The artisans of Tambat Ali

In the old lanes of Tambat Ali, a community of copper workers or 'tambats' have been crafting copper and brass from the time of the Peshwa's reign. As recently as a decade ago, there were many more coppersmiths working in the Tambat Ali area of Kasba Peth, Pune, which now faces a stark shortage of craftspeople. The workshops that once resonated with the sound of hundreds of hammers, now see far fewer artisans plying their trade; so much so that larger orders can scarcely be fulfilled.

Walking around Tambat Ali, people are struck by the history and materiality that the objects carry with them. Some of the tools and equipment used by the artisans are over 50 years old. From the point of shaping copper sheets into the desired shape, to its finishing, polishing and lacquering – the artisans' tools are indispensable to them. Among these is the khod kharwai, the copper artisans' primary tool, which is a wooden seat with a long cast iron shaper that helps to give each piece its signature hand-beaten detail. This is a trademark tool, passed down the generations, and continues to be used without replacement.