About Mohra Metal Work of Himachal Pradesh

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.

References

http://www.himachalspider.com/resources/4359-Crafts-Himachal-Pradesh.aspx

http://www.indianetzone.com/41/metal_craft_himachal_pradesh.htm

http://www.indiaunveiled.in/subartscrafts/metal-craft-himachal-pradesh

http://www.ihcn.in/chamba/chamba/273-heritage-resources.html

http://www.culturopedia.in/Crafts/metal.html

About Jewellery of Himachal Pradesh

Jewellery of Himachal Pradesh is created usually with silver and gold. The jewellers who reside in the districts like Chamba, Mandi, Kangra, and Kullu were popular for their ornamenting skills.

In the past decades, Kangra was considered as a kingdom of Rajputs, who mainly used their enamelling skills in preparing silver ornaments by using deep blue and green colours. The ornaments, they usually prepare with silver are- egg shaped anklets, solid iron-healed bangles, hair adorns, forehead ornaments, chandanhaars necklaces that comes as a bundle of long silver chains linked by decorated silver pendants with motifs of some goddess are the unique pieces, which are needed for proper craftworks and skills as well. 
 

Significance of Jewellry in State

 

Himachal Pradesh is one of the regions of India where Tribal jewellery are available. The area of this state is dwelt by the Buddhist of Lahul and Spiti, also with the Hindu tribal families of Gujjar and Bakarwal nomads, and even with the Hindus who reside in the districts of Kullu and Chamba.

Many ornamental designs found in an Indian origin are mingled with Tibet designs, and various jewellery motifs are inhaled by the nature such as- a lotus flower, pipal tree leaves, and tiger’s head. For Example- Side face ornament ‘mulmentho’- a serially linked chain pendants. While, Chudamani is a head ornament designed in lotus shape, worn by parting the hair. Whereas, Kangan is another himachali bangle which looks thin and plain in its shape, but broadens towards the two ends and is engraved into heads of tigers, elephants, etc.

Amongst the most famous ornament in Himachal Pradesh is a head ornament; and bindi is a most common central pendant that is put on centre of the head, parting the hair; and silver chains extends on both sides till the ears. While, a bunch of decorative called shringar-patti is used to decorate the forehead, a fringe that contains pipal leaves or stars, moon or crescent shapes are enamelled on the middle forehead, are worn. 

 

Another jewellery of Himachal Pradesh that attracts every woman is the necklace called choker or kach, formed by many silver beads and two triangular silver plaques. Also, Chandramalang- a coin necklace is very famous in this region. 

Whereas, Chamba women wear a long silver chain round the head called shangli. While, Gaddi women wear chak ornament on their head, which is a silver domed top-of-head ornament that has across 12 varieties, few are namely- chak-boron-wala, chak-meena-wala, and a chak-phul.

The other amazing jewellery worn by married women, who reside at Kinnaur, is called khul-kantaie that contains many big earrings that hang from their hairs, on to their ears are mounted on a strap of cloth.      

                                                                                                  

Materials and Tools are used in this craft 

 

Tools:  Hammer, Jig, Bead Spinner, Jump Rings, Drilling Kit, and Pliers.

Materials: To make jewellery out of gold, silver, bronze or copper, general materials used are- beads (silver beads for silver ornaments, gold beads for gold, even colourful beads are used), ear wires, pins, crimps, chains, metals, colour parallelogram diamond pieces (square, triangle, and other shapes) etc. Even, materials like ivory, wood, and mud are used in preparing handmade jewellery. 
                                            

Popularity of Jewellery

Another most popular art crafts that have great demand in the region of Himachal Pradesh is the jewellery. The people, who live on mountain side, usually wear bead-styled jewellery that have big lumps of metals like- gold or silver and bordered with metals. The people of this region usually dress-up themselves fully with many types of jewelleries and thus, make it one of the most demanded art-craft to the people of Himachal Pradesh and the tourists as well.

The most popular jewellery of this region includes amulets, pendants, necklaces, and daggers etc. that itself has the local royal look, than the common gold and silver jewellery.

