Moradabad: The Brass City

How Moradabad in Uttar Pradesh became known as Peetal Nagri for brass and metal handicrafts exported worldwide, and the shift to other metals and home décor.

Moradabad is called Peetal Nagri (Brass City).

History

Brass work in Moradabad dates back centuries.

Products

Brassware, lamps, décor, and increasingly aluminium, iron and steel items.

Exports

Moradabad is one of India’s largest handicraft export hubs, supplying global retailers.

Workers

Thousands of artisans do casting, polishing and engraving.

Health risks

Polishing and furnaces expose workers to dust and fumes.

Diversification

Exporters shifted to home décor and furniture to meet demand.

The export order

A Moradabad exporter ships thousands of metal lanterns to a US retail chain for the holiday season.

Thinking Moradabad makes only brass

It diversified to many metals.

Key takeaways

Moradabad is the Brass City.
It's a major export hub.
Workers face health risks.
It diversified into home décor.