The process of encrusting one metal onto another is called koftgiri. The Gadi-Lohars, Rajasthan's traditional armourers, used it extensively to produce a variety of weapons and armour for their Rajput clients.

The artform

In the Sigligar community, koftgiri has been fiercely guarded as an art form for decades. They have long fulfilled the Rajput customs by adorning the arms with a multitude of embellishments. Only the family was instructed in the priceless craft of silver and gold engraving. According to the artisans, the necessity to appease the ‘Raba’, the King, or the ministers is where these skills originated.

GI tag

This revered metal craft received the GI tag in 2023.