What is Cuttack’s famed silver filigree work, which recently received GI tag

What is Cuttack’s famed silver filigree work, which recently received GI tag

Subject: History

Section: Arta and culture

Context:

• The famous Rupa Tarakasi, or silver filigree work of Odisha’s Cuttack, has received the geographical indication (GI) tag.

More on news:

• The Odisha State Cooperative Handicrafts Corporation Limited (Utkalika) had applied for the tag.
• A GI tag is conferred upon products originating from a specific geographical region, signifying unique characteristics and qualities.

Rupa Tarakasi

• Odisha’s Cuttack is known for its silver filigree work, of intricate design and fine craftsmanship. In Odia, “tara” means wire and “kasi” means to design.
• As part of Rupa Tarakasi, silver bricks are transformed into thin fine wires or foils and used to create jewelry or showpieces.
• In Cuttack the work is generally done by boys, whose sensitive fingers, and keener sight enable them to put the fine silver threads together with the necessary rapidity and accuracy.
• The filigree work is quite distinct in character from the indigenous silver jewelry of the country.

Origin

• While the exact origin of the filigree art in Cuttack is not clear, it is known to have existed as far back as the 12th century.
• The art form received considerable patronage under the Mughals. 
• Over the years, as Cuttack transitioned through the hands of different rulers, the silver filigree took on a new form with each.

History

• The silver filigree work in which the people of Cuttack have attained such surprising skill and delicacy is identical in character with that of Arabia, Malta, Genoa, Norway, Sweden and Denmark, and with the filigree work of ancient Greece, Byzantium, and Etruria, and was probably carried into the West by the Phoenicians and Arabs, and into Scandinavia by the Normans and in the course also of the medieval trade between Turkestan and Russia.
• Popular Product Categories:
• The iconic items found only in Cuttack are the Durga Puja Medha (silver decorations for the Durga idol and pandal), Odissi jewelry, religious/cultural pieces linked directly to the customs of Odisha, and the Dama chain.