Bronze Art of Chamba | HPPSC HPAS Preparation - HPPSC HPAS (Himachal Pardesh) PDF Download

Metal Craft of Himachal Pradesh: A Marvel of Traditional Art

• One of the most fascinating crafts in Himachal Pradesh is the art of metal crafting, particularly in Chamba, which was once a key center for metal casting. 
• The temples in Bharmour and Chamba are adorned with bronze sculptures that showcase exceptional craftsmanship. This tradition of bronze casting was introduced by artisans from Kashmir, and the influence of Kashmiri art on the Chamba bronzes is evident.
• The bronze sculptures of Lakshmi Devi, Ganesh, and Narsimha in Bharmour, as well as Harirai and Gauri Shankar in Chamba, are renowned examples of this artistic heritage.

Cire Perdu: The Lost Wax Process

• The method used for casting metal images in Chamba is known as Cire Perdu, or the lost wax process. In this process, the image is initially crafted in wax. 
• A thin layer of clay is applied over the wax model, leaving a hole through which molten metal can be poured. Once the clay-covered wax model is heated and the wax melts away, the hollow space is filled with the molten metal, forming the final image. 
• After the metal cools and solidifies, the clay mold is removed, and the sculpture is chiseled to add finer details. Sometimes, silver is inlaid into the eyes for a striking effect.

Renowned Artisans of Chamba's Metal Craft

• Although fewer artisans practice this craft today, some continue to keep the tradition alive in Chamba. Sarna was a notable craftsman who created many iconic metal images in Chamba. 
• The tradition has been revived by artisans such as Prakash Chand, Hakam Singh, and Ramesh Chand, who are recognized for their excellence in metal craft. 
• Both Prakash Chand and Hakam Singh have been honored with the prestigious National Award for their exceptional contributions to this craft.