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Tribal Craft Triumph: Bharewa Artisan Receives National Award from President Murmu

President Droupadi Murmu presented the National Handicraft Award to Bharewa artisan Baldev Waghmare from Betul, Madhya Pradesh. This award highlights the national recognition of the unique Bharewa metal craft, which also recently earned a Geographical Indication tag. Waghmare has been instrumental in reviving this tradition, even turning his village into a dedicated craft hub to preserve the art. The craft involves creating intricate ritual items and decorative pieces deeply connected to Gond tribal customs.

Key Points: Baldev Waghmare Wins National Handicraft Award from President Murmu

  • Baldev Waghmare revived the declining Bharewa craft by transforming his village into a 'Craft Village'
  • The Bharewa metal craft recently received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag for its uniqueness
  • Artisans create ritual items like deity idols and marriage ornaments for the Gond tribal community
  • Their work includes decorative and utilitarian items like peacock lamps and bullock carts for international markets
2 min read

MP: Tribal Bharewa craftsman receives National Handicraft Award from President Murmu

Bharewa craftsman Baldev Waghmare honored by President Droupadi Murmu, bringing national recognition to Madhya Pradesh's GI-tagged tribal metal craft tradition.

"He learned the craft from his father and has earned recognition as a master artisan. - Article"

New Delhi/Bhopal, Dec 9

President Droupadi Murmu honoured Baldev Waghmare, a Bharewa craftsman from Madhya Pradesh's Betul district, with the National Handicraft Award at a ceremony in New Delhi on Tuesday

The award marked the national recognition of Madhya Pradesh’s traditional Tribal Bharewa craft, which has also recently been granted the GI (Geographical Indication) tag.

In the local dialect, ‘Bharewa’ means ‘those who fill’. Bharewa artists belong to a sub-tribe of the Gond community, spread across India, particularly in Central India. Their skill in metal casting is passed down from one generation to the next.

The tradition of Bharewa metal craft has evolved in harmony with the rituals and customs of the Gond tribal community. It represents a unique blend of tradition and craftsmanship.

Bharewa artisans create symbolic depictions of deities and also make ornaments such as rings and daggers, which are essential for marriage rituals in Gond families. Some ornaments, such as wristbands and armlets, are crafted specifically for spiritual leaders or traditional healers.

A wide range of decorative artworks and utilitarian items, including bullock carts, peacock-shaped lamps, bells and anklets, and mirror frames, have gained recognition in the international craft market.

The Bharewa community is primarily concentrated in certain regions of Betul district, about 180 km from the state capital, Bhopal. Baldev has made significant contributions to reversing the decline in the number of Bharewa craftsmen.

Through his dedicated efforts, he has transformed Tigriya village in Betul district into a ‘Craft Village’, where Bharewa families continue to preserve and practice this unique traditional art form.

The Bharewa people possess deep knowledge of the religious customs and traditions of the Gond community. Among the deities whose idols they create, the principal ones are Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati.

Another is Thakur Dev, believed to ride a miraculous horse and protect the village from disasters. There are also other deities associated with peace, prosperity, happiness and health.

In the small village of Tigriya, Baldev Bharewa has kept this tradition alive. He learned the craft from his father and has earned recognition as a master artisan. His family sustains itself through its traditional knowledge, artistic vision, and skills honed through hard work.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul R
Fantastic! The GI tag and now this award are crucial steps. But the real challenge is creating sustainable markets for these artisans beyond awards. Hope the government and corporates step in with better marketing, e-commerce platforms, and fair trade practices so the next generation finds it viable to continue.
A
Aman W
As someone from Bhopal, I've seen Bharewa work at haats. The detail in the metal casting, especially the peacock lamps, is incredible. Turning Tigriya into a 'Craft Village' is a brilliant model. More power to Baldev Waghmare ji for his dedication. We need tourism circuits that highlight such artisan villages.
S
Sarah B
The deep connection between the craft and Gond community rituals is fascinating. Creating items essential for marriage and for spiritual leaders shows how art is woven into the social and spiritual fabric. This award recognizes more than skill—it recognizes a living cultural heritage.
K
Karthik V
While the award is deserved, I respectfully feel coverage often romanticizes the 'hard work' and 'struggle'. The article mentions the family sustains itself through traditional knowledge. The question is, are they being compensated fairly in the international market? Awards are good, but economic justice is better.
M
Meera T
Jai Adivasi Sanskriti! 🙏 Our tribal communities are the true custodians of India's ecological and cultural wisdom. The Bharewa craft evolving with Gond traditions is a perfect example. Hope this inspires more youth in the community to take pride and learn this beautiful art form from their elders.

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