Madhya Pradesh's Bharewa craft heritage wins national recognition
President Droupadi Murmu presented the National Handicrafts Award to Bharewa artisan Baldev Waghmare of Betul. Bharewa metal craft also recently received a GI tag.
Bhopal. The heritage of Madhya Pradesh's traditional tribal Bharewa craft has received national recognition. On Tuesday in New Delhi, President Droupadi Murmu presented the National Handicrafts Award to Baldev Waghmare, a Bharewa artisan from Betul district in Madhya Pradesh. Bharewa metal craft was also recently awarded a GI (Geographical Indication) tag. Union Textiles Minister Giriraj Singh was present on the occasion.
What is Bharewa?
In the local dialect, 'Bharewa' means 'those who fill' (a reference to pouring molten metal). Bharewa artisans belong to a sub-group of the Gond tribe, which is spread across India, especially central India. The skill of metal casting is passed down from one generation to the next. The tradition of Bharewa metal craft runs parallel to the customs and traditions of the Gond tribal community; it is a blend of craft and ritual. Bharewa artisans shape symbolic images of deities. They also make jewellery such as rings and daggers, which are essential to wedding rituals in Gond families. Some ornaments, such as wristbands (kalaiband) and armlets (bajuband), are made especially for spiritual leaders or tantriks. Their workmanship on bangles is a sight to behold. In addition, a wide range of decorative and utility objects, such as bullock carts, peacock-shaped lamps, bells and ghungroo (anklet bells) and mirror frames, have found a place in the international craft market.
The Bharewa community is concentrated mainly in a few areas of Betul district, about 180 km from the state capital, Bhopal. Shri Baldev has helped reverse the declining number of Bharewa artisans. Through his dedication he has turned Tigaria village in Betul into a craft village, where Bharewa families now practise this unique art.
The Bharewa have deep knowledge of the religious customs and traditions of the Gond community. The deities whose idols they make are chiefly Lord Shiva, the supreme god of Hinduism, and his consort Parvati. Another is Thakur Dev, who rides a miraculous horse to protect the village and is believed to save it from calamities. There are also other deities of peace, prosperity, happiness and health.
In the small village of Tigaria, Baldev Bharewa has kept this tradition alive. He learned the art from his father and earned a name as a master craftsman. Baldev's family lives on the skill it has acquired through traditional knowledge, an artistic eye and hard work.
