Women of Kashmir are breaking the gender norms and defying societal constraints, in the, till now a male dominated craft – copper craft. Women in groups of 20 learn the art in the Balpora village, Budgam.

As finding stable employment is a struggle for women, especially in villages, the establishment of the training centre in May 2022, supported by the government’s Handicrafts and Handloom Department, has brought a ray of hope for many young women. The young women train in small groups under Mukhtar Ahmad. He is training the girls in the age-old craft of Tram Baneh (copperware utensils) making.

Locally called Thanthir Koor (Women coppersmiths) the girls work on a wooden log that supports the copper plate and enables engraving. Engraving (naqashgari)on copper plates, the core focus of the training has emerged as both manageable and profitable. They specialise in engraving various designs and exclusive geometrical motifs locally known as kandkari. The commonly used motifs are a badam (Almond), Chinar leaf (maple leaf), and Mehrab (arch). 

The process of making  copperware involves various craftsmen at each stage.  Barak Saaz (manufacturer)  melts wires and sheets to make different shapes. It then goes to chargaqar (cleaner) who smoothens the raw material followed by the naqishgeer (engraver) . Finally, the Kalaisaaz or Kalaigar (polisher) polishes the engraved utensil. Some of the tools used in the process of making copperware are ,Draz (hammer), Mekh (stakes), Yandrewah (anvil), Compass ,chisels, punches, files etc.