Nestled in the Nellore district of Andhra Pradesh, the quiet town of Udayagiri holds a legacy few know but many admire once seen—its handcrafted cutlery. Known for its exquisite carvings and exquisite proportions, Udayagiri cutlery is a traditional artisan craft that blends utility with artistry. Recognised by the Geographical Indications (GI) Registry of India, this craft is slowly making a comeback in both local and international markets.
In This Article:
- The Craft’s Roots: Legacy Passed Down Generations
- How It’s Made: Precision Meets Patience
- A GI-Tagged Treasure
- Revival and Market Reach
- Moving Ahead: Carving a Future from the Past
The Craft’s Roots: Legacy Passed Down Generations
A Heritage of Metal and Wood
The cutlery-making tradition of Udayagiri dates back several centuries, believed to have been patronised by local zamindars and kings.
- Originally made for royal households and temple offerings
- Crafted primarily by the Rachakar community, a group of skilled blacksmiths and woodworkers
- Each piece is handmade using basic tools like chisels, hammers, and tongs
The items include not just spoons and forks, but also ladles, knives, peelers, tongs, spatulas, and even decorative items with intricate floral and geometric carvings.
How It’s Made: Precision Meets Patience
Each Udayagiri cutlery item is a result of a multi-step process:
- Cutlery are made from local wood such as neem or teak
- Detailed engraving and polishing is done by hand
The natural wood grain give the cutlery an organic, timeless appeal.
A GI-Tagged Treasure
In 2017, Udayagiri Cutlery was granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag, officially recognising it as a product native to this specific region of Andhra Pradesh.
- This recognition helps protect the intellectual property of the artisans
- Promotes rural employment and heritage conservation
- Increases visibility in craft exhibitions and online platforms
Revival and Market Reach
Today, NGOs and design platforms are working to revive the craft:
- Lepakshi Handicrafts and Craft Council of India support marketing and distribution
- Udayagiri cutlery is now available through e-commerce platforms and handicraft expos across India
- Modern designers are collaborating with artisans to bring contemporary utility and aesthetic to traditional forms
Moving Ahead: Carving a Future from the Past
Udayagiri cutlery is more than kitchenware—it’s a story of resilience, rural identity, and artistic finesse. As the world turns towards sustainable and handcrafted products, this centuries-old Andhra tradition is finding new hands to hold and new tables to grace.
By – Nikita