Bidri is a kind of encrusted metal ware that is found only in India. This craft originated in Bidar, Karnataka and spread to neighboring areas, including Hyderabad.
           The earliest reference to Bidri is found in the 'Chahar Gulshan', a history of India written in Persian in 1759 which in turn refers to an earlier compilation from 1720. Bidri craft flourished under the patronage of the Bahmani and Mughal rulers. Bidri vessels are illustrated in miniature paintings as old as 1625. The distinct feature of Bidri is the beauty of shiny silver inlay set in matte black metal.
           Typical bidri items are huqqa bases, bowls, boxes, candle stands, trays, ashtrays, vases and jewelery. The motifs are mostly intricate floral or geometric designs. Whatever the method or design, bidri craft survives for hundreds of years without losing its luster and does not get rusted.

Several processes are involved in the making of this craft - casting, engraving, inlaying, blackening and polishing. The raw materials used in crafting bidri products are:-
1)Alloy of Zinc and Copper in the ratio of 16:1 for the base metal
2)Silver
3)Clay from the old Bidar Fort or surrounding area. This is a special laterite soil used for blackening the base material. The Zinc-Copper alloy turns permanently black, while the engraved silver retains its brilliance.
4)Sangjeera or Boric Powder is dusted on the mould to prevent the clay from sticking to the pattern.
5)Castor Oil - mixed with the mud for making moulds
6)Coconut Oil - for final polishing of the item
7)Resin - mixed in the mud to bind the clay and used during casting

The item is first cast by pouring the molten metal into the clay mould. Next is the engraving process. Kalam or metal chisels of different shapes are used to engrave the designs on the metal. The designs are mostly drawn free hand. Then, silver wires, or sometimes gold/brass wires are laid in the engraved area. Finally, it is treated with the special clay to get the matte black finish and then polished.

There are different categories of methods used in inlay, which are locally known by the following terms:
Tarkashi : inlay of wire, Tainishan: inlay of sheet, Zarnishan: low relief, Zarbuland: high relief and Aftabi: cut-out designs on overlaid metal sheet