My career took an interesting turn down a dusty lane near Jaipur’s Chaura Rasta. This was the Thatera community, where the rhythmic sound of hammering lured me in. These artisans worked with brass, shaping flat sheets into everyday objects. Little did I know this initial encounter would become a significant part of my creative journey.
My first visit to this metalworking area was quite practical: I needed an artisan to help with my graduation project. However, connecting with the community wasn’t straightforward. There were obvious cultural differences in language and appearance. Finding someone willing to collaborate felt like a real challenge in those close-knit alleys.
Then, a fortunate meeting. A man, who clearly identified as an artist (” Meh ek kalakar hu“), showed me his beautiful embossed brass work for a local temple. This gave me hope. He offered a simple orange, and I followed him to his traditional haveli, which was more functional than fancy.
Inside, he demonstrated the Thatera process. The skillful way he hammered and shaped the brass was captivating. I was immediately drawn to the design possibilities this craft offered. My first piece was a simple brass spoon. Holding this handmade object, I felt a connection to the craft that was unexpected. Thatera had become a new source of creative inspiration.
The Thathera community has historically been vital to Jaipur, supplying essential metalware for the city’s daily life. They primarily worked with copper, brass, and tin. Over time, a unique specialization developed within the Thatera community, with families focusing on specific types of objects or metalworking services. This division of labor, based on apprenticeship and family ties, created a cohesive and diverse brassware industry.
The Thatheras of Jaipur also crafted ritualistic items for temples and mosques, highlighting their important role in the city’s religious practices. Their creations included:
- Water vessels (lotas, paani ka ghada): Essential for homes, temples, and travel, with a functional and ergonomic design.
- Large serving plates (paraat)
- Drinking vessels: Often for communal use within the Hindu community.
- Storage containers: Brass was commonly used for storing grains and liquids, a practice with inherent anti-bacterial benefits.
- Royal commissions: Including large silver water vessels for traveling kings, one of which is in Jaipur’s City Palace.
- Temple paraphernalia: Such as singhasans (seats for idols), chatris (umbrellas), and bells.
The Thatheras traditionally used forging techniques, sometimes casting metal ores or scraps brought to Jaipur. The process involved:
- Cutting metal sheets: Into square or circular shapes.
- Beating and shaping: Using mallets (khachara) and wooden supports to create concave or convex forms, with metal rings in sand (bangad) for stability.
- Joining parts: Traditionally using subtle ridges to camouflage welding in mud furnaces (bhatti), later adopting gas welding.
- Finishing: Cleaning with acid washes for shine, often adding intentional hammer patterns for texture and strength.
During the colonial period, the Thathera craft adapted. Metal sheets became more common than scrap, and power-operated machines were introduced for tasks like lathing and tinning. However, the Arts and Crafts movement emphasized hand skills, ensuring their continued importance.
While cheaper alternatives like steel and aluminum have impacted everyday use, traditional brassware is still valued for its aesthetic qualities and perceived health benefits. Today, although fewer Thathera families remain in the traditional Thathere Walon ka Rasta, the craft continues. Artisans are often commissioned for specialized items like temple accessories, catering to niche markets that appreciate the heritage and craftsmanship of these metal vessels. The Thathera craft remains a significant part of Jaipur’s cultural heritage.
As a designer, my current focus is to explore the techniques of this craft. I aim to design both familiar and new products that highlight the artisans’ skills and the inherent qualities of the materials, creating contemporary pieces for a modern audience with people and craft at its core.