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News: Recent restrictions on silver imports and rising silver prices have severely affected the livelihood of Rupa Tarakasi artisans in Cuttack.
About Rupa Tarakasi
- Rupa Tarakasi is one of the most exquisite and centuries-old silver filigree crafts practised in the Cuttack, the silver city of Odisha.
- Origin: The art form has a rich history, dating back as far as the 12th century, and it received considerable patronage under the Mughals.
- It changed its form with change in ruler.
- Naming: In Odia, “tara” means wire and “kasi” means to design.
- The Process:
- Transformation of Silver: Silver bricks are transformed into thin fine wires or foils for making jewellery, artefacts, and showpieces.
- Use of Metals: Craftsmen use different grades of silver along with metals like copper, zinc, cadmium, and tin in the alloy.
- Role of Artisans: The artists involved in this craft are called “Rupa Banias” or “Roupyakaras” in Odia.
- They create various items, including jewellery worn by Odissi dancers, decorative artefacts, accessories, and religious and cultural pieces.
- GI Tag: Itreceived a Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2024.
