telugu Conference, handicrafts and handloom stalls from Telangana have been set up in LB Stadium.V Parvathi, a Dhokra artist from Adilabad, has items carved out of brass on display. Her family is one of the few in the district who make intricately designed pieces, which vary from `500 to `10,000. The works include metal figurines, folk motifs, animal figurines and other show pieces.
“It takes around four days to create one figurine. We purchase brass plates or pots from local stores in Adilabad, melt them and then spread it on things made of mud. The raw materials cost us around `1500,” shared Parvathi. Her family has been doing this for generations now and this is the only thing she knows, she added.
Call Ojha metal smiths, and Ojjis in Telangana, these artisans are spread across the states of Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, Odisha, West Bengal besides Telangana. The art form dates back to 4,000 years and is completely handcrafted.
Though state events such as the ongoing conference provide a platform for her art form, people who visit the stall complain about the high prices, said Parvathi. “There is very little awareness regarding the art form and hence they bargain. However, we are happy that this is at least keeping it alive,” she said. Her artisan card issued by the Ministry of Textiles has helped provide a platform for them, she added.