A Study of Brass Idol Making Craft in Nabadwip in Nadia District in West Bengal

Abstract: In Bengal,idols are made from stone, wood, clay and metal. Making of metal idol is a highly specialized technology which has been adopted by different communities in West Bengal. Focus of the present paper is given on the technology of the casting of brass idols in Nabadwip in Nadia District of West Bengal. Nabadwip is an ancient pilgrimage centre by the side of the Bhagirathi River in Nadia District of West Bengal. Casting of brass idol is one of the oldest traditional crafts which is practiced in Nabadwip. Generally, the artisans of Nabadwip produce brass idol by using casting and lost-wax methods. Theymake different brass idols of Hindu religion as well as Buddhism. Present study focuses on thetechnologyofbrassidol making andthe challenges faced by the artisans.