Indian artisans knew the art of metalworking since 3000 B.C. The beautiful figurine of the dancing girl belonging to the Indus valley civilization indicates the high level of workmanship attained by ancient craftsmen.
The other high points reached by the craftsmen in the field of metalworking are bronze sculptures belonging to the Chola rulers and the iron pillar at Mehrauli, in Delhi, which was made during the time of King Ashok
In India craftsmen use different metals like iron, copper, silver and alloys like bronze, bell metal, white metal etc to make a variety of items such as pots, pans, utensils, photo frames, sculptures of deities, mythological figures and animals etc. Items like doorknobs, taps, key chains, boxes etc are also made, using different metals.
Sculptures are generally made with the lost wax process. This process begins with creation of a wax model of the sculpture or any item. This model is then covered with clay and holes are made into the clay. Finally molten metal is poured through the hole at the top, which causes the wax to melt. The cavity created within is automatically replaced by the hot metal. The metal is allowed to cool and the final product is freed from clay and polished.
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