High silver prices threaten Lucknow’s famed bridal nagra craft
Summary
Silver prices in Lucknow have risen sharply, causing a drop in demand for handmade silver bridal shoes called nagras. These shoes, once worn daily by Nawabs, are now mainly used for weddings, but the high cost of silver is threatening the traditional craft.Key Facts
- Lucknow is famous for its Nawabi heritage and handmade silver bridal shoes called nagras.
- Azhar Hussain, a craftsman, has made silver nagras for over 30 years in Chowk Bazaar, a busy market in Old Lucknow.
- The process involves shaping thin silver sheets with engraved floral and leaf patterns, then fitting them onto shoes.
- Silver nagras have been made using this technique since the 1600s and were originally worn by Nawabs (Muslim rulers of Awadh).
- Over the last 70–80 years, nagras became popular among middle and upper-class families for weddings.
- There are two styles: open-toed chappals and closed-toed jutis with various designs.
- Rising silver prices have sharply reduced customer demand, threatening the survival of this traditional craft.
- Nawab Masud Abdullah, a descendant of the Nawabs, says silver nagras represent culture and heritage and remain essential for bridal attire.
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