Conservation strategies for the traditional craft of brass making

Abstract

Moradabad is a major Industrial city and export hub. Its brass industry accounts for more than 40% of total handicrafts exports from India. The city cannot function without the industry and the industry cannot exist without the city. The thesis would focus on two aspects. The first one would be the study of Moradabad as a city which would focus on identifying the historic structures of the old city. The second one would be Moradabad as an Industrial city which would focus on identifying all the areas where brass items are being made by following the traditional method. This aspect would also focus on documenting the houses where they make brass items, the tools they use, and the evolution of the brass industry over the years. After studying both the layers, the thesis would also try and find the connection between the brass industry and the historic city. There are many religious buildings in the city which have elements like shikhara/doors/bells/windows made from brass. This would help understand how Moradabad is different than any other city. Artisans from the major backbone of the city. The conditions in which they are working has a direct implication on their health. After doing the spatial analysis of the ‘karkhanas’, the thesis would aim to study these issues and give design solutions/ proposals for the same.