Filigree refers to delicate ornamental work made with fine wires of gold, silver, or other metals, twisted or curled into intricate patterns. It is used in jewelry, decorative objects, and architectural details, and can also describe anything resembling such lacy designs, even figuratively (e.g., “filigree of frost on a window”). The word comes from Latin filum (“thread”) and granum (“grain”), evolving through Italian filigrana and French filigrane before entering English in the late 17th century, first for fine jewelry and later for any intricate, delicate design.
Karimnagar’s silver filigree, locally called Tarkasi, has been practiced in the Elgandal–Karimnagar region for around 400 years. It was introduced near Elgandal Fort by skilled metal craftsmen under Mughal and later Nizam patronage, who taught local artisans the art form.
While other places in India, notably Cuttack and Hyderabad, are also well-known centers of traditional filigree, Karimnagar’s style is uniquely recognized for its geometric intricacy and the exceptional purity of its silver. These qualities set it apart within India’s broader filigree tradition.
In 2007, Karimnagar silver filigree was awarded a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, recognizing its unique regional identity and protecting its authenticity. This GI status has helped boost cluster development via initiatives by MSME (Ministry of Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises), state corporations and the Society for Integrated Development of Karimnagar Artisans (SIFKA), which supports over 500 artisans in the region.
The making begins with pure silver melted into silver biscuits, drawn through a wire‑drawing machine into fine threads, then twisted, curled, and shaped into motifs like flowers, birds, jaalis, and, on some contemporary pieces, meenakari patterns. The pieces are soldered using a traditional adhesive, referred to locally as yeligaram (a mixture often including borax), cleaned with reetha water (a natural soap nut solution used for its cleansing properties), and meticulously assembled under skilled hands.
Karimnagar filigree is celebrated both locally and abroad. Its art has featured in the Salar Jung Museum, Hyderabad. In September 2023, it was chosen to create 200 Ashoka Chakra–shaped silver badges, which were presented to delegates at the G20 Summit in New Delhi. The craft symbolizes generational expertise, cultural pride, and artistic precision, continuing to foster community and innovation among artisans today.
Image Credits: https://www.facebook.com/karimnagarsilverfiligree/, Mr G Kishan Reddy
