Metal works is the centuries old craft which is still popular in Himachal Pradesh with the name Mohra. The metal work called mohras represents deities like—Lord Shiva and others which are most commonly found in Kullu and Chamba.
The metal craft or metal work made in Himachal
Pradesh usually signifies the unique jewelleries prepared by the expert
metal-work designers, to preserve the tradition of the Himachal Pradesh. Many
of the doors of the temples in this region are crafted with the metal,
especially the Buddhists are very fond to use the metal crafts, and thus they
use them in their monasteries.
Significance of Mohra Metal Work in State
Himachal Pradesh is one of the great states of India that makes Indians
proud with its amazing architecture, natural beauty, arts and crafts such as
painting, stone carving, jewelries, metal works like Mohra and so on.
The metal work of the state also includes the tradition of creating
beautiful metal jewelries that are artistically created, few namely bangles,
bracelets and so on...as per the state’s tradition. Every town of this state
has its own unique metal-craft-mohra which is as old as the 14th century A.D.
The metal works of Himachal Pradesh are most popular in the world, and
has been the main tourists’ attraction, because of its flower designs. Whereas,
there is another metal craft work which is very different and most popular with
the name Metal-craft-mohra. Such metal works are found in very famous places
like—Chamba, Kullu, Bharmour, Kangra and so on.
The metal work artists are practicing the art and have become
professionals in the unique creations. The statuettes at the temple entrances
of Brahmaur, or the Vajreshwari Devi temple, are the very few fulgent models of
excellent metal craftswork. Even, the temple doors of Vajreshwari Devi,
Jwalamukhi, Bhimkali and Chandika Devi, explore the great craftsmen installed.
Another metalcraft unique to Himachal is the mohra. Mohras or metal
plaques representing a deity are common in Kullu and Chamba. The metal crafters
who design the metal craft work use bronze, copper, iron, and bell metal as
well.
Apart from the glittering statues, many home items are made such
as—lamps, handles, bells, and many others, by using the metals. Another unique
metal object, prepared are glass or a small pot to preserve water can be found
in different shapes and size, which drags attention of the tourists or the
local people.
The metal crafts of Himachal Pradesh are not just supplied to the
temples, monasteries etc. but, they are served to every person in common. As
per the history, the metal craft in Himachal Pradesh is developed because of
the region’s law court of the kings, who were experts in metalwork during the
period of 600 AD. Since then, the metal craftsmen have been practicing the art
and have become experts in this unique craft making.
Materials and Tools are used in this craft
Tools:
Metal burner, metal cutter, metal bender, metal roller, drill
presses, lathes, and pipe products.
Materials:
Materials used to prepare mohra metals may vary from district to district or from
village to village in Himachal Pradesh. In General, metals or materials that
are used in creating Mohra metal work includes—the gold, silver, brass, bronze,
mercury, copper, iron, tin and bell metal as well.
Popularity of Mohra Metal Work
The life of the Himachal Pradesh people is highly determined by the
religious beliefs and rules where the worship process is very expandable. To
worship, the temples need several items or materials, which are made by metal
like copper, tin, and many others. Metal contains copper, tin, brass, bell
metal and iron. Despite of the shining statues, there are many objects which
are made by using metal like lamps, bells, musical instrument, and vessels.
The metal word done in Himachal Pradesh is a kind
of tradition that lets artists to make beautiful metal jewelries that are
artistically created. The jewelries also include- The Pahari jewelries that are
artistically created and give the same charm of nature, which it borrows from.
Also, there is another kind of necklace made out of metal called ‘Chandahaar’
which comprises 5-7 rows of quality gold beads. Usually, such jewelries are
worn by Pahari women who wish to dress-up with metal bangles, beaded metal
necklaces etc.
These Mohras have been available since last 1,400 years
ago till now in Himachal Pradesh, and can be seen a lot in temples especially
during the giant festivals like Dussehra at Kullu district.
Craft Process
In livelihood
Himachal Pradesh is very popular for the special metal work called
‘Mohra’, and every village of this region has its own mohra metal, where the
metal-craft-work of Himachal Pradesh stands as the antique metal works, and is
most commonly found in several temples of Himachal Pradesh in the form of
statues of gods and goddesses appear as ‘mohras’ or metal plaques.
One of the most interesting crafts of Himachal Pradesh is the art of
metal craft. Chamba district was the foremost centre of metal casting; also,
the temples of Bharmour and Chamba are carved with bronze, by a professional craftsman.
The tradition of bronze or image casting was introduced by Kashmiri
artisans at Chamba, where some craftsmen still practice the metal craft
work to become a master of metal carving.
Among the handicrafts,
Himachal Pradesh has also a very famed quality metal crafts like bangles,
earrings and many other items which are created using copper, brass, mercury
and bell metal. While, the statues made of copper and brass are beautifully
carved, whereas bells and mugs have very excellent designs sculpted. The metal
works also include lamps, whose handles are beautiful carved in temples. Even
some items that include— jugs, trumpets etc. are also made of the copper or
bronze metals.
The mohras made of brass
and copper usually contain carvings of Lord Shiva and Goddess Durga of Chamba
and Kullu. The metal work of the Kinnaur district displays a unique style of
Buddhism and Hinduism. While, another type of ornament called ‘Lahaul-Spiti’,
influences the Tibetans with its design that is created with semi-precious
stones such as coral, giant pearl, and so on.
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