Workers stare at uncertain future

Charminar: Just a stone’s throw from the historic Charminar, in the cacophonous bylanes close to Chowk ki masjid is where finials, shikara, models of Charminar, gunmetal idols of Roman soldiers and intricate corner stands are made.

The workers have been making these beauties for over a hundred years but the demand is dwindling.“For how long we will continue we do not know. We are just battling on,” says Rahim who has been assisting his father in the business.

The ‘Chowk’ as it is popularly known is frequented by people not only from the city but also from neighbouring districts and states. Made from copper, brass and alumunium, the art objects are sought after by old timers. “We have repeat customers, thanks to whom we are still surviving,” says Ali.Most of them work in open foundries and are prone to health problems. A customer was seen making a request of a replica of an idol from the Salar Junj Museum.

Saleem of Syndicate manufacturers who is in his late forties has been at the job as long as he remembers. “At times we do take up the challenge of making replicas. They may not be as good as the original but our customers are happy.”

Saleem says, “Every shop specialises in a particular idol. Some are good at Hindu Gods while others at making idols of soldiers.” Saleem though has mastered the difficult art of making finials for masjids and shikaras for temples.

Getting the right size and curvature for the finials is difficult. Whenever a new mosque comes up we get work otherwise we have to depend on customers who come with broken pots and vases.

Good copper comes at Rs 800 per kg, while aluminium for Rs 200. The idols are priced between Rs 250 to a few thousands depending on the size, model and work involved.
For generations, people have been working on these metals for how many more years they would survive is anyone’s guess.