KALABURAGI: Bidriware, the famous black metal art from Bidar besides tile work from the madrasa of Mahmud Gawan (also from Bidar) find a prominent place in the special theme exhibition being held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York.
The exhibition titled “Sultans of Deccan India: Opulence and Fantasy” focuses on court art of the sultans of Gulbarga, Bidar, Bijapur, Berar, Ahmednagar and Golconda. These dynamic centres of royal patronage drew some of the greatest artisans, writers, poets and musicians from all over the world during the period.
According to Dr Rehman Patel, researcher, Bidriware and Islamic Art of North Karnataka, Gulbarga University, the exhibition curated by Navina Najat Haidar and Marika Sardar, which opened on April 20 will go on till July 26.
Bidar is represented by 15 pieces of Bidri metal work that were among the Deccan’s most distinctive luxury goods; vessels cast in a black alloy and incised with foliate and geometric motifs with silver or brass inlay.
Apart from this original tile work, the calligraphy of Mahamud Gawan Madarsa and stone engraved Thuluth-style calligraphy found on the Chaukhandi monument and huge metal vessels from the Gulbarga Bahamani period are also displayed in the exhibition.
