Meenakari, the ancient art of enamelling, has been a part of India’s culture and history for centuries. Delhi is known as the major centre of this craft and has witnessed the evolution of Meenakari.  Traditionally, Meenakari was used in artefacts, architecture, and jewellery, its colourful enamel on metal surfaces stands distinguished because of its design, skills and artist’s craftsmanship.

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Background of Meenakari in Delhi

Meenakari is known for its uniqueness and process of designing on metallic surfaces. Embellishing numerous kinds of metals like silver, copper, gold and bronze makes it more attractive. The artwork usually uses multiple colours with different patterns, and designs of animals, birds, leaves, flowers, and even living objects. 

This concept of painting and designing on metal surfaces and ceramic tiles is particularly done through advanced-level enamelling. Even though Meenakari is accepted as an old-fashioned technique for jewellery making and art. 

History behind the curtain 

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There are theories about its history, and beliefs that Raja Man Singh of Amber introduced this art and the technique was brought by the Persians from Persia to Lahore to Rajasthan in the 16th century CE with the help of the Mughal’s patronage. Jaipur was the centre where Meenakari evolved with its unique Champlevé enamelling characterised by the rich red hue.

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Different styles of Meenakari 

Meenakari art incorporates metal objects along with rich enamels, and used metals called Chitras. 

• Panch Rang Mina: In this method, there are different uses of single-coloured transparent enamel. During making this art, Khula Nila (transparent dark blue), Fakhtai (opaque light blue), and Fakhata (dove) are used.
• Ek Rang Khula Mina: The method includes the usage of single-coloured transparent enamel as well. The process of making this art includes engraving areas filled with a particular enamel that leaves a bright golden-coloured outline around the figure’s details.
• Bandh Mina Khaka involves a method that uses opaque cartouche outlines, and the transparent colours are surrounded by opaque enamel cartouche. 
• Gulabi Meena: The process of making Gulabi Meena uses pink enamel derived from Rose. Especially in Varanasi, this form of Gulabi Meena is widely popular. The pink colour enamel is carefully painted on the surface of a white opaque background.
  

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• The Pink enamel is spectacular when it comes to floral designs and themes, as the colour enhances the aesthetic looks. Apart from that the floral decorations are coloured and painted using the ‘champleve style’. 

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Bikaner and Banaras (Varanasi) also emerged as two important centres for this craft. Each region developed its unique style. Meenakari in Jaipur often focused on the utilisation of gold for jewellery and small decorative items. While in Bikaner, artisans specialised in silver enamelling, producing delicate works used in daily objects like khanjar hilts (dagger handles), bowls, and jewellery. In Banaras, Meenakari found a place in religious art and temple decorations.

Process of making Meenakari

The process of making a Meenakari art is complicated, long and tedious. To make an art perfect, artists require skills and a lot of dedication. The making of Meenakari art incorporates a fusion of powder glass with metal ceramic/glass. While making a plate is complicated and a frame is designed through heat, usually between 750 degrees to 850 degrees Celsius.

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The substances are called porcelain enamel or vitreous enamel. It is unique to see the metal, ceramics or glass, the melted powder spreads and then becomes a smooth form, but strong and vitreous coated. The metal, substance, or any stone left which can endure the fusing temperatures can then be used for coating with enamel. After finishing this process, the metal pieces are put and fixed on a sharp stick on which the Meenakari has to be worked properly.

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Out of all this, the essential part of Meenakari is detailing. The elegant and beautiful designs of fishes, flowers, flora and fauna, birds and other objects are engraved and displayed by carving on the objects. The heat of the kiln is used to melt the used colours. Because of this we get evenly spread colours into the groove. 

Examples of Meenakari in Delhi

Chandni Chowk: The famous Chandni Chowk is known for its vibrant jewellery collection, one can find combined Meenakari with Polki and Kundan techniques used for traditional and contemporary fashion

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Red Fort Museum: The Fort holds a collection of Mughal Era collections including the famous Meenakari Silverware. Lal Qila’s silverware reflects the artistic craftsmanship during the Mughal period in Delhi.

Cultural Significance of Meenakari

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Meenakari is known for its cultural and spiritual significance, particularly in the Hindu and Sikh cultures. The art is used as decorative elements in temples and Gurudwaras. It is also a representation of divinity and purity.

Historically, Meenakari was viewed as a luxury art form, limited to the elite only. As discussed, it was reserved for royalty and nobility during the Mediaeval times. Although it is associated with luxury, especially in bridal jewellery, it is a testament to cultural reserves and historical elegance. 

Meenakari in Pop Culture

In contemporary pop culture, Meenakari art has become a symbol of heritage and luxury. Indian cinema, particularly Bollywood, frequently showcases Meenakari jewellery in period films, royal settings, and wedding scenes. Films like ‘Jodhaa Akbar’ and “Padmaavat” have played a significant role in bringing the art form back into mainstream awareness by highlighting Mughal and Rajput aesthetics, including the stunning Meenakari jewellery worn by the protagonists.

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Bollywood celebrities, such as Deepika Padukone and Aishwarya Rai, have worn and adorned Meenakari jewellery in films and public appearances, setting trends in bridal and high-fashion circles. Designers have also embraced this traditional art form, creating fusion pieces that appeal to modern audiences. Leading Indian fashion houses often incorporate Meenakari designs into their collections, reinterpreting the traditional motifs in more contemporary contexts.