Glass is one of the most exquisite material contrived by man. The history of glass making can be traced back to 3500 BCE in Mesopotamia, ancient Egypt. The technology of glass making was possibly an accident or a by- product of metal work. Its existence in India has been dated over 2000 years old by the archaeologist who discovered glass objects at an area near Basti in Uttar Pradesh. Glass in its decorative form was introduced in India by the Mughal rulers of northern India to make ornaments and various other decorative objects. They also mastered in making Chandeliers with unique blowing technique, besides making other decorative products like trinkets, bowls, tumblers and glass vials for perfume. Firozabad in Uttar Pradesh is the main center for such glass works in the country. Although this town produces a large variety and range of glassware in India, it has become synonymous to Bangles, where entire community seems involved in making different varieties of bangles with unique design, color and pattern.
Purdilnagar (Hathras) is a small town near the glass city of Firozabad which is famous for the production of glass beads. This 400 years old process of bead manufacturing involves the use of block glass or colorful glass rods. The delicateness of these glass beads makes the process difficult in handling that requires great amount of patience and skill.
The Glass making process in India consist of various skillful technique, some of which has not been altered. Though the decorative glass making was brought to India by the Mughals in the 17th century it is still being carried forward by the artisans of Purdilnagar and Firozabad with the same amount of antiquity and delicateness. Beads and bangles come in thousands of patterns, design and colors and are liked globally. The raw material for bangles and beads are glass, which are manufactured from glass rods and block glass, different sizes and colors are easily available in India produced in Firozabad, some special glass rods in multicolor are also imported.
Contacts:
Mr. Ishyat ji is a master craftsmen from Purdilnagar, involved in bangle making since a decade and his contact number is +91 91522555222
Mr.Sanjeev kumar is another master craftsmen working on varieties of beads and bangle making since 8years. His contact number is +91 8410953998
