KARIMNAGAR: Karimnagar has etched its name on the world art map. Silver filigree, an intricate handicraft of silver ornaments made here, is in great demand with orders pouring in from national and international organisations.The art had it origin at Elegandla on the outskirts of the city, about 200 years ago. The craftsmen of Karimnagar produced rich and intricate works of high quality. In course of time, this art form, as in the case of several others, started disappearing for a variety of reasons.However, some youth belonging to the families of craftsmen, reestablished the Silver Filigree of Karimnagar (SIFKA) Handicraft Welfare Society in 2008 under the PM's Employment Guarantee Programme (PMEGP) and took a bank loan of Rs 25 lakh. Their turnover has now reached Rs 1 crore and they are also providing employment to nearly 100 skilled workers.In a chat with Express, society president Erroju Ashok said, "We are getting orders from highranking officials and political leaders such as President and prime minister and multinational companies like Reliance and Kingfisher. The artisans of Karimnagar are making a wide range of dailyuse articles such as pandans, trinket boxes, trays, jewellery and other gift articles."Silver filigree objects made by artisans of earlier generations are on display at the State Heritage Museum in London. Some objects are on display at the Salar Jung museum in Hyderabad. The state government presented gifts of silver filigree to many ambassadors and other dignitaries- a miniature globe to Microsoft chief Bill Gates during his visit to Hyderabad, a miniature veena to former US president George Bush, etc."All these gifts were made by us," the SIFKA president said. This year, they received a national award from the Khadi and Village Industries Commission under the Union ministry of micro, small and medium enterprises. The award was presented by President Pratibha Patil in Delhi on September 2 for excellence in the field of khadi and village industries.
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