IN PICTURES | Hyderabad's Qalai: The magic craft of 'fire polishing' vessels

Qalai, the age-old polishing technique to make huge cauldrons and vessels shine gold-like, still exists in the old areas of Hyderabad. This sheen is achieved by applying tin foil with a thick pad of old cotton soaked in Nausadar (Ammonium Chloride) ash. The workers then move the foil within the vessel after it is heated on fire. These artisans of fire continue their work tirelessly in pockets of areas behind Charminar. (Photos | R Satish Babu/EPS)