All About Tarkashi, The Forgotten Metal Inlay Craft Of Rajasthan

Rajasthan is a land of rich heritage, blessed with some of the most exquisite crafts in the country. Tarkashi or the art of inlaying metal on wood is one of the many. Artisans spend hours hammering the metal wires into the grooves created on Sheesham wood. The end result? A product of great precision and workmanship. Explore the history of this 500-year-old craft and the meticulous process its craftsmen follow.

What Is Tarkashi?

Tarkashi is the meticulous, detailed, and exquisite craft of inlaying fine flattened wires (taar) of brass, copper, or silver in deep-brown coloured sheesham wood. It is a laborious process that requires great diligence and precision by the craftsman.

The process begins with an artisan intricately carving grooves into the wood with a half round chisel. This is followed by strips cut from metal sheets, heated over a flame, cooled and straightened. These thin metallic wires are then meticulously placed into the grooves to form geometric, floral, and traditional motifs that are inspired from Mughal art.

An element unique to Tarkashi is bhiriyan or bindiyan. It is a small coiled dot-like form that is directly beaten into the Sheesham wood, and evened out using a sander. Finally, sawdust mixed with diluted adhesive is applied over the entire surface to fill all gaps before it is buffed. 

The end result is a striking contrast of earthy wood tones and the gleam of metal that stands as a testament to the craftsman’s patience and skill.

Origins Of The Craft

The art has captivated artisans for over 500 years. In India, the Persian-influenced craft finds its origins in Mainpuri, Uttar Pradesh. From here, it expanded to Odisha, and eventually flourished in Mysuru under the patronage of Tipu Sultan and the Wodeyar dynasty.

The craft arrived in Rajasthan when Sri Sarwan Lal Misra, a master craftsman from Mainpuri started practicing and teaching this craft at the Sawai Ram Singh Shilp Kala Mandir in Jaipur in the 1960s. Many crafts, including blue pottery and sandalwood carving among others, were taught at the Kala Mandir that was headed by Rajmata Gayatri Devi of Jaipur.

Craftsmen who learnt the rich craft, continue to carry the legacy and tradition forward. At present there are about six families in Jaipur who practice Tarkashi. Most of them belong to the Jangid community who are associated with carpentry and wooden work. 

Tarkashi rose to prominence in Jaipur, where it adorns doors, windows, thrones, furniture, and a variety of other structures. The ageless beauty and workmanship of this unique wirework art comes to life on many such historical relics.

Hear From The Craftsmen

“I started learning Tarkashi from Misra ji in 1968 when I was only 13 years old,” said Ram Swarup Sharma, a national-awardee and Tarkashi craftsman who has been practising the craft for more than 55 years now, in an exclusive interview with "Outlook Traveller." Like him, his sons have also devoted their lives to the craft. “My favourite work was a Radha-Krishna Tarkashi murti. I spent three-four hours each day and finally completed it in eight months,” said Ram Swarup Sharma while on call.

Mohan Lal Sharma along with his wife Kamlesh Sharma and son Naveen Sharma also take the legacy of the Tarkashi forward in Jaipur. “While I learnt the craft decades ago at the Shilp Kala Mandir, my son is carrying it forward. He tries to incorporate modern designs and has also started selling it online on Instagram and various other portals,” said Mohan Lal Sharma while speaking to "Outlook Traveller."

Sharma also conducts Tarkashi workshops for tourists in collaboration with the Rajasthan Studio. It is a two-hour workshop where he teaches something simpler like a paperweight or a small ring box. “It is so heartwarming to see the enthusiasm among people to learn our craft. It makes us feel that it is still alive,” added Sharma.