Subhechcha Ganguly 
Tarakasi is a form of silver filigree work from Cuttack, a city in Odisha in India’s east. This highly accomplished art form dates back to than 500 years and is usually performed by native craftsmen on Odisha’s eastern coast. Currently, the majority of silver filigree craftsmen come from the Cuttack area, where the art flourishes. The filigree craftsmen use an alloy of 90% or more pure silver. First, the silver lump is placed in a tiny clay pot, which is then immersed in a bucket full of hot coals. The temperature is controlled via a bellows that is turned by hand.
After about ten minutes of melting, the silver is poured into a tiny, rod-like mould and cooled by immersing the rod in water. The rod is then fed into a machine, which presses it into a long, thin wire. This time-consuming and physically hard procedure was previously done by hand, with two men turning the crank.Once the silver has been crushed into a flat, working wire, it may be either manually carved with detailed motifs or instantly smouldered by a small kerosene fire, with one artist directing the little flame using a tube held in his mouth into which he can blow.Tarakasi art includes animal, bird, and floral forms, as well as small purses and other mementos.
The Konark Chakra and temple are popular souvenirs. Popular scenes from the Mahabharata include the still from the Bhagavad Gita shows Arjuna’s chariot being pulled by Lord Krishna. Various iconic landmarks, such as the TajMahal and the Eiffel Tower, have been built over the years, receiving praise from enthusiasts of fine arts. The designs of filigree jewellery are very rich. The emphasis in Odisha is on arm jewellery, necklaces, toe rings, and notably anklets, which are a popular choice. They are also thought to be auspicious. Intricate anklets with semi-precious stone combinations are popular.
By Subhechcha Ganguly
