Moradabad - The Brass City of India

Moradabad is one of the most industriallycan include the Lota (Water Pot), Panchapatra
flourishing cities in India. It was set up by Prince(Ritual Plate), Simhasan or the seat used for
Murad in 1600 AD and hence it is calledplacing the deity and also the Kanchanthaal
Moradabad. It is made up of two words, "Murad"(Flower Plate).
and "Abad". Murad is the name of the Prince andBut the product which has put Moradabad on the
Abad means setting up. So the city which is setglobal platform is definitely the Art Metal work.
up by Prince Murad is Moradabad.The tradition of metal work started during the
Moradabad is situated on the banks of RiverMughal period and still remains a thriving industry.
Ram-Ganga which is a tributary of the HolyArt Metalwork is a must buy for people visiting
Ganges. The city is located at a distance of 167this vibrant city. There is a great demand for the
kilometers from the Indian National Capital i. e.colored enameling and intricate engravings on the
New Delhi. The city has passed through the handsmetal wares.
of various dynasties.The art metal wares include different products
But over the years, it has gained fame for itslike busts, decorative gift articles, clocks, statues
distinct brassware industry. It is said thatand utensils. Metal wares designed and developed
Mohammad Yar Khan was the founder of thison the Mughal art and depicting those times are in
industry who had come to this place fromgreater demand in the countries out of India.
Afghanistan in 1860 and started the brasswareThese include the Itardan(Perfume Spray),
manufacturing unit.Gulabpash(Rosewater Sprinkler), Aftab (Wine or
Moradabad is known for its ornamental brasswareSherbet Servers) and the famous Hookah.
the world over. It has the distinction of being theThe reason they are being asked for so much lies
biggest exporter of brassware in the country.in the intricate and beautiful embroidery they
The city is one of the potential cities forhave. These are very heavily embroidered which
innumerable business opportunities and forms aare one of the finest in the world and have an
large center of trade in India. The brassware isextensive range of patterns.
exported to North America, and Europe. Due toApart from the Brassware industry, Moradabad
the high level of manufacturing of brass ware inalso excels in other handicraft industries. Most
the town, Moradabad is often referred to as theprominent among these is the Jewelry made out
Peetal Nagri meaning the Brass City.of horns and bones, kitchen ware/utensils, combs
Brassware is extensively produced in the town.and wooden sticks.
But there are some families which are engaged inThe manufacturing industry in Moradabad is also
making ornamental brassware which is sometimesset up in some of the homes and these ancillary
plated with Lac or tin. The utensils are thenunits help the bigger players in the market. Even
engraved with intricate designs as per thethough the industrial activity in the city is a
demand of the clients.flourishing one, yet it is still too much labor
There is a great range of products available inoriented.
Moradabad. One can choose anything from aBut in spite of it all, the Brassware Industry in
brass utensil to the most exquisite decorativeMoradabad is a must see on the itinerary of
items. The utensils mostly comprise of mostlypeople visiting Uttar Pradesh.
wares which are used for various rituals. These