The Dying Art of the Thatheras

Thatheras are a community of traditional craftsmen who are engaged in the art of making handcrafted brass and copper utensils. It is not only a form of livelihood for these craftsmen, but it defines their family and kinship. Initially, around 500 families were actively involved in this art in a small town near Amritsar, Punjab called Jandiala Guru. However, due to the decrease in demand and exploitation by Sahukars who are the middlemen, only 30 families strive to keep this art form alive. In December 2015, this unique craft found its way to the UNESCO’s list of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH). It is an honour, as it is the first time a traditional craft from India has made it to the list – but it has not managed to revitalize their dying art. We at P-Tal, aim to empower the Thatheras by providing them with a platform to preserve their unique art and culture. P-TAL aims at reviving the dying craft form of the indigenous Thatheras community of Jandiala Guru, Amritsar. The Thatheras of Jandiala Guru are a community of skilled craftsmen who specialize in the traditional technique of making hand crafted brass,copper and bell metal utensils by hammering metal sheets. This unique craft of the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru in Amritsar is the first craft of India to be inscribed in the UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2014. Website: https://www.ptal.in/ Instagram: https://instagram.com/ptal.in?igshid=