Copper and Brass Crafts of Punjab’s Thatheras on UNESCO Heritage List

The traditional metal craft of the Thatheras of Punjab, known for creating exquisite copper and brass utensils, has been recognised by UNESCO on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This inclusion acknowledges the craftsmanship and cultural legacy of the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, a small town near Amritsar, Punjab. The recognition marks a major milestone in preserving India’s artisanal traditions and promoting sustainable heritage-based livelihoods.

Historical Background

The Thatheras are a community of skilled metal workers who specialise in making utensils from copper, brass, and occasionally tin. Their craft traces its roots to the 19th century, flourishing during the reign of Maharaja Ranjit Singh, who patronised artisans and encouraged settlement of craft guilds in the region. The Thatheras of Jandiala Guru established themselves as prominent metalworkers, catering to domestic, ceremonial, and religious needs through their intricately designed utensils.
Over generations, the craft became an essential part of Punjabi culture. The artisans produced household items such as water pots (gaggar), bowls (thali), plates (parat), and ritual vessels used in Gurudwaras. Their designs were distinguished by their durability, artistic engravings, and precise hammering techniques that combined both aesthetic beauty and utility.

Craftsmanship and Techniques

The craft involves a combination of manual dexterity, traditional metallurgy, and precision design. Each utensil is shaped manually from flat metal sheets using tools such as hammers, anvils, and wooden mallets. The process typically involves:

• Cutting and shaping metal sheets into circular forms.
• Heating the metal to make it malleable for shaping.
• Hammering and joining sections to form seamless vessels.
• Polishing and finishing, which enhances the metal’s sheen and adds decorative appeal.

Artisans often use geometric and floral motifs inspired by Punjabi folk art traditions. In some cases, utensils are coated with tin to prevent corrosion and improve food safety. The craft is completely hand-driven, reflecting a deep understanding of material science and indigenous design practices passed down through oral tradition and apprenticeship.

UNESCO Recognition

In 2014, UNESCO inscribed the Traditional Brass and Copper Craft of Utensil Making among the Thatheras of Jandiala Guru, Punjab on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition came as part of India’s effort to preserve living heritage through documentation and revitalisation of endangered crafts.
UNESCO’s evaluation praised the Thatheras for maintaining a rare form of community-based craftsmanship that integrates artistry, social identity, and traditional ecological knowledge. The listing also recognised the role of the craft in sustaining cultural diversity and intergenerational skill transmission.

Cultural and Economic Significance

The copper and brass utensils made by the Thatheras have both functional and symbolic importance. Traditionally, these metals were believed to have health benefits—copper and brass vessels are known to purify water and enhance mineral content. They are also used in religious rituals and festivals, making them integral to Punjabi household and spiritual life.
Economically, the craft once supported a large section of the Thathera community. However, with industrialisation, cheaper alternatives such as steel, aluminium, and plastic utensils replaced handmade metalware. The UNESCO recognition revived interest in this heritage, helping to attract government and private initiatives for craft preservation and market development.

Revival and Preservation Efforts

Following the UNESCO listing, concerted efforts were initiated to revitalise the craft:

• Skill development workshops were organised to train younger artisans in both traditional techniques and modern design trends.
• Design collaborations with institutions such as the National Institute of Design (NID) and the Indian Institute of Crafts and Design (IICD) were launched to introduce contemporary aesthetics.
• Marketing initiatives were undertaken to reintroduce the products to urban and global markets under heritage craft branding.
• Infrastructure development projects were supported by the Punjab government to upgrade workshops and improve working conditions.

Several artisans have since diversified their product range to include decorative items, souvenirs, and home décor artefacts that appeal to a wider consumer base. The revival has also encouraged community pride and cultural continuity.

Challenges Faced by the Artisans

Despite recognition, the Thatheras continue to face several challenges:

• Decline in skilled artisanship due to lack of apprentices and migration to other occupations.
• Limited market access and competition from industrially produced metalware.
• High cost of raw materials, particularly copper and brass, which limits profitability.
• Insufficient technological support and marketing infrastructure.

Without sustained policy and community interventions, there remains a risk of the craft’s gradual decline. Continuous engagement, financial support, and global exposure are essential to ensure the survival of this heritage.

Broader Cultural Context

The Thathera craft exemplifies the larger narrative of India’s intangible cultural heritage, where art and utility coexist harmoniously. It demonstrates how traditional technologies were deeply sustainable—recycling metal scraps, using manual energy, and producing long-lasting goods. The community’s artisanal lifestyle reflects values of collective labour, craftsmanship, and ecological balance.
The inclusion of the Thatheras’ craft on the UNESCO list also serves as an acknowledgment of Punjab’s contribution to India’s cultural diversity. It places Jandiala Guru alongside other world heritage communities whose crafts embody human creativity and resilience.

Contemporary Relevance

Today, the Thatheras’ craft is being repositioned as a heritage industry blending traditional skills with contemporary design and eco-friendly values. With the growing global demand for sustainable and handcrafted products, the craft has potential to reclaim its economic significance. Educational institutions, NGOs, and government bodies continue to work with artisans to preserve authenticity while encouraging innovation.
The UNESCO recognition has not only brought international attention but also instilled renewed respect for manual craftsmanship in India. It serves as a reminder that living traditions like those of the Thatheras are vital to cultural identity, community pride, and sustainable development.