How does it feel when you take up the responsibility to carry forward the legacy that generates hardly any income and that makes its way to the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity?

Well, it is difficult to imagine and hard to believe when it happens. The traditional art of utensil making in the small town of punjab, Jandiala Guru has been recognised by UNESCO in the list of intangible cultural heritage of humanity in year 2014. Thatheras community of Jandiala Guru in Punjab has preserved the centuries old metalwork from generation to generation and it is more of a social and cultural identity for them rather than means of livelihood.

History: It is said that Maharaja Ranjit Singh, a sikh ruler during the first half of 19th century encouraged the artisans from various fields to settle around Amritsar. Thatheras might have come to Punjab during that time and after partition, muslim metalworkers of this art went to Pakistan and Hindu and Sikhs remained in India.

Raw materials used: The principal metals used are brass and copper along with certain alloys. The utensils made are known for health benefits as they enhance the absorption of nutrients in the body.