Pembarthy’s artisans in Telangana battle for survival

JANGAON: The brass engraving artisans of Pembarthy village, located about 80 km from Hyderabad, are struggling due to a lack of support and demand for their traditional craft. The lack of governmental initiatives, including training programmes and subsidies, has led many artisans to abandon their ancestral profession for other means of livelihood.

Pembarthy has long been renowned for its exquisite brass, copper and silver engraving, with skilled artisans garnering recognition across India. For decades, these artisans, many of whom belong to the Vishwakarma community, have been crafting intricate designs in metal. However, in recent years, the number of artisans has dwindled, with only around 100 families still engaged in the trade.

Artisans alleged a lack of support from the government. Earlier, community members appealed to the Congress to give proper recognition to their craft and allocate funds for the establishment of a training centre in the village. Although two acres of land were allocated for the centre by the previous BRS government, the promise remains unfulfilled. The estimated cost of the centre was Rs 5 crore, but no progress has been made toward its construction.