Bidar's metal handicrafts attract Mangaloreans

January 15, 2012

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Mangalore, January 15: Bidri art or Bidriware has made the name of North Karnataka's sleepy mountain town famous across seven seas. The 17th National Youth Festival created a wonderful opportunity for the Bidri artisans from Bidar to exhibit and sell their beautiful creations.

The exhibition set up at Karavali Grounds, here, by members of Bidri and Chidri Yuvaka Mandala, North Karnataka Crafts and Cultural Development Society, as part of the Fest, attracting a large number of people.

“This craft is a hereditary occupation passed on from generation to generation. Over ancestors were expert in this. It is our desire that our children too should not forget this”, said Ubaidullah, an expert Bidri artisan.

“This is a symbol of prestige. Ratan Tata has presented US President Barak Obama a Bidriware gift during latter's recent India visit”, said Ubaidullah, who had created a special invitation through Bidriware for the engagement of Bollywood stars Abhishek Bachchan and Karishma Kapoor.

Bidriware is a metal handicraft that originated in Bidar, Karnataka, in the 14th century C.E., during the rule of the Bahamani Sultans. The term 'Bidriware' originates from the township of Bidar, which is still the chief centre for the manufacture of the unique metalware. Due to its striking inlay artwork, Bidriware is an important export handicraft of India and is prized as a symbol of wealth. The metal used is a blackened alloy of zinc and copper inlaid with thin sheets of pure silver.

The origin of Bidriware is usually attributed to the Bahamani sultans who ruled Bidar in the 13th–15th centuries. Abdullah bin Kaiser, a craftsman from Iran was invited by the Sultan to work on decorating the royal palaces and courts. According to some accounts, Kaiser joined hands with local craftsmen and gave birth to Bidriware. Since then, the craft has been handed down succeeding generations mostly among the local Muslim and Lingayat sects.

Bidriware is manufactured from an alloy of copper and zinc (in the ratio 1:16) by casting.

Bidriware is an important handicraft exported out of India. Collecting these items is a status symbol among the rich and famous. They contain patterns made of zinc and copper and inlaid with pure silver wire or thin sheets. The craftsmanship and skilled labour involved in creating Bidriware are priceless.

An essential ingredient of Bidri articles is the soil from the floor of ancient buildings and forts. This soil, which has not received rain or sunlight for centuries, has chemicals that give a lustrous black colour to Bidriware. Artisans use such soil from inner areas of the Bidar fort. That is one reason why Bidriware cannot be produced on a large scale.

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September 19,2024

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Ramanagara, Sep 19: A case of rape, sexual harassment and criminal intimidation has been registered against BJP MLA Munirathna and six others, police said on Thursday.

It was registered following the complaint of a 40-year-old woman who alleged that the incident took place at a private resort within the Kaggalipura police station’s jurisdiction.

“We received a complaint on Wednesday night and based on it, we have registered case against seven people, including the BJP MLA under various sections for rape by public servant, sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, voyeurism, intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of peace, Information Technology Act, and others,” a senior police officer said.

The matter is being investigated, he said.

The fresh FIR against the BJP MLA, also a former Minister, comes days after he was arrested by the Bengaluru Police in connection with the two cases filed against him for alleged harassment, threats and casteist abuse, police said.

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September 17,2024

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Mangaluru: In an act of extraordinary selflessness, a young lecturer and mother, Archana Kamath, tragically passed away just days after donating a portion of her liver to a relative. She was 33.

Archana, who had devoted her career to shaping young minds as a lecturer at Canara College and most recently at Manel Srinivasa Nayak MBA College, was a loving mother to a four-year-old boy. Her sudden passing has left her family, students, and colleagues reeling in shock and grief.

The story of her untimely demise began when a relative of her husband, CA Chethan Kumar, required a life-saving liver transplant. 

With no other matching donors in sight, Archana stepped forward, her heart full of compassion. Her blood type matched, and without hesitation, she made the brave decision to donate a part of her liver—an act that would ultimately cost her life.

The surgery, performed 12 days ago in Bengaluru, seemed successful. Archana appeared to recover well and was discharged, bringing hope and relief to her loved ones. 

But just days after returning home, she suddenly fell ill and passed away on September 15 in a Mangaluru hospital. The cause of her sudden decline remains a mystery, compounding the sorrow of those who knew and loved her.

Her final act of love saved a life—the relative who received her liver is said to be recovering well. But Archana’s loss is felt deeply by her husband and their young son, who are now left to navigate a world without her warmth and strength.

As family and friends grapple with this tragic turn of events, Archana’s memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew her as a caring educator, devoted mother, and a woman whose ultimate sacrifice was made out of love.

The full story of her passing is still unfolding, and her untimely death has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of all who knew her.
 

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September 19,2024

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Mangaluru, Sep 19: Following the recent Nipah virus-related fatalities in Kerala, health authorities in Dakshina Kannada are taking proactive measures to monitor for potential cases of monkey fever. While typically found in African countries, monkey fever has raised concerns within the district, prompting increased vigilance.

To ensure early detection, travelers arriving at Mangaluru’s international airport and local ports will undergo health screenings. Additionally, a dedicated ambulance has been placed on standby for any emergent cases, and Wenlock Hospital has set aside a special ward with six reserved beds specifically for monkey fever patients.

"We currently have no confirmed cases of monkey fever in Dakshina Kannada, and there are no direct orders from the state government," said Dr. Timmaiah, the District Health Officer. "However, we are taking preventive measures, including continuous screening of incoming passengers. A special meeting is also being planned to discuss future action steps."

Dr. Timmaiah further highlighted the rise in general viral infections following the region's recent shift in weather patterns. "With the decline in rainfall, we are seeing an uptick in viral cases, particularly fevers accompanied by cough, cold, and throat pain, especially in children. Though Mangaluru has experienced mostly sunny weather, occasional rain at night has contributed to the spread of illnesses. It’s crucial for the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures."

Health officials are urging residents to seek timely medical advice and follow recommended precautions to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases.

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