Himachal Pradesh which was ruled by the Rajputs long ago includes the jewellery that highlights the traditional Rajputs style of designed ornaments enamelled with gold and silver. The Rajputs were very popular for their designing skills and hence, this style is visible in their local jewellery items. Also, the very well-known designed ornaments include- oval shaped anklets, iron-steered bangles, forehead ornaments, chandanhaars or necklaces, embroiled together into a beautiful design, and other pendants. Another very famous jewellery item among the region’s women are kach- chokers made of silver beads and collar type of jewellery called hansali are also very popular ornaments. 
                                       

Jewellry Process

 

Firstly, jewellery makers will decide the ornaments to be made, whether bangles should be created first, or necklaces or ornament for head, etc. If necklaces are chosen by these artists, then, it becomes very essential to plan or sketch the necklace in a piece of paper before making design. The reason for sketching is that, it will be clearly known which design suits best, and get the perfect model that is designed.

Once, the plan is ready, designers will get all the essential items for preparing necklace, such as beads, metals, stones or diamonds, silver wire, and the tools like- jewellery driller to make the hole, bead spinner to spin and pass from the silver wire, jigs or pliers to bend the metal, or to connect the chain linking to one another; also, and ivory to make an ivory chain, even steel moulds are created as well. 

These jewellery designers usually prepare materials with their hands, through different types of moulds. They simply melt the silver, and pour the liquid in a bead’s mould to make beads; or in wire mould, to prepare silver wire, or use it to prepare silver plates, glasses or to make crowns, bells and so on. 

Once, the required materials get ready from moulds, with the help of tools, the silver or metal chains can be easily bent and linked in an artistic way. Silver or coloured beads are attached if needed; sometimes even pendants are used to give glamorous look to the necklace. This way, necklace is designed with the already sketched pattern. Later, they use silver polish to make the necklace glitter. Similarly, other ornaments are prepared.   
                                  

In livelihood

 

The jewellery of Himachal Pradesh is very different from other jewelleries, as people of this place, wear lumpy bead, and metal jewellery of the mountain people, which is very common and most popular in this region. Like, many other tribal groups, there are certain style of people who cover their body with ornaments. The jewellery market of this state is always filled with stalls that sell- amulets, necklaces, daggers and so on. 

In the present days, coin necklaces are extremely liked by Pahari women, who like to wear a chocker or kach, made of silver beads and the collar-type hansali, which are very common. All women wear bangles and silver bracelets, etc. which are usually seen in the shape of crocodile or tigers heads.

Both silver and gold ornaments are found in abundance at this place, where the womenfolk dress-up with beautiful silver ornaments throughout their body. All these are the examples of the different types of jewellery; wearing which, the tribal people of Himachal Pradesh feel proud.                 

                                     

References

http://www.indianetzone.com/12/tribal_jewelry_himachal_pradesh.htm

http://local-moda.blogspot.in/2013/02/tribal-jewelry-of-himachal-pradesh.html

http://camelcraft.com/himachal-pradesh-handicrafts.html

https://www.facebook.com/M2405/posts/255484291163964

Lodhi Garden

Lodhi garden is situated beside India International Center that is just 3 kms from Humayun's Tomb. And, Lodhi garden has been one among the historical gardens of Delhi. Also, the tombs of the rulers- Sayyid and Lodhi are found in this garden. 

During the period of 15^th and 16^th centuries, rulers called Sayyid and Lodhi rulers have installed this Lodhi garden. This garden was cared very well; and even, some historical monuments, were added and thus, became a great tourist attraction. In the year 1968, this garden has been re-organised by JA Stein and Garrett Eckbo, which got the current shape.

If you travel to the Lodhi garden, then you will also have to visit the tombs of Muhammad Shah, a must-see place.

There are two architectures called Bara Gumbad and Sheesh Gumbad, which are located at the center of Lodhi Garden in Delhi. The Bara Gumbad is the old architecture that resembles a large rubber construct dome, a three dome shaped mosque and a residence around a central courtyard with water tank; while, the Sheesh Gumbad lies in a diametrical order of the Bara Gumbad architecture, contains the remains of an unknown family.

Lodhi Garden is such an amazing and beautiful place that, you will hear the history of it in the air itself. Currently, it is found to be one among the best jogger's park in Delhi; where you can find a huge diversity of people jogging in Lodhi Garden, early morning. While, you will also see some fitness freaks practicing yoga, and meditation at this fresh green beautiful atmosphere.

History

The tomb of Mohammed Shah, the 3^rdand last of the Sayyid dynasty rulers, is the first or initial tomb among all the other tombs in the garden, and was constructed in the year 1444 by Ala-ud-din Alam Shah to spread the glory of Mohammed Shah.

As there are a very few architectures during these two periods that have been located in India, Lodi Gardens is the most important place that has been preserved. The earliest structure of the tomb of Mohammed Shah can be seen by the side of the road, in the Lodhi Gardens. The architecture is qualified by an octagonal chamber, with stone chhajjas on the architectural roof and guldastas at the corners.

Another tomb without the chhatris, is found within the gardens and has been built for the Sikander Lodi, that looks similar to Mohammed Shah's tomb. This tomb was built by his son Ibrahim Lodi in the year 1517, the last Sultan of Delhi from Lodi dynasty, who was defeated by Babur, in the first battle of Panipat in 1526; this became the foundation of the Mughal Empire. His tomb is often mistaken to be the Sheesh Gumbad that is located near the Tehsil office in Panipat, nearby the Dargah of Sufi saint Bu Ali Shah Qalandar. It is a kind of mere rectangular structure that lies on a high platform which went up by a flight of steps. Sikander Lodi’s Sheesh Gumbad tomb was then resituated by the British, with a letter of note about Ibrahim Lodi's defeat by Babur, and about the renovation done in the year 1866. 

Under the Mughals, major refurbishments are often performed, depending upon the type of occasions Mughals want to use the gardens for; while, Akbar used this garden to keep all his records in a purposely built library.

After the 15th century, these Sayyid and Lodi dynasties were surrounded by two villages, but other villages relocated later in the year 1936 to create the gardens. During the British Raj,  these villages had landscaped by the wife of Governor-General of India called Lady Willingdon; and hence, named the 'Lady Willingdon Park' during the inauguration on 9^th April, 1936, and 1947. After the Independence, the garden was later renamed as Lodi Gardens. 

A British-period gateway is still being used as an entrance that once welcomed visitors to 'Lady Willingdon Park'.

Since the year 2005, INTACH and Archeological Survey of India (ASI) conducted heritage walks for students and public within the park, and has become a favourite place for morning walkers and yoga enthusiasts. The park has also become a popular picnic-spot for the Delhi residents. INTACH has published a small booklet, which contains information about park's history, the monuments, birds and trees within the complex. In the year 2009, Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) had awarded the reconstruction or reestablishment project of five monuments in the same garden; and also, the INTACH Delhi Chapter, that start from the tomb- Bara Gumbad, Shish Gumbad and Mohammed Shah's Tomb, after the report preservation for the landscapes, that had been completed during the year 2007. The MoU of 1 crore rupee, project, which was funded by the Steel Authority of India Ltd. (SAIL), was signed in the year 2005, initiating the action of preservation, which includes the construction work that began in 2009. 

Architecture 

 

Bara Gumbad ("Big Dome"), located in the middle of the gardens, contains large rubble-construct dome, which is a gateway to a chain of three domed mosque. Both these domes were built in 1494 during the rule of Sikander Lodi. A hall or mansion can also be seen around the central courtyard, where the residue of water tank is found. Opposite of the Bara Gumbad, is the Sheesh Gumbad ("Glass dome") for the shiny tiles utilized in the building, which contains the history of an unknown family. Even, this residence was also constructed during the rule of Sikander Lodi.

Garden is usually filled with the remains of a watercourse, which is linked to the Yamuna River through the Sikander Lodi's tomb, which still contains the battlements confining it. Close to the Sikander's tomb, is the Athpula ("the Eight Piered") Bridge, the last building among various buildings in Delhi, constructed during the rule of Mughal Emperor Akbar. The tomb has seven arches, of which the central tomb is found to be the largest. The tomb of Mohammed Shah is the initial tomb among many tombs located in the garden, which was built in the year 1444 by Ala-ud-din Alam Shah representing Mohammed Shah. 

As there are very little architecture that have remained in India, since two periods, and the tomb of Mohammed shah is one among them. Lodi Gardens is an extravagant place of preservation, where the tomb of Mohammed Shah, is visible from the road, and is found to be the basic structure in the gardens. The architecture is characterised by the octagonal chamber, with stone chhajjas on the roof and guldastas at the corners.