Metal Work.

Damascening.—This process takes its name from Damascus, where the early goldsmiths carried it to high perfection. The design is cut out in grooves on the surface to be damascened, and these grooves, when filled up with gold or silver, produce Koft work; when filled up with other metals, Bidri work—from Bidar, the home of the process.

Swami Work is metal work in relief, either beaten out from the surfacc, or affixed to it, by soldering or wedging, or screwing on.

The Hindus use brass and bell-metal for domestic purposes, and copper for religious purposes.