Silver filigree is one of the rarest and most intricate art forms in India—an art that Telangana’s Karimnagar is especially famous for. For generations, the artisans of Karimnagar have preserved this delicate craft, shaping it with skill, creativity, and intense focus.
Every piece is made with precise measurements, and the final creations are breathtakingly beautiful. Their charm captures everyone who sees them, giving this art global recognition. Silver filigree has brought international fame to the Karimnagar district, and Local 18 presents a special story on this heritage craft.
With a history of nearly 400 years, silver filigree is an ancient handicraft. It flourished during the era of the Golconda Nawabs, the Qutb Shahi rulers, and the Asaf
Jahi dynasty, but over time, it began losing popularity.
The craft, which originally started in Elagandal village, later shifted to Karimnagar, making ‘Karimnagar Silver Filigree’ a renowned name. These products—crafted entirely out of silver—enjoy strong demand both in India and abroad.
However, many of the older artisans who once depended solely on this profession have aged, and younger generations show little interest in learning the skill. To revive the craft, a group of artisans came together to form SIFKA (Silver Filigree of Karimnagar Handicraft Welfare Society), which is now steadily pushing the art toward renewed recognition and growth.
Locally, young men, women, and anyone with interest are given special training to master silver filigree. According to SIFKA General Secretary Gadde Ashok Kumar, the art form has already won several awards.
Karimnagar Silver Filigree, which also holds GI (Geographical Indication) recognition, received a major opportunity when Ivanka Trump visited Hyderabad—its artisans were invited to set up a stall.
More recently, their work reached an even grander stage: during the G20 Summit, silver filigree pieces were presented as gifts to international delegates. For the upcoming summit in New Delhi, the central government has set up exclusive stalls to showcase India’s rarest crafts, and Ashok has once again been given a stall to exhibit Karimnagar’s finest creations.
These stalls will display stunning masterpieces crafted by Karimnagar’s silver filigree artisans. This exposure has earned the art widespread appreciation across G20 nations.
Recently, during his “Mann Ki Baat” address, the Prime Minister spoke about the filigree craft, mentioning that gifts made in Karimnagar were presented to various world leaders, who deeply appreciated them. His remarks sparked renewed conversation about the art, and artisans are delighted. They are now urging the government to take steps to protect and preserve this rare and historic craft.
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