A Tale of Art & Survival—Vashal Sonigra

The Tambat Ali in Pune is a street that is alive with the constant rhythmic sound of beating of the metal objects. This unique street, called the Tambat Ali or the Copper alley, is a neighborhood in Pune where the traditional craft of moulding metal, specifically copper, into objects of everyday use is practiced for centuries. Located in the dense alleys of present day Pune, the current livelihood of the Tambats or coppersmiths is under threat from rapid urbanization and other pressures of growing industrialization. 

Historically, the Tambat Ali came into existence around 400 years ago during the Peshwa reign. Most Tambats originally came to Pune from the Konkan region. The community flourished during this era with the Peshwas being its early patrons for religious and military needs. Tambats made weapons, copper coins and kitchen utensils for the royal family. Seven generations of Tambats are said to have lived in Tambat Ali, passing the knowledge of their craft down generations. 

This craft cluster still retains the traditional planning of clusters – A dense interconnected maze of narrow access ways, compact residential and work clusters and wider chowks (common nodes). The Tambats or coppersmiths of Pune specialize in ‘mathar kaam’ which is the art of beating copper to make it strong. The traditional workshop-cum-living quarters of these artisans are called ‘bakhal’ where these artisans, even today craft one of the best metalware known worldwide for its intricate hand-beaten work.

After gradual decrease of the number of households involved in the trade, from 800 households in 110 copper craft workshops involved in the trade, currently, there are only 8-10 families whose livelihood depends directly on the tambat craft. Earlier, each work area of about 200 sqft, had a minimum of 8-10 people working together which has now narrowed down to merely one person per workshop.

The Tambats (coppersmiths) today, through very few in numbers are trying and adapting to new styles and designs. No longer remaining confined to pots and utensils, they are retaining the market for copper with new age designer products for the urban customers. With initiatives from NGO’s, private sector industries and some sensitive designers, the Tambats have re-gained motivation and are up for the challenges of the modern world with their traditional knowledge.

All Images: Courtesy of the artist

Vishal Sonigra is a photographer and architect living and working in Pune, India